After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Morning light streamed through the carved window lattice, making the pale pink gauze gauze appear as translucent as peach petals. A breeze rustled the beaded curtain, and a jewelry box sat before a bronze mirror, a few strands of hair slipping from between the teeth of a sandalwood comb.

"You mean—Granny Yang intends for my sister to get to know Consort Rou?" He Wan paused slightly in her hand, her black hair slipping from her fingers. Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, her mind clearly no longer on the present.

“Yes, Miss!” The young maid named Qingshan said anxiously, her voice hushed as if afraid of being overheard. “Although I have only served you for a few days, I must remind you of this. Even the Empress herself attended the eldest daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony! Now, Granny Yang has specially arranged for her to get acquainted with Consort Rou. This… this is probably…”

She hesitated, then secretly glanced at He Wan's face. Seeing that He Wan's expression was normal, she mustered her courage and continued, "I'm afraid the eldest young lady will become a phoenix that perches on the parasol tree in the future."

Upon hearing this, He Wan's lips curved into a faint smile, but a fleeting, unfathomable emotion flickered in her eyes. She gently put down the comb, her fingertips tapping lightly on the dressing table, as if deep in thought.

“Phoenix?” she repeated softly, her tone carrying a hint of meaning. “My sister has always been exceptionally intelligent, so it’s only natural that she’s favored by someone of high status. But…”

She paused, her gaze shifting to the window. The distant sky was a clear, deep blue, with a few white clouds drifting lazily by. Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible: "But who can truly predict the ever-changing affairs within the palace?"

The maid was taken aback and was about to say something when she saw He Wan get up and walk slowly towards the window. Her figure was slender, and her back exuded an indescribable aloofness and pride.

“That’s enough,” He Wan suddenly spoke, her tone returning to calm. “My sister’s affairs are her own destiny. We just need to wait and see.”

The maid opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing more. She simply bowed her head in response and silently withdrew.

Inside, He Wan stood alone by the window, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair and bringing a touch of coolness. Her gaze remained fixed on the distance, but a complex expression flickered in her eyes, as if she were pondering something, or perhaps waiting for something.

In the afternoon, He Wan slowly stepped into the Lotus Pavilion—this courtyard was a residence specially prepared for her by the He family, symbolizing that her name was as noble and beautiful as a lotus flower.

However, the arrival of Granny Yang has disrupted this tranquility. Madam He arranged for Granny Yang to stay at the Lotus Pavilion, claiming that a person of such noble character as her staying there would surely make the courtyard even more radiant.

Although He Wan didn't believe in these mystical sayings, she could only follow her mother's arrangements. She secretly thought that perhaps having her maid subtly hint at it could win over Granny Yang.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they saw Granny Yang and Xiao Ran talking in hushed tones, their every move revealing an undisguised joy.

It was the maidservant beside Granny Yang who noticed her first and said, "Miss Wan has arrived."

"Wan'er has come at an inopportune time, interrupting Granny Yang and Sister's conversation." He Wan approached with light steps, bowed slightly, and gave a dignified greeting.

“It’s alright, it just so happens to be time to teach etiquette.” Granny Yang glanced sideways and looked at Xiao Ran sitting on the stone bench. “Go inside and get a few books. Today we will continue to practice standing with books on our heads.”

Xiao Ran was unwilling and remained standing in front of the stone table, but unexpectedly, when Granny Yang called out "Ran'er", she had no choice but to reluctantly go into the house.

Although it was an unquestionable order, He Wan heard the soft "Ran'er" clearly, as if it contained a trace of barely perceptible tenderness.

A slight tremor ran through her heart, and she secretly made a plan.