Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 7: A Wish Denied

The emperor's chamber remained silent except for the rhythmic sound of his breathing. The ministers and nobles gathered outside exchanged glances, fully aware of the weight of what had just transpired.

Hua Qingyan had changed.

Wei Chen stood among them, his fingers tightening around the jade ring on his thumb.

But this new challenge came from the very woman he had discarded.

Qingyan lowered her gaze, portraying humility while her mind worked tirelessly.

She had the emperor's trust now. That was her first major step.

Now, she would take her next.

---

Seizing the Moment

The emperor stirred, his once pale complexion regaining a faint flush. Though his voice was weak, it carried undeniable authority. His gaze landed on Qingyan, assessing her.

"...You saved me."

Qingyan knelt, bowing deeply. "This humble servant only did what was necessary, Your Majesty."

The emperor studied her for a long moment before turning to his chief eunuch. "She will continue overseeing my treatment."

An imperial decree.

The gathered ministers were stunned. Some looked uneasy. Others quickly adjusted their expressions to approval.

Qingyan remained still. She had expected this.

Then, the emperor did something unexpected.

"You may ask for a reward, Lady Hua."

The hall fell silent.

Qingyan's heart beat steadily as she raised her head. She had planned for this.

Yet, she should not appear too eager, not after everything she has done to come to this.

"This subject does not dare ..."

"Speak," the emperor interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "You have earned it."

She lowered her gaze, her voice soft but resolute.

"If Your Majesty permits, I would like my engagement with the second prince to be annulled."

'...'

---

A Refusal from the Throne

The impact was immediate.

A sharp intake of breath echoed through the hall. The nobles turned their attention to the emperor, their eyes flickering between him and Wei Chen.

Wei Chen himself remained still, but Qingyan caught the slightest tension in his face. He had not expected her to be so direct.

Even the emperor was briefly surprised.

Then, his expression changed.

"That,... I cannot grant, Little lady."

Qingyan's fingers curled into her sleeve, though her face remained calm.

The emperor leaned back against his cushions, his gaze heavy. "You have proven yourself intelligent and resourceful. You will be of great use to Wei Chen's future."

She had anticipated resistance, but not outright refusal.

"My gratitude for Your Majesty's favor," Qingyan said smoothly, keeping her tone measured. "However, I..."

"You may ask for another reward," the emperor interrupted, his tone final.

The hall remained silent, every minister waiting to see what she would do.

Qingyan lowered her gaze, hiding her frustration in her heart.

"This subject has no other requests," she said.

A murmur swept through the nobles.

The emperor's gaze lingered on her, unreadable. "Very well."

Qingyan remained kneeling, her heart steady. She had expected an easy victory, but this only proved how deeply the emperor favored Wei Chen.

This was not a loss.

It was a new battlefield.

---

A Calculated Setback

Wei Chen exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing ever so slightly.

Qingyan knew what he was thinking.

He believed she had lost.

He believed she was still bound to him.

But he did not understand..she was no longer the foolish girl from before.

As she stood and stepped back, a piercing gaze landed on her.

Wei Heng.

The first prince watched her from a distance, his expression unreadable. But the corners of his lips twitched slightly.

Amusement.

Qingyan did not bothered about it. Not yet.

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