The Villains Must Win-Chapter 19: Han Feng

By the time she reached the entrance to Xue Li’s private quarters, Xue Rou’s excitement could barely be contained. She dismissed the eunuch at the door with a wave, her mind racing with schemes.

How many years had passed since she last laid eyes on her daughter? Long enough for Xue Li to have forgotten the cruelty of her childhood, she hoped. Long enough for the girl to feel a sense of duty toward her mother.

Xue Rou pushed open the doors and stepped inside, her eyes immediately landing on Xue Li, who was seated by a lattice window, the morning light casting a soft glow on her serene face.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant robe of pale jade silk, Xue Li radiated a quiet grace, a far cry from the frightened child Xue Rou had once scorned.

For a moment, the two women stared at each other in silence. Xue Li’s expression was unreadable, but a faint tension rippled through the air. Slowly, she rose to her feet, her gaze steady as she addressed the woman who had brought her into this world.

"Mother," Xue Li said softly, her voice calm but guarded. "To what do Xue Li owe the honor of your visit?"

Xue Rou’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Why, to see you, of course. You’ve risen so high, my daughter. How could I not come to witness your success with my own eyes?"

There was an edge to her tone, a false warmth that made Xue Li’s heart tighten. She knew her mother too well to believe this was a visit born of love or pride. Xue Rou had come with an agenda, as she always did.

"Xue Li trust you are well, Mother," Xue Li said politely, keeping her distance.

"Well enough, but my heart aches knowing I had to wait so long to see you again," Xue Rou replied, feigning sorrow. "You’ve grown into a fine woman, Xue Li. The emperor is fortunate to have you by his side. It’s only right that your family should share in your good fortune, don’t you think?"

Xue Li’s fingers clenched tightly around the folds of her robe, but her expression remained composed. She knew this day would come, though she had not expected it so soon.

Her mother had always been a woman driven by greed and self-interest. Now, seeing her standing here, cloaked in false affection, Xue Li felt a pang of something between anger and resignation.

"I shall request His Majesty to grant a proper chamber for you during your stay," Xue Li spoke with calm grace, her tone measured and respectful.

Xue Rou rolled her eyes with a sigh, her expression dripping with disdain. "Ah, my beloved daughter, surely you do not need to trouble the emperor with such trivialities. You are His Majesty’s most favored concubine, and your words carry the weight of law within these walls."

Her gaze swept across the lavish room, her eyes lingering on the fine silks and exquisite adornments that graced every corner. She took in the sprawling space, the luxurious furnishings, and the grand wooden tub, a sight that fueled a gnawing jealousy and envy within her.

She couldn’t help but feel a sting as she took in the jewels that decorated Xue Li’s delicate form, catching the light and adding to her daughter’s beauty.

"Tell the emperor," she said, her voice smooth as silk, yet laced with command, "that your mother requires a chamber befitting my station, as grand as yours. And, of course, in my haste, I have come with nothing. Perhaps you might also ask His Majesty to procure me a new wardrobe . . . dresses, jewels—something to complement the splendor of this palace." Her eyes glinted, an almost predatory gleam in them. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Before Xue Li could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the door, and the guards’ voices announced the arrival of the emperor.

So soon . . . Xue Li thought and inwardly smiled. Han Feng really loves her.

The door slowly creaked open, and Han Feng entered with an air of quiet majesty that immediately commanded the room.

Xue Li lowered her head in a respectful bow. Beside her, however, Xue Rou nearly forgot to breathe as she laid eyes on the emperor. His presence was like a tempest, striking her with awe and causing her heart to flutter in a way she had not anticipated.

Han Feng had an aura that set him apart from all others. His features were sharp and finely sculpted, his gaze piercing and fierce. Everything about him radiated power and grace, the very image of a ruler who was both feared and adored.

Xue Rou quickly recovered her composure and, with a practiced smile, curtsied gracefully, her voice dripping with charm. "Your Majesty," she said, her tone smooth, "I am Xue Li’s mother, Xue Rou. It is truly a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

Han Feng did not immediately respond, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the woman before him. He was silent for a moment, letting the tension build, before raising his hand with a subtle yet commanding gesture.

"Tell the servants to prepare a banquet," he ordered. "My beloved Xue Li’s mother has come to visit, and we shall share a grand feast in her honor."

At the emperor’s words, Xue Rou’s heart danced with glee. Her lips curled into a secretive smirk, her mind already racing with possibilities. Look like the emperor truly held her daughter in such high esteem, then her entrance into this palace would be far more prosperous than she had ever dared imagine.

Han Feng’s gaze softened, and with a fluid motion, he stepped to Xue Li’s side. His arm slid around her waist, pulling her close in a tender, possessive gesture. Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering for a moment before he spoke again, his voice low and affectionate.

"Come, my Xue Li," he murmured. "Your mother must have traveled far. There is much for the two of you to catch up on."

At the sight of the emperor’s obvious affection for her daughter, Xue Rou felt a pang of jealousy twist in her chest. But beneath that was a growing sense of satisfaction—one that grew as she observed how the emperor doted on Xue Li. It was as the rumors had claimed: Han Feng truly favored her daughter.

This would make everything so much easier for her. She could take advantage of her daughter’s position and no longer lower herself to unsavory means to get the life she wanted.

Inwardly, she smiled to herself, already plotting her next move. With the emperor’s affection for Xue Li as her leverage, she could secure a future of unimaginable wealth and influence.

Perhaps, if the stars aligned, she could even ascend to the position of dowager and control the imperial harems and inner palace!