Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 18: Almost got caught

In a secluded tea house in the eastern district, a hooded figure slipped into a private room.

Qingyan sat inside, waiting.

The information broker was punctual. That was a good sign.

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The man bowed slightly before taking a seat across from her. His robes were plain, his presence unassuming, but Qingyan knew better. This was a man who could uncover the secrets buried beneath the grandest palaces and the humblest homes alike.

"Lady Hua," he greeted, his voice smooth yet distant. "You requested information on the Empress."

Qingyan nodded. "Well, What do you have?"

The broker set down a thin scroll. "It is said that the Empress has been making quiet moves in the court, shaping allegiances, ensuring loyalty. She remains in the emperor's favor, but her true power lies in the connections she has built over the years."

Qingyan picked up the scroll and carefully unraveled it. The ink was fresh, the handwriting is meticulous.

"The Empress is cautious," the broker continued. "She does not act unless necessary. But lately, her attention has shifted toward Your Ladyship."

Qingyan's fingers tightened around the parchment.

Guess my hunch was correct.

"As expected," she murmured.

The broker watched her carefully. "It is not yet clear whether she sees you as a...threat or an opportunity."

Qingyan's lips curled slightly. "Well, I will decide that for her."

She set the scroll down.

"What about the second prince?"

The broker smiled faintly. "Prince Wei Chen has been restless. Your actions have put him in an uneasy position. He remains careful in public, but behind closed doors, he has begun reaching out to his allies."

Qingyan's expression remained calm, but her mind was already processing the information together.

So he is preparing, ah. Which means I must act first.

She slid a small pouch of silver across the table. "...Continue watching them both. Any shift, no matter how small, must be reported to me."

The broker accepted the payment with a slight nod. "As you wish, Lady Hua."

As she rose to leave, the man spoke again.

"One more thing, Lady." he said, his voice lower. "There is a rumor spreading among the merchants. Someone has been making significant investments under an unfamiliar name, i don't whether this information is useful but I just want to let you know."

Qingyan stilled.

With that the broker left that place and so did Qingyan.

For the first time that night, Qingyan smiled.

Her merchant company is really beginning to take root.

And soon, it would be another weapon in her hands.

---

A Game of Appearances

By the time she returned to the Hua estate, it was already late.

Qingyan entered through a side entrance, to avoiding unnecessary attention. She removed her cloak and handed it to a waiting maid before making her way to her chambers.

As she stepped inside, a familiar figure was already waiting.

Her eldest brother, Hua Ziyang.

His sharp eyes studied her as she closed the door behind her. "Where have you been?, qingyan."

Qingyan met his gaze without hesitation. " Just handling personal matters, brother."

Ziyang leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "Personal matters that require secrecy?"

She smiled faintly. "Brother, you of all people should understand that knowledge is power."

Ziyang exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Father is watching you closely. You know that, right?"

"I do."

"Then why are you taking risks?"

Qingyan's expression grew colder. "Because I refuse to be played like a pawn ever again."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Ziyang sighed. "Just, what are you doing? Atleast tell me something, I'm worried about you, Qingyan."

Qingyan hesitated but, "Brother, i can't go into details but you don't need to worry , if anything I'll let you know, just trust me! Alright?"

Ziyang let out a sigh" Whatever, just be careful."

Qingyan nodded. "I always am."

As her brother left, she turned toward the window, gazing at the darkened sky.

The Empress was watching.

Wei Chen was preparing.

And now, even her family is beginning to question her.

But she will not retreat, never.

She had already set her path in motion. There was no turning back now.