Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 53: The Missing piece

Somewhere in Wei empire, At a tavern, Jiang Yao sat in the corner, surrounded by a few trusted men—faces hardened by years of blood, loyalty, and secrets. Cups clinked, ale sloshed, and laughter echoed, but his mood was far from light.

He downed another cup, cheeks flushed with drink, eyes distant.

"I think we should leave this place and return to our country," one man suddenly muttered, his voice low but clear.

Another nodded, equally uneasy. "Yeah... it's too risky now. We've done what we came for."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Bang!

Jiang Yao slammed his hand down on the table, his cup toppling over. His cold, unfocused gaze locked on the two men.

"Why?" he growled. "We didn't leave any clues. There's no way anyone knows."

The tavern seemed to still for a moment, the sound of conversation dulling as nearby tables turned curious glances toward them. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Silence settled over the group. No one dared to respond—except for one man. Older, perhaps wiser, and one of Jiang Yao's longest-serving comrades.

"General..." the man began cautiously. "Isn't it time we retreat? Our cover's wearing thin. After what happened last week... after that plan failed—we're gambling with too much."

Jiang Yao stared at him, unmoving, then slowly looked down at the liquor puddling near his elbow.

A long pause.

"Fine," he muttered at last. "We'll leave... next week. Send a message to our emperor."

The men nodded silently, but Jiang Yao's eyes didn't lift. His fingers clenched tightly around the empty cup, his mind somewhere far away.

Why does it bother me?.....Mei Qing.

---

Meanwhile, back at Hua Estate, a faint rustle of robes echoed through the quiet study.

Hua Qingyan sat at her desk, reading a fresh report from her spy.

"The second prince has been acting anxious these days. He's been frequently calling a particular eunuch into his chambers... always the same one."

Hua leaned back, brows furrowed. She dismissed the spy with a nod, her thoughts spiraling.

What is going on with the second prince? After Zhao Lianyi's death, everything feels murky. There's someone helping him—but who? Why can't I remember? Why does this feel so familiar... yet completely out of reach?

She gritted her teeth, frustration tightening in her chest. The evidence she'd gathered of the second prince's treason was still incomplete—strong, but not solid. Without knowing the identity of his hidden ally, she couldn't bring him down.

Just as her thoughts neared despair, the chamber doors burst open.

A silver blur darted in.

"Master!"

It was Liu Feng, pale but determined, leaning against the doorway for balance.

Hua stood instantly. "Liu Feng? What is it?"

"It's urgent," he panted. "I must speak with you. Now."

She nodded and waved her attendants away. The room emptied, silence thickening the air.

Liu Feng stepped closer, his voice low. "The day I was injured... it wasn't just any attacker. He was from Empire Jin. I.. I'm sure my lady, I recognized the insignia on his blade. I'm certain—they're backing the second prince."

Hua's eyes widened.

Empire Jin... backing the second prince?

Her blood ran cold.

So that's it. That's the missing piece. That's the hand pulling strings behind the curtain...

She clenched her jaw, heart pounding.

The second prince was never acting alone.