Chapter 40

📖 CHAPTER 40: THE UNFINISHED BETRAYAL

The study's air was thick with tension. Gu Qingyan held Feng Liyan's gaze, her mind sharp as a blade.

"The world believes you're dead," she said quietly.

Feng Liyan smirked. "Then let's not disappoint them."

Gu Qingyan's fingers tapped against the table. "You came for something."

His golden eyes darkened. "So did you."

Silence stretched between them, laced with unspoken truths.

Feng Liyan reached inside his robes and pulled out a jade token. He placed it on the table between them.

The Royal Emblem.

Gu Qingyan's breath stilled.

This was proof of imperial succession—something only the true heir to the throne should possess.

Her voice was steady. "How do you have this?"

Feng Liyan's gaze sharpened. "Because it was meant to be mine."

The weight of his words settled.

Gu Qingyan had spent her past life struggling against unseen forces, blind to the larger game. But now… now she saw it clearly.

The fight for the throne had never been about Feng Yusheng versus the Emperor.

It had always been about who the true heir was.

And Feng Liyan—the Ghost Prince, the forgotten son—was claiming his birthright.

Gu Qingyan exhaled slowly. "You want my help."

Feng Liyan leaned forward. "You want revenge."

She tilted her head. "And what do you want?"

A slow, dangerous smile curved his lips.

"I want what was stolen."

Gu Qingyan's lips curled slightly. "Then I hope you have a plan."

Feng Liyan chuckled. "I always do."

—

📍 Imperial Palace – Crown Prince's Chambers

Feng Yusheng read the report carefully, his fingers tapping against the lacquered wood of his desk.

Gu Qingyan and Feng Liyan.

An alliance between them was the last thing he needed.

A shadow flickered at the edge of his vision.

"The assassins failed," the masked figure reported.

Feng Yusheng's eyes flashed coldly. "Then send another message."

The assassin hesitated. "To whom?"

The Crown Prince's lips curled.

"To Gu Ruoyun."

The masked man stiffened. "The Fourth Miss?"

Feng Yusheng leaned back, a calculating glint in his golden eyes.

"She has always hated Gu Qingyan. It's time we gave her the power to act on it."

—

📍 Gu Ruoyun's Courtyard

Gu Ruoyun sat before the mirror, her fingers tightening around the letter in her hands.

The Crown Prince had finally acknowledged her.

And he had given her a chance.

She traced the words written in elegant script.

"The woman you hate is growing stronger. But I can change that.

Tell me, Gu Ruoyun—

Do you wish to be a mere shadow? Or do you wish to rule?"

Her heart pounded.

This was her moment.

She lifted her gaze to her reflection, her eyes burning with new determination.

"Gu Qingyan… let's see how long you last."