Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 10: A Warning!

The palace was never truly silent. Everyone was gossiping on hushed voices.

Qingyan sat at her desk, fingers tracing the edge of the letter she had received. Wei Heng had not admitted to sending it, but she knows better than anyone to believe in coincidences.

If it's not him, then...who?

There is only few people who would risk aligning themselves with her.

And yet, someone had.

I'll find who it was soon. But now is not the time.

---

An Unexpected Summon

At dawn, a palace maid arrived at her residence with a message.

"The emperor has requested your presence."

The words sent an unease through her.

Though she had been granted the role of overseeing the emperor's treatment, he had not personally called for her since the day of her request.

She could not afford to refuse.

With careful composure, she followed the maid through the vast corridors of the palace, arriving at the emperor's private chambers.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of medicine. The emperor sat in his chair, his expression unreadable as he gestured for her to approach.

"You have done well for my recovery," he said, his voice carrying its usual authority despite the weakness in his tone. " And Your knowledge is impressive."

Qingyan bowed deeply. "It is an honor to serve, Your Majesty."

The emperor studied her for a long moment. "You asked for your engagement to be annulled, right, little lady?" he finally asked.

He wanted to see how she would respond now that he had denied her request.

The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓.

She kept her voice even. "This subject only wishes to serve the empire as best as she can."

A carefully crafted answer. One that did not change her earlier request but also did not press the matter further.

The emperor gave a slight nod, as if satisfied. "Loyalty is a valuable trait, Little lady. I expect you to remember that."

Is it a warning for me?!

He was reminding her of her place, of the role she was expected to fulfill.

Qingyan lowered her head. "Of course, Your Majesty."

---

A Watchful Eye

By the time she left the emperor's chambers, the weight of the encounter lingered in her mind.

He was watching her.

Perhaps he had always been.

Her movements, her words, even the smallest of actions—none of them were unnoticed.

I need to be careful now.

As she stepped into the courtyard, she caught sight of Wei Chen standing nearby. He had been waiting.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, neither spoke.

"You continue to impress, Lady Hua."

A subtle reminder that he, too, had been paying attention.

Qingyan offered a small bow. "Oh,Your Highness flatters me."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I wonder...now do you regret asking for the annulment?"

A mocking question.

She met his gaze, her own expression unreadable. "Does Your Highness wish that I did?"

For a second, something flickered in his eyes.

Amusement? Frustration?

She could not tell. But whatever she doesn't care.

But she did not wait for an answer. Instead, she turned, walking away without another word....