Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 15: Hidden Secrets

Qingyan moved carefully through the palace halls, her presence no longer overlooked as mere decoration. The court had begun to notice her, not just as the second prince's fiance, but as a saviour of the emperor.

Her business dealings remained a secret, hidden beneath layers of trusted intermediaries. But the effects are already taking shape.

Merchants who once relied on Wei Chen's allies now turned to her. Noble started whispering about the new merchant company.

She is no longer just a noble lady awaiting marriage.

She is becoming a force, discreetly.

But she knew the palace was not without its predators.

The Empress had summoned her.

---

A Test of Authority

Seated in the grand hall, the Empress sipped her tea with deliberate grace, her expression unreadable.

Qingyan knelt before her, bowing in proper etiquette.

"You have been making quite a name for yourself," the Empress said, setting down her cup.

"This humble one only seeks to be of use to the empire," Qingyan responded smoothly.

The Empress studied her for a moment before speaking again.

"Your engagement remains intact, yet you act with an independence that some may see as... concerning, Lady hua."

A warning.

Qingyan remained composed. "My loyalty is unwavering, Your Majesty."

The Empress's smile did not reach her eyes and she carefully examined her face

"Loyalty should not be mistaken for ambition."

Qingyan lowered her gaze, but inside, she understood the message.

The Empress has been watching her closely all this time.

Any misstep, any sign of disobedience, and she would not hesitate to act.

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But that only strengthened Qingyan's resolve.

If she was already seen as a threat, she had no choice but to become an even greater one. She was very determined to change the future.

---

Growing Frustration

Wei Chen's patience was wearing thin.

His mother's warnings echoed in his mind.

"Control her."

"Tame her."

Yet, Qingyan remained out of reach.

She was no longer the woman who once adored him.

Worse, the court had started whispering.

Some ministers began to question his control over his own fiancée. While some questioning his loyalty towards the emperor.

If he could not handle a mere woman, how could he command an empire?

The thought infuriated him.

He needed to act.

And so, he summoned her.

---

A Confrontation

Qingyan arrived at the second prince's estate, her expression calm as she stepped into the study where he waited.

Wei Chen stood by the window, his back to her.

For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then, he turned.

"You've changed," he murmured, his gaze sharp.

Qingyan met his eyes, unfazed. "Have I, Your Highness?"

His jaw tightened. "Do not play coy with me!"

She remained silent.

"You trying to gain power of your own," he continued, stepping closer. "Did you think I would not notice?"

Qingyan smiled slightly, tilting her head. " How could I possibly do such a thing, your highness."

Wei Chen's eyes darkened.

He could not admit the truth.

That she was slipping beyond his grasp.

That her defiance, instead of ruining her, was making her untouchable.

And that realization only fueled his frustration.

He reached out, grabbing her wrist. "You are forgetting your place."

But Qingyan did not flinch. Her resilience snapped.

She leaned in slightly, her voice soft but cold.

" Your Highness." She met his gaze head-on. " L-E-T-G-O of my hand."

Wei Chen stilled.

For the first time, he saw it clearly, she no longer feared him.

And that was far more dangerous than her love had ever been.

Qingyan gently pulled her wrist free, stepping back with a graceful bow.

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Then, without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Wei Chen standing in the dimly lit room, his hand clenched into a fist.

He had underestimated her.

But he would not make that mistake again.