Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 20: A Father’s Concern

As Hua Qingyan rose from her table, her mind still lingering on the delicate balance she had struck in her life.

She had long ago made her stance clear regarding her engagement, but now an unexpected summons called her once more. A soft knock at the door announced a servant.

"Miss, the Prime Minister has requested your presence in his study," the servant announced quietly.

Qingyan paused, the weight of the decision and its consequences pressing upon her. She knew her father had spoken with her about the annulment before but his words of caution and concern lingering like an echo. Now, she would have to reaffirm her father. She gathered her things and followed the servant to corridor of the Hua estate.

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A Father's Inquiry

As Qingyan entered, Prime Minister Hua sat behind his desk, his expression a mix of fatherly concern and measured authority. He gestured for his daughter to sit.

"Qingyan," he began, his tone soft but resolute, " I have been reflecting on our previous conversation about your engagement with Prince Wei Chen. You made it clear then that the union no longer serves your...or our family's best interests."

Qingyan bowed her head respectfully. "Yes, Father."

Her father's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "But now I just keep hearing the whispers of other pursuits. I do sense a certain ambition in you, a drive to forge a path of your own. Tell me, what is it you truly seek?"

For a moment, Qingyan hesitated. The secret ambitions she nurtured in solitude, her careful preparations that only she knew of, remained locked away. She could not yet reveal all her plans. Instead, she spoke with quiet determination, "I seek freedom, Father. I have learned that relying solely on noble titles and arranged unions is a precarious path. I intend to secure our future in ways that no decree can revoke."

Her father's gaze softened with a mixture of pride and caution. "Freedom comes with its price, and ambition often invites danger. I have warned you before about the cost of overreaching. The court is not kind to women who dare to challenge tradition."

Qingyan's response was measured, "I understand the risks, Father, and I will bear them. I am determined not to be used as a pawn in my life", while murmuring 'again'.

A long silence followed before her father sighed, "You have grown resolute, my daughter. I trust you to proceed with caution, but know that I will always be here."

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"I am grateful, Father," she replied softly, rising from the chair. "I will not disappoint you."

As she left the study, her father's parting words echoed in her mind: "Be careful, for ambition can be a double-edged sword."

---

A Brother's Counsel

Outside, in the corridors of the estate, her eldest brother, Hua Ziyang, awaited her. He was the only one who knew of her secret ventures, those subtle moves in commerce that would one day reshape their fortunes. Though his expression was serious, there was a slight admiration in his eyes.

"Little sister," he began quietly, "I know what you are working on remains your secret. But remember, every move you make now shapes not only your future but that of our family."

Qingyan offered him a small, determined smile. "I will ensure that our future is secure, brother. I know the risks and I know what must be done."

He nodded slowly. "The court and Prince Wei Chen will not let you act unchallenged. Be careful."

Her resolve only hardened with his words.

---

A Prince's Frustration

In his private quarters, Prince Wei Chen paced, his frustration evident. The lavish gifts he sent~ jewelry, silk, precious porcelain, continued to be returned unacknowledged.

Across from him, Zhao Lianyi observed him with a measured gaze. "Your Highness, you persist with these offerings, yet she doesn't even acknowledge them," she remarked hiding her venomous intentions deep behind her innocent look.

Wei Chen's eyes narrowed as he replied, "She is mine. I intend to remind her of that. My gifts are not mere tokens; they are symbols of power."

Lianyi's smile was subtle. "But Your highness what if she continues to ignore you?"

A tense silence followed as he clenched his fists. "Then she underestimates the consequences of defiance."