Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 19: A Future only Qingyan knows

As Qingyan was seated at her desk, she carefully examined the latest reports from her merchants.

Silk shipments were steady. Tea prices remained unchanged. But her true focus lay elsewhere, medicinal herbs.

She traced her fingers over the parchment, where a list of rare herbs was recorded. The drought in the southern provinces had begun affecting crop yields. The market had yet to react, but she knew better.

Soon, a widespread illness would emerge, weakening the capital's supply chain. And when that time came, she would already have control over the necessities, bought at today's low prices, ready to be sold when demand increases.

It is a slow, yet calculated move. One that no one would notice until it was too late.

A faint smile bloomed on her face.

'Tak tak' the knock broke her thoughts.

"Enter," she said without looking up.

Her maid stepped inside, bowing. "Miss, another gift has arrived from His Highness, the Second Prince."

Qingyan sighed, setting down the report. "What is it this time?"

"A jade bracelet and a poem written by the prince himself."

She nearly laughed. Wei Chen, writing poetry? How amusing.

"Return them," she said without hesitation.

The maid hesitated. "Miss...but the steward said it might not be wise to refuse so directly."

Qingyan's expression didn't waver. "Then donate them to the temple in his name. Let him believe I accepted them, but let the monks benefit instead."

The maid hesitated still she nodded and left.

Qingyan leaned back in her chair. Wei Chen's persistence is... interesting. Not out of love, certainly. But if he was willing to put on such a show, it meant one thing, he fears what I could do if I became his enemy.

It is a small victory, still a victory nonetheless.

---

Lady Li's Doubt

In the private chambers of Prince Wei Chen, Zhao Lianyi sat across from him, her delicate fingers tracing the rim of a teacup.

"You've been quite generous to Lady Hua lately, your highness."she murmured, watching his expression.

Wei Chen exhaled sharply, setting his cup down. "Well, It is necessary."

Lianyi tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Necessary? For what? You never even cared for her before."

His gaze darkened. "She was useful before but she is even more useful now."

Lianyi's lips curved into a small smile. "And if she refuses you?"

Wei Chen's jaw tightened. "She won't !She understands the value of power. And if she does refuse..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but the threat lingered in the air.

Lianyi studied him, hiding her amusement. So, you do fear her.

---

A Growing complication

The rumors of Hua Qingyan's rising merchant business were spreading.

At the palace, whispers of a young noblewoman investing in rare goods reached the ears of both the Empress and the First Prince.

And at the Hua estate, her father watched her in silence, wondering, why was his once lovestruck daughter so determined to sever her engagement?

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Qingyan knew all of this.

And yet, she remained unshaken.

Because soon, they would all see, she is no pawn in this life.