Chapter Three:" Awakening of a Phoenix"

A sharp intake of breath shattered the silence as Yanli jolted awake, her chest rising and falling in panicked, shallow gasps. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. It was familiar, too familiar—the carved wooden beams of the ceiling above her, the soft bedding beneath her. This was her room, in her family's home. But that couldn't be possible.

Her heart raced as she pushed herself upright, her fingers trembling as they grazed her own skin, feeling the warmth of life still within her. She felt whole, untouched by the poison that had claimed her life in her past. She closed her eyes, her mind filling with the haunting images of her last moments—her family's faces contorted in agony, Prince Hanyu's cold sneer, and Consort Mei's mocking smile as the poison took her life.

But now… now she was here, alive, her body young, ten years before her distruction and untouched by the scars of betrayal. It was as though the heavens had granted her another chance—a chance to rewrite her fate and to shield those she loved from the treacherous hands that had once destroyed them.

She took a steadying breath, her hands curling tightly around the edges of her bed. She could feel the anger, a fierce and consuming fire, awakening within her—a fire that refused to be extinguished. She thought of the betrayal, of the blood that had stained the palace halls, and of the silent love Prince Zhen had carried for her, a love she had only understood too late. He had avenged her in the end, sacrificing himself to honor her memory. The depth of his loyalty burned in her mind, giving her strength.

"Prince Zhen…" she whispered softly, her voice filled with newfound determination. "I won't let your sacrifice be in vain."

She rose from her bed, feeling as though the weight of the world was resting upon her shoulders, yet also empowered, as though a divine force had bestowed upon her a second life. She gazed at her reflection in the polished bronze mirror beside her bed. Her face was youthful, and her eyes held a steely resolve.

The memories of betrayal and love blended together, forging her spirit anew.

A soft knock came at the door, pulling her from her thoughts. It was her maid, her expression concerned as she entered and curtsied, unaware of the profound transformation her lady had undergone.

"Milady," Meiyu said softly, her voice tinged with worry. "I heard you stirring earlier than usual. Is everything alright?"

Yanli smiled at her, a slight curve of her lips concealing the storm brewing within. Meiyu had always been a pillar of support, devoted and compassionate, seeing Yanli not only as her lady but as someone she deeply cared for. "Yes, Meiyu," Yanli replied. "I'm… just feeling a new sense of purpose today."

Meiyu looked at her carefully, sensing the subtle change in her mistress's aura but choosing not to pry. "That is good to hear, my lady. Perhaps some tea would bring you comfort?"

Behind Meiyu, two other maids entered, bowing respectfully. Xiaolan, a young maid with soft features and downcast eyes, was timid by nature. She carried a small, fragile cup of tea, her hands steady but her gaze lowered, never meeting Yanli's eyes. Lianhua, the third maid, was lively and full of energy, known for her sharp wit and quick thinking. She arranged Yanli's garments, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration for her mistress.

"Good morning, Milady," Lianhua said cheerfully as she fluffed the pillows and adjusted the silken sheets. "It's a fine day. Shall I prepare your favorite gown for today's affairs?"

Yanli's gaze lingered on each maid, a sense of familiarity and newfound suspicion settling in. In her previous life, these women had been a part of her daily life, each playing a role in the web of palace intrigues. Meiyu had been unwaveringly loyal, her trusted confidante. But Xiaolan... as memories flooded back, Yanli remembered whispers and rumors of secret exchanges, unexplained absences, subtle shifts in behavior she had once overlooked.

Xiaolan had betrayed her.

Though Yanli couldn't yet pinpoint the moment of treachery, she recalled shadows of conversations and glances shared between Xiaolan and Consort Mei. Small gestures that seemed harmless at the time, but in hindsight, they painted a picture of quiet deceit. Yanli's hand clenched slightly, her heart steeling. Xiaolan's quiet loyalty had been nothing more than a facade.

"Yes, Lianhua," Yanli said with a calm smile, hiding the thoughts that raced through her mind. "Prepare the gown I wore last spring. And Xiaolan—" She watched as Xiaolan looked up, startled, almost as if she sensed a shift in her mistress's tone. "Bring me the tea."

Xiaolan hesitated, then quickly approached, setting the tea beside her mistress and bowing. "As you wish, Milady," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yanli accepted the tea, her mind already calculating her next steps. She would watch, listen, and uncover the full extent of Xiaolan's betrayal. She knew now that her rebirth had a purpose beyond revenge—it was also a journey of awareness, to uncover who truly stood by her side.

Meiyu arranged Yanli's hair, humming a soothing melody that felt like a balm against the harsh memories resurfacing in Yanli's mind. "You look radiant today, Milady," Meiyu said warmly. "Stronger, even."

Yanli met her gaze through the mirror and gave a subtle nod. "Thank you, Meiyu," she replied softly. "Today marks a new beginning." Her eyes flicked briefly to Xiaolan, who had returned to the shadows of the room, avoiding her gaze. A silent vow formed in Yanli's heart. She would be vigilant, never blind again to those lurking in the darkness.