Han Feng 30      

"You've consumed this?"

Xue Li nodded hesitantly, her confusion perfectly crafted.

Han Feng's jaw tightened, and he slammed his palm against the table with a force that made the dishes tremble. "Summon Master Gu at once!" he barked, his voice echoing through the halls like thunder.

The servants, who had been silently attending to their duties, scattered immediately. The emperor's wrath could be felt, and even they, who had grown accustomed to the whims of the emperor, could not help but tremble in fear.

Xue Li lowered her gaze, hiding the satisfaction that glimmered in her eyes. As chaos unfolded around her, she remained a picture of calm, waiting patiently for the storm to rage its course. She had anticipated this outcome and had long prepared herself for the part she would play.

Han Feng's fury was a tempest, and she, as ever, would be the calm within it.