As Hua Qingyan passed Wei Chen, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, puzzled and irritated. He had expected a lovesick fiance, someone that's easily swayed by some sweet words.
On contrary, she didn't even glance at him.
Suddenly....
"You are... different," Wei Heng remarked.
Qingyan turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Is that so, Your Highness?"
He studied her. "You no longer look at the second prince as if he was the sun."
Qingyan smiled, with a faint amusement. "May be I have simply learned that some things are not worth looking at."
Wei Heng. "Interesting."
He said nothing more, but she could sense it...he was watching her now.
It didn't matter. She had work to do.
---
A Letter and a Trap
That night, Qingyan sat at her desk, writing a letter.
Her first step had been to distance herself from Wei Chen.
The second? To weaken his foundation.
She sealed the letter and handed it to Meixi.
"Deliver this to Guo Liang," she instructed.
Meixi hesitated. "My lady…but what if he betrays you...."
"He won't, Meixi," Qingyan said with certainty.
Because the letter was not a plea, nor a threat.
It contained carefully crafted words, hinting at knowledge of his son's past illness and Wei Chen's secret dealings. But it was written just ambiguously enough that, if revealed, it would not serve as direct evidence.
Guo Liang had two choice...
1. Betray her and risk his son's life.
2. Cooperate discreetly and survive.
She already knew which path he would take.
---
The Power of Fear
The next evening, a trembling Guo Liang arrived at a secluded teahouse under the cover of darkness.
Qingyan sat calmly, sipping her tea.
"...My lady," Guo Liang stammered, bowing deeply. "I-I received your letter…"
She set her cup down. "And?"
"What… what is it that you want?"
Qingyan tilted her head slightly. "You are a cautious man, Lord Guo. That is why you have survived this long."
His fingers twitched. "I have always been loyal.."
"To whoever benefits you the most," Qingyan finished, her voice soft yet firm.
Guo Liang flinched.
"Right now, that is me." She smiled faintly. "Or do you not think so...,Lord Guo?"
He hesitated, then dropped to his knees. "I… I will do as you ask."
A faint smirk on Hua Qingyan's face.
Now, I would use Guo Liang to unravel Wei Chen's secret network.
---
The Emperor's Failing Health
Days passed, and Qingyan continued laying her traps in silence.
Meanwhile, within the palace, the emperor's condition worsened. His face grew paler, and whispers of his illness began spreading.
Wei Chen had yet to act, may be waiting for the right moment.
But Qingyan would act first this time.
Late one night, she met with a trusted apothecary. "Prepare a remedy using this," she instructed, sliding over a small pouch of rare herbs.
The old man's eyes widened. "This is…"
Yes, a rare medicine, difficult to acquire, yet incredibly effective.
Qingyan knew that if it was presented at the right time, it would change everything.
She didn't need to expose Wei Chen just yet.
All she needed was the emperor's favor.
But what's she going to do next?!