The Villains Must Win-Chapter 43: Han Feng

Liang Wei, though he cared for her in his own way, had never shown her the same fierce affection Han Feng had for Xue Li. He never disbanded his harem for her, never set aside his own desires for her happiness.

In contrast, Han Feng’s love for Xue Li was public, visible in every glance, every touch. It was said that every morning, he would greet her with the softest words, a tenderness that made the coldest corners of the imperial palace seem warm.

In the evenings, he would remain by her side, his presence a constant comfort, as if he could not bear to be apart from her, even for a moment.

There were whispers among the courtiers that Han Feng would often hold Xue Li’s hand even in public and showered her with gifts and affection.

It was this love, fierce and unyielding, that Rui Hua longed for—desperately, almost helplessly. She understood, in the depth of her being, that Liang Wei could not afford to show such devotion, not as a Crown Prince, not in a kingdom where alliances were forged through concubines and marriage.

But here, in Han Feng’s court, the love between Emperor and Empress was something different—pure, relentless, and all-consuming.

As Rui Hua watched Han Feng and Xue Li together, she could see the undeniable bond they shared. It was a love that transcended all, a bond formed not just through royal duty, but through genuine affection. Every gesture, every glance between them spoke of a connection that Rui Hua could only dream of, a connection she knew she would never have with Liang Wei.

Her longing grew with each passing day. She wanted a love that burned with such intensity, a love that would make her feel cherished, desired, and above all, irreplaceable.

And in the quiet corners of her heart, a voice whispered that perhaps such a love, fierce and unwavering, could only exist between those with the power to claim it fully—like if she claimed Han Feng’s love to herself.

Rui Hua had always been the daughter of a noble house, the cherished pearl of a powerful duke, her status above most women in the empire. She was not only of the highest standing, but her beauty was known throughout the lands—elegant, striking, and undeniably captivating.

Compared to Xue Li, Rui Hua believed herself more suited to be Han Feng’s Empress. In status, in appearance, in strength—she was the better choice.

And yet, fate had not favored her.

Somehow, the Female Lead, who had once devoted herself to the Male Lead, had undergone a change of heart. She had saw a different kind of love from Han Feng—the kind that was fierce, steadfast, and all-consuming. The love of a man who would burn the world to protect his Empress.

Rui Hua wanted that love.

No matter how much she tried to deny it, she knew now that she could never have it from Liang Wei. She had once thought him her destined match, but the longer she stayed in the Han Empire, the clearer it became—Liang Wei’s love was nothing compared to Han Feng’s devotion to Xue Li.

It was like comparing a boy to a man.

And so, Rui Hua resolved herself. If she could not find that love in Liang Wei, she would take it from Han Feng. She would have him look at her, desire her, need her as he did Xue Li.

It was her right. She was love all her life, so it was natural that kind of lover would hers too.

But the Emperor of Han barely spared her a glance.

Their encounters were rare, as she was not permitted in certain areas of the palace, and even when they did meet, Han Feng would not look at her, no matter how sweetly she called his name. He regarded her with distant indifference, a mere shadow in his world, before turning away—always leaving in haste, always making his way back to his Empress.

His hands, which he refused to touch her with, never left Xue Li. His gaze, which held no warmth for her, softened only when it landed upon Xue Li.

And Rui Hua found herself unable to bear it.

The more he ignored her, the more obsessed she became.

=== 🖤 ===

One afternoon, as Rui Hua strolled through the palace gardens, her gaze fell upon Xue Li, seated beneath a winter tree, her delicate fingers brushing against the white blossoms. Rui Hua frowned at the sight, her heart brimming with frustration.

Xue Li was pale, fragile, almost sickly in appearance. A woman who, in Rui Hua’s eyes, could not even compare to her. And yet, she held Han Feng’s undivided love.

Before she realized it, Rui Hua had already moved forward, standing before the Empress, who continued admiring the winter blossoms in peaceful silence.

"Your Highness," Rui Hua greeted, her tone firm—almost commanding, as though she were the one addressing a subordinate rather than the Empress of Han.

Xue Li turned her head and smiled gently, her expression neither offended nor displeased. She regarded Rui Hua with the same warmth she showed to all, a kindness that seemed unshaken no matter how often Rui Hua tested her patience. free𝑤ebnovel.com

To Rui Hua, however, that smile was unbearable.

In her eyes, Xue Li was weak, her beauty fragile and fleeting. What did Han Feng see in her?

"Aren’t you cold out here?" Rui Hua asked, taking a seat beside Xue Li without waiting for permission.

The servants stiffened, ready to step forward and reprimand the princess for such insolence, but Xue Li merely raised a hand, silencing them with a simple gesture. There was no need for unnecessary drama over something so trivial.

"Princess Rui Hua," Xue Li greeted, her voice as serene as ever. "Xue Li is accustomed to the cold. But what of the Princess? The weather must be harsh for someone from Liang. Xue Li have read that your kingdom is much warmer than ours."

Rui Hua nodded, a slow smirk curling at the corner of her lips. "That is true. Liang is blessed with warmth all year round . . . but I find myself growing fond of the cold recently."