The Empress was startled: “What’s wrong?”
The State Preceptor’s expression turned grave:
“The Regent King’s True Dragon Qi Fortune has indeed dissipated significantly. If this continues, he should soon face betrayal from all sides and lose the people’s support.”
“However, now there suddenly appears the sign of the Heavenly Phoenix altering fate. If he gains the assistance of the Heavenly Phoenix, not only will his Qi Fortune be restored, but it will become even more abundant and stable! By then, seizing the throne might be as easy as reaching into a bag for him!”
“What! How could this happen!” The Empress’s face changed drastically, and she nearly spat blood!
For so many years, she had endured humiliation, playing the role of a kind and benevolent sister-in-law, respecting and flattering the Regent King while secretly laying plans, carefully and painstakingly biding her time. Finally, she had waited for the opportunity to poison and cripple him, slowly eroding his True Dragon Qi Fortune.
Just when success seemed within reach, a Heavenly Phoenix altering fate had suddenly emerged halfway!
The Empress, both anxious and furious, raised her voice to a shrill pitch:
“What is this Heavenly Phoenix? What on earth is going on!”
“Your Majesty, please remain calm. There is still room for maneuver,” the State Preceptor, also sweating profusely, hurriedly said. “This Heavenly Phoenix has appeared suddenly, its origin unknown, but it is extremely powerful. Her Qi Fortune is formidable, in no way inferior to the True Dragon’s. Moreover, whoever marries her could become the True Dragon!”
Upon hearing this, the Empress became even more restless:
“And you still say not to worry? How can I not worry!”
The State Preceptor clasped his hands and said:
“Your Majesty, please hear me out. Currently, the Regent King has not yet secured the Heavenly Phoenix. As long as we first identify which family the Heavenly Phoenix belongs to and have the Crown Prince marry her, the Regent King will no longer be a threat!”
“That’s right!” The Empress understood and finally calmed down.
“As long as my Rui’er can marry the Heavenly Phoenix, what does the Regent King’s remaining Qi Fortune matter! By then, all the power and military authority in his hands will have to be obediently surrendered to me!”
“State Preceptor, what are we waiting for? Quickly divine who the Heavenly Phoenix is! I will have the Crown Prince propose tomorrow!”
The State Preceptor immediately closed his eyes, focused his mind, and began calculating with his fingers. This time, after a long while, he finally opened his eyes.
“Well? Have you found the answer?”
The State Preceptor nodded, frowning:
“The Heavenly Phoenix has appeared in the Yun family of the capital.”
“What! The Yun family?” The Empress was stunned. “How could that be! Could it be that Yun Qingqing?”
“The divination indeed points to the Yun family… but it may not necessarily be Yun Qingqing,” the State Preceptor said solemnly. “The Yun Estate has more than one marriageable daughter. Allow this old man to further confirm.”
As he spoke, he took out a triangular-folded talisman from his robe, chanted incantations to ignite it, and tossed the ashes into the air.
Instead of scattering, the ashes gathered into a dark, clumpy mass that seemed to grow two wings. In moments, it soared high into the sky, drifting toward the direction of the Yun Estate.
…
Inside Madam Yun’s room.
Yun Qingqing had finally bathed and changed into fresh clothes. Sitting before the dressing table, she gazed at the face in the mirror—so shockingly ugly it could astonish the world—her eyes turning cold.
The original host had been burned half a year ago. Even if scars remained, they should have healed by now. Yet this face remained swollen and oozing pus, clearly a sign of chronic poisoning!
Obviously, someone was determined to make her life miserable.
She sneered, picked up a cinnabar brush, swiftly drew a talisman, ignited it over a candle flame, and sprinkled the talisman ash into a cup of water before drinking it.
The Youyan Yujing Talisman—consuming it wards off all evil with immediate effect. Taking it for seven consecutive days can transform one completely!
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door.
Yun Qingqing walked over and opened the door to find Yun Bai Lian standing outside holding a tray of food. Contrary to her usual haughty demeanor in private, she spoke softly:
“Sister, I was immature before and offended you many times. Today, I’ve come to realize that as a family, we should respect, care for, and live in harmony with one another. I’m here to apologize.”
“I know today has been exhausting for you, sister. To show my sincerity, I personally cooked these dishes. I hope you won’t find them unworthy.”
Yun Qingqing narrowed her eyes, her gaze shifting between the food and Yun Bai Lian several times before breaking into a radiant smile:
“Well, thank you so much.”
Yun Bai Lian flinched at her ghostly grin, but Yun Qingqing reached out, took the tray, turned around, placed it on the table, and began eating right in front of her.
“Not bad, I must say. I’ve been busy all day and I’m starving. Good thing you came to show your filial piety… Hmm, these braised pork ribs are a bit too salty. Do better next time.”
Yun Bai Lian’s face stiffened, nearly bursting with anger.
But she held back. Watching Yun Qingqing devour the food without a hint of suspicion, she lowered her head and sneered inwardly.
This ugly wretch really thinks she’s made it just because she’s become the Princess Consort of the Prince Regent, daring to boss her around!
Let her enjoy the special ingredients added just for her in those dishes!
The thought lifted her spirits, and she said gently:
“Then please take your time, sister. I won’t disturb you any further.”
“Wait,” Yun Qingqing called out to her, smiling brightly. “From today onward, I must have a midnight snack every night, or I won’t be able to sleep. Since you’re so sincere, I’ll trouble you to prepare my midnight snacks from now until my wedding day!”
“What!” Yun Bai Lian’s composure nearly cracked.
“What? Were all those words you just said nothing but lies?” Yun Qingqing’s expression darkened slightly. “Think carefully. It’s an honor for you to serve me, the eldest legitimate daughter and Princess Consort of the Prince Regent!”
“…Of course not,” Yun Bai Lian replied through gritted teeth, forcing a smile. “I understand, sister.”
“Good,” Yun Qingqing instantly brightened, grinning. “I’m quite picky, so remember—you must make them yourself!”
“…Yes,” Yun Bai Lian replied, swallowing her anger. “I’ll take my leave.”
Yun Qingqing watched her retreating figure, a cold smile curling at the corner of her lips.
—Now, I’m the only beautiful daughter left in the Yun Estate. How dare an ugly wretch like you try to lord it over me? Dreaming of marrying into the royal family? Keep dreaming!
These were the exact words Yun Bai Lian had once used to mock the original owner. Now, let’s see if you dare utter a single word of protest while I trample all over you!
After this exchange, Yun Qingqing felt the Malevolent Qi in her heart dissipate a little more.
She glanced at the fragrant but ominously poisoned food, smiled with satisfaction, and continued eating heartily without a care.
Since she had taken over this poor girl’s body to be reborn, she would repay every bit of suffering the original owner had endured!
Suddenly, a dark shadow flew in, heading straight for Yun Qingqing’s face.
“What the hell is this? Scram!”
Frowning, she raised her hand and smacked it away with a sharp slap.
She stared at the doorway for a couple of seconds, but there was no further movement. Thinking it might be some unfamiliar insect, she paid it no mind and continued eating.
Outside, the dark, shadowy mass flew straight toward Yun Bai Lian, who had just taken a few steps away, dispersing upon contact.
Yun Bai Lian remained completely unaware.
Phoenix Nest Palace.
The State Preceptor suddenly opened his eyes and declared solemnly:
“Found her! The Heavenly Phoenix is none other than the daughter of the Yun family’s second branch—Yun Bai Lian!”
“Excellent! Truly wonderful!”
With the confirmation that the Heavenly Phoenix was not Yun Qingqing, the Empress finally felt at ease.
“Summon the Crown Prince immediately! He must marry Yun Bai Lian as soon as possible!”