Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty

The palace was a world of whispers and shadows. Servants moved cautiously, their eyes downcast as the emperor's illness worsened. Ministers gathered in hushed discussions, their voices laced with hidden agendas.

Hua Qingyan listened to every rumor carefully. She already knew the truth.

Wei Chen's plans were unfolding in the dark—he was biding his time, waiting for the emperor's condition to deteriorate beyond recovery. And when the emperor grew too weak to govern, he would step forward as the most competent and "loyal" son.

But Qingyan would not let him have that chance.

---

Timing is Everything

The moment arrived sooner than expected.

A decree was issued in the middle of the night: the emperor had collapsed.

Palace physicians scrambled, and the court fell into chaos. Some ministers worried, while others saw opportunity. Qingyan, however, remained calm.

She had been waiting for this.

By dawn, she arrived at the palace, dressed in elegant but modest robes. She was not here as a helpless girl—she was here as a savior.

Meixi, standing beside her, whispered, "My lady, are you certain this will work?"

Qingyan's lips curved. "I am."

She stepped forward just as the physicians exited the chamber, their faces grim. The gathered nobles and consorts exchanged uneasy glances.

Wei Chen stood among them, his face the picture of worry, but Qingyan saw it—a flicker of triumph in his eyes.

"His Majesty's condition is worsening," one of the doctors announced. "We have tried everything, but nothing seems to improve his health."

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

Then, Qingyan's voice rang out, clear and steady.

"I have a solution."

---

A Gamble in Broad Daylight

All eyes turned to her. Some ministers looked skeptical, while others—those who knew of her engagement to Wei Chen—glanced at him for a reaction.

Wei Chen's brows furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.

"This illness," Qingyan continued, stepping forward, "is caused by a rare imbalance. I have a remedy that may stabilize His Majesty's condition."

A ripple of murmurs spread.

The lead physician frowned. "Lady Hua, we appreciate your concern, but—"

"I am not a doctor, but I have studied medicine under respected scholars," Qingyan interrupted smoothly. "More importantly, I have seen this illness before."

That was a half-truth—but half-truths were the most dangerous lies.

She turned to the emperor's chief eunuch. "Allow me to present the medicine. If I am wrong, I will take full responsibility."

A risky statement. A bold one.

Exactly the kind that made people take notice.

After a tense pause, the eunuch nodded. "Very well. Prepare the medicine."

---

The Emperor Awakens

Within the hour, the herbal remedy was prepared and carefully administered.

Qingyan waited, watching every reaction.

At first, nothing happened. Then—the emperor's ragged breathing steadied.

A gasp spread through the room as color slowly returned to his face. The physicians rushed forward, examining him in disbelief.

After a long silence, one of them turned to the gathered nobles.

"…His Majesty's pulse is stronger."

A rush of relieved voices filled the hall. But Qingyan wasn't relieved. She was calculating.

She had just accomplished two things.

1. She had saved the emperor.

2. She had done something that Wei Chen failed to do.

And that meant she had changed the power dynamic.

Wei Chen's face remained calm, but his fingers curled slightly. He was not pleased.

Good.

Qingyan lowered her gaze, hiding her satisfied smile.

"Your Majesty," she said softly, "if you allow it, I wish to continue assisting in your recovery."

The emperor, though weak, nodded.

And just like that, Hua Qingyan became more than the discarded fiancée of Wei Chen.

She became a woman the emperor trusted.

And the game had truly begun.