The night air tasted bitter, filled with acrid smoke and the metallic tang of blood. Flames rose like fierce dragons, swallowing the halls of the Phoenix Palace in voracious waves. Each lick of fire felt like a mockery, each crackle of wood a taunt echoing her failures.
Zhen Li stood alone, barefoot upon the cold marble steps, the torn remnants of her once-glorious crimson empress robes whipping violently in the chaotic wind. Her glossy black hair, once carefully arranged in elaborate coils and adorned with golden pins, now hung in disheveled strands around her pale, bruised face.
"Empress Zhen Li, you are charged with treason, regicide, and conspiracy against the royal bloodline!"
That voice—so familiar, yet so distant now—sliced through the chaos like a cold blade. Emperor Li Tianhao, resplendent in black robes embroidered with golden dragons, sat rigidly upon his throne. His handsome features were expressionless, eyes as dark and unfeeling as obsidian. Beside him stood Consort Yue, delicate and graceful, her gentle hand resting protectively over her swelling abdomen. Her eyes glistened with artful tears.
Zhen Li stared blankly at the pair, an unsettling calm settling in her chest. She could still recall how, just months ago, Tianhao had whispered tender promises beneath the blooming magnolias. She had believed him then, surrendering everything to build the throne he now sat upon.
"Your Majesty," she spoke softly, her voice raw but steady. "Do you truly believe I would harm an innocent child? That I would betray you?"
Tianhao's jaw tightened slightly, but he did not reply. Instead, Consort Yue stepped forward, her voice trembling with delicate anguish.
"Sister, why continue to deceive? The poison found in my chambers, the assassin's blade—all traced to your Phoenix Palace. Is it not enough that you plotted against me, but to harm the Emperor himself? How could you be so heartless?"
Zhen Li's lips twisted bitterly. Yue's performance was perfect—heartbreaking and flawless. The court whispered, their murmurs rising like venomous serpents around her.
"Enough," Tianhao interrupted harshly, his voice echoing like thunder. "Zhen Li, your crimes have been proven. You have betrayed me, your family, and this empire. There can be no forgiveness."
He paused, eyes coldly fixed upon her. "Execution."
The word hung heavily in the air, sealing her fate.
She felt rough hands seize her shoulders, dragging her to the cold, stone platform before the throne. Forced to kneel, Zhen Li met Tianhao's gaze one last time. Her heart cracked, but her spirit refused to shatter.
"Li Tianhao," she whispered, barely audible over the roaring flames. "I regret only that I loved you."
A blade pierced her back, agony blossoming through her chest like crimson roses. The world blurred, darkness seeping slowly into her vision. But just before the void claimed her entirely, she murmured fiercely into the night, an oath to fate itself.
"I will return."
Zhen Li awoke with a sharp gasp, heart racing painfully as if still pierced by steel. Her hands clutched desperately at her chest, but instead of blood and ruined silk, she found only smooth skin and soft fabric beneath her fingers.
Panting heavily, she blinked into the gentle morning sunlight filtering through silk curtains. Familiar scents—orchid incense and sandalwood—calmed her ragged breaths, anchoring her consciousness.
She turned her head slightly, eyes widening in disbelief. It was her chamber—the Lotus Pavilion, untouched and serene. Her gaze settled upon the jade comb sitting delicately on her dressing table, a gift from her late mother on her sixteenth birthday.
Slowly, with trembling hands, she rose from the bed, her bare feet touching the warm wooden floor. Her reflection met her gaze in the polished mirror, forcing a sharp breath from her lips.
A youthful face stared back—her own face, but younger, softer. Seventeen-year-old Zhen Li. Beautiful, naïve, and untouched by the shadows of betrayal.
A sudden realization crashed through her like a violent storm.
"I'm back," she breathed.
She traced her cheek gently, her eyes glittering with fierce determination. Fate had returned her to the cusp of ruin, granting her a second chance to rewrite history. To save herself. To avenge her betrayal.
To change everything.
A soft knock broke her from her reverie, and a timid voice called from outside the chamber.
"Young Miss, Master Zhen is waiting in the hall. He wishes to speak with you about your engagement to the Crown Prince."
Her heart clenched painfully at the mention of Tianhao. For a brief moment, the memories of his warmth flickered vividly, almost painfully sweet.
But just as swiftly, images of fire, betrayal, and his cold, heartless eyes resurfaced, chasing away every tender thought.
Her fingers tightened into fists.
"Tell Father," she said clearly, voice firm and unyielding, "that I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Young Miss."
As footsteps faded, Zhen Li stood straighter, a cold smile curving her lips. This time, there would be no hesitation, no blind devotion. She would not walk the path of foolish love again.
Instead, she would wield her rebirth like a sharpened blade.
This time, she would rise from the ashes of her past, fiercer and more ruthless than ever before.
"Li Tianhao," she whispered to her reflection, eyes cold and resolute. "Prepare yourself."
The phoenix had returned—and she was ready to burn the world that betrayed her.