Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 22: Behind the Shadows

Hua Qingyan stood before her father, Hua Zhen, who sat behind his desk, his sharp gaze assessing her.

"Qingyan, I've heard rumors, something concerning this time." he said, his voice calm but firm. Qingyan's heart stopped for a second, 'what if father knows what I'm doing behind the shadows.'

"You've been going out frequently, handling matters on your own, it seems. Honestly, Qingyan, what exactly are you doing?" His gaze was fixed on her, he was worried but there was something more behind that...

Qingyan met his gaze with hesitation. "Nothing that would harm our family, father."

Hua Zhen's voice was demanding. "Then explain it to me."

She had expected this conversation. Well, my father was no fool, he had allowed me the freedom to act, but now he wants to understand my true intentions.

A Balance

"I am ensuring that our family is not trapped under the Second Prince's rule," she said simply. "If I allow this engagement to continue, he will use our influence to secure his position. Once he succeeds, we will be nothing more than pawns in his court."

Hua Zhen studied her, his expression unreadable. "And you believe annulling the engagement is enough to prevent that?"

"Well, definitely not" Qingyan admitted. "But it will be the first step."

Her father leaned back, considering her words. "You have changed, Qingyan. Before....you wanted this engagement more than anyone."

She smiled faintly. "Not anymore, father."

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Hua Zhen sighed. "The Empress is watching you. Everyone in the court is taking notice of your every actions. Even Wei Chen has started making moves." He paused, "Are you prepared for the consequences of your actions?"

Qingyan answered firmly. "I have no choice but to be."

The True Concern

Hua Zhen's gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "I am not worried about the Second Prince's vengeance. What I am concerned about is...you."

Qingyan lifted her brows. "Me?"

"What you are doing right now is very dangerous," her father continued. "The moment you step outside the role of an obedient noble lady, you will become a target. A woman who wields power, who defies expectations, is always seen as a threat."

Qingyan looked down before looking back at him. "Then I will make sure I am powerful enough that no one dares to target me."

A small chuckle left Hua Zhen's lips. "Bold words, I see. Do you truly believe you can do it?"

"Well, I don't need to control it," Qingyan continued with determinant look. "I only need to ensure that I am never a victim of it again."

Her father was silent for a moment. Then let out a deep sigh, guess he didn't notice that 'again'.

"If you truly intend to go through with this, then tell me~how do you plan to annul the engagement?"

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