Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty

The emperor's chamber remained silent except for the rhythmic sound of his breathing. The ministers and nobles who had gathered outside exchanged glances, realizing the weight of what had just happened.

Hua Qingyan had changed the tide.

Wei Chen stood among them, his fingers tightening around the jade ring on his thumb. His carefully built reputation as a competent and capable prince had just suffered its first real challenge.

And that challenge came from the very woman he had discarded.

Qingyan lowered her gaze, portraying humility while her mind worked tirelessly.

She had the emperor's trust now. That was her first major step.

Now, she would take her next.

---

Seizing the Moment

The emperor stirred, his once pale complexion returning with a faint flush. His weak voice carried authority as he turned his gaze to Qingyan.

"You saved me."

Qingyan knelt, bowing deeply. "This humble servant only did what was necessary, Your Majesty."

The emperor's tired eyes studied her for a long moment before he turned to his chief eunuch. "She will continue overseeing my treatment."

It was an imperial decree.

The gathered ministers were stunned. Some looked uneasy. Others quickly adjusted their expressions to approval.

Qingyan remained still. She expected this.

Then, the emperor did something unexpected.

"You may ask for a reward."

The hall fell silent.

Qingyan's heart beat steadily as she raised her head. She had planned for this.

Yet, she could not appear too eager.

"This subject does not dare—"

"Speak," the emperor interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "You have earned it."

She lowered her gaze, her voice soft but resolute.

"If Your Majesty permits, I would like my engagement with the second prince to be annulled."

---

A Blow to Wei Chen

The impact was immediate.

The hall grew deathly quiet. Some ministers inhaled sharply, others turned to gauge Wei Chen's reaction.

Wei Chen himself remained still, but Qingyan could see the tension in his shoulders. He had not expected her to be so direct.

Even the emperor seemed momentarily surprised.

He glanced at his son. "Wei Chen, what do you say to this?"

Wei Chen exhaled slowly, then bowed.

"I respect Lady Hua's wishes, Your Majesty."

His tone was measured, but Qingyan could sense the restrained frustration behind it.

He had no choice but to accept.

Rejecting her request now would make him seem desperate—as if he still wanted her.

More importantly, it would make it seem as though he feared her.

And a prince seeking the throne could not afford that.

The emperor nodded. "Then it is settled."

His chief eunuch stepped forward. "The engagement between Lady Hua Qingyan and His Highness, Prince Wei Chen, is officially dissolved."

Just like that, she was free.

Wei Chen's carefully crafted future had lost one of its strongest political ties.

---

A Dangerous Smile

As Qingyan stood, she kept her head lowered, hiding the victorious gleam in her eyes.

She had broken free of Wei Chen's hold on her.

She had also done something even more crucial—she had forced him into a disadvantageous position in front of the court.

The nobles would talk. The emperor would ponder.

And Wei Chen?

He would begin to fear her.

As she stepped back into the crowd, she felt a piercing gaze land on her.

Turning slightly, she met Wei Heng's eyes.

The first prince stood at a distance, his expression unreadable, but the corners of his lips twitched slightly.

A silent amusement.

Interest.

Qingyan did not acknowledge it. Not yet.

For now, her revenge had only just begun.