Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 8: The Emperor’s Will

The weight of the emperor's refusal lingered in the hall, thick and suffocating. Qingyan remained composed, lowering her gaze as to not show her frustration. She had expected the engagement to be a difficult chain to break, but this was a clear statement.

The emperor had no intention of letting her go.

She had become a tool...an asset for Wei Chen's future.

And assets were not easily discarded.

But that doesn't mean she would accept it.

I will simply change my approach.

---

Wei Chen's Mask

The court slowly dispersed, the nobles leaving in murmurs, already discussing what had unfolded. Some with intrigue, others with caution. Qingyan was about to step away when a familiar voice stopped her.

"We should talk." in commanding manner.

She turned, meeting Wei Chen's gaze. His usual warm and refined mask was in place, but she could see the sharpness underneath.

He was displeased.

Not because she had asked for the annulment, but because she had done so in front of the emperor...forcing him to remain silent.

She offered a calm smile, her expression unreadable. "Of course, Your Highness."

They walked side by side through the palace corridors, careful to keep their voices low. The walls had ears, and both knew better than to be careless.

"You should not have done that," Wei Chen finally said, his voice carrying the barest edge of warning. "You put me in a difficult position."

Qingyan tilted her head, feigning innocence. "I only wished to respect Your Highness' future by removing myself from your path."

His fingers twitched. "And yet, here you are."

Because the emperor had decided so.

Wei Chen exhaled, regaining his composure. "Regardless , you are still my fiance. I suggest you act in that way."

A test.

He wanted to see if she would break, if she would show the same desperate devotion from before.

Instead, she met his gaze steadily. "Of course, Your Highness."

She could tell it unsettled him.

She no longer reacted as he expected.

---

A Silent Understanding

Their conversation ended, and Qingyan took her leave, walking through the palace gardens.

She had barely taken a few steps when she sensed another presence.

"You caused quite the spectacle today, Lady Hua."

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Qingyan turned, meeting Wei Heng's gaze. The first prince leaned against a pillar, his dark robes blending into the evening shadows.

Unlike his brother, he made no effort to disguise his amusement.

"You seem pleased, your highness" Qingyan noted.

Wei Heng chuckled. "Why wouldn't I be? My dear younger brother was put in a rather uncomfortable position today. That alone is worth my time."

Qingyan remained silent, watching him carefully.

The first prince was dangerous in an entirely different way than Wei Chen. While Wei Chen built his image on perfection and control, Wei Heng moved in shadows, rarely showing his true thoughts. She doesn't know much about him since her past life. His amusement now could mean anything...a passing interest, a deeper curiosity, or a warning.

She would not lower her guard.

"I never intend to amuse Your Highness," she said lightly.

"No, I rather not." His sharp eyes studied her. "Did you truly thought Father would allow it?"

Qingyan met his gaze steadily. "Well, It was worth trying."

Wei Heng laughed softly. "...it was." He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "But now you've shown your hand too early."

Qingyan smiled. "May be...."

He raised a brow, intrigued. "You're not afraid?"

"Should I be?"

Wei Heng gave a slow, knowing smile. "You should. But I suspect you won't be."

She offered a polite bow. "If Your Highness will excuse me."

He did not stop her, only watching as she left.

Even as she walked away, she could feel his gaze lingering on her back.

A predator watching something far more interesting than expected.

---

A Thorn in the Path

By the time Qingyan returned to her residence within the palace, the weight of the day settled over her. The emperor's decree had changed everything. She was still bound to Wei Chen, still trapped in the very fate she sought to escape.

But not for long.

She had lost this round, but it was not the end.

I will change this, somehow by whatever means I'll change my fate and my family's.

As she reached her chambers, her maid, Meixi, greeted her with a hushed voice.

"My lady, a message arrived for you."

Qingyan took the folded letter, breaking the seal with practiced ease. Her eyes scanned the message, and a slow, dangerous smile curled at her lips.

It seemed she was not the only one who wished for change.