The Villains Must Win-Chapter 44: Han Feng

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."

There was something in her words, something veiled beneath their surface—a hidden meaning that Xue Li recognized instantly. Still, she chose to ignore it.

"That is good," Xue Li replied, her voice light. "Perhaps your presence here will finally bring peace between Liang and Han."

So stop coveting another woman’s husband and return to your own kingdom, Xue Li thought, though she did not say it aloud.

She was not blind to Rui Hua’s growing obsession with Han Feng. The way she spoke of him whenever given the chance, the way she always found excuses to ask about him. It was written all over her face whenever she saw him—admiration, desire, longing.

Women were sensitive to these things.

Xue Li had no idea when Rui Hua’s affections had shifted, when the love meant for Liang Wei had strayed toward Han Feng. Had she unknowingly changed the storyline?

She could only hope that this would not lead to greater trouble.

At the very least, if Rui Hua had fallen for Han Feng, then she would not try to poison him now . . . right?

But then . . . what about Liang Wei?

A cold unease settled in Xue Li’s chest. She could only hope that this wouldn’t drastically change the storyline.

Rui Hua let her gaze drift back to the winter tree, watching as the pale blossoms swayed in the cold breeze. She had seen Xue Li admire this tree countless times, and today, she found herself speaking without thinking.

"You always seem to admire these winter blossoms," she noted, her tone edged with something unreadable. "But I find roses far more beautiful. They are vibrant, striking, and they have thorns—they know how to fight back. Winter trees, on the other hand, are fragile and weak. They bloom for a short time, only to wither and fall, easily swept away by the elements. They lack both beauty and strength."

A gasp rippled through the gathered servants.

No one—no one—had ever dared to insult the Empress’s beloved winter tree. The very tree that Han Feng himself had declared sacred within the palace grounds, for it was a tree Xue Li had always admired.

Yet, Princess Rui Hua, perhaps emboldened by her status as a foreign royal, spoke without fear of consequence. She knew she could not be touched—no one would dare raise a hand against her, not when the slightest misstep could lead to conflict with the Kingdom of Liang.

But instead of anger, instead of irritation, Xue Li merely smiled.

It was a smile that was neither cold nor sharp, but one that carried quiet wisdom, as though she were explaining something to a child.

"Roses are indeed beautiful," Xue Li said, her voice as soft as a breeze. "And their thorns may make them fierce. But when winter arrives, they cannot withstand the cold. They wither, their petals falling one by one, unable to endure the harshness of the cold.

"But the winter tree—though its flowers are pale, though its beauty is quiet—blooms even in the cruelest of seasons. It does not wither. It does not falter. Even in the most bitter of winters, it stands strong, enduring long after the roses and other flowers have died. It’s the only flower that bloom in winter."

A silence fell over the garden.

The servants, unable to hold back, chuckled softly, nodding in admiration for their Empress.

Rui Hua, however, bit her lip, her hands clenching against the fabric of her robes. She had never felt such quiet humiliation before—never had someone countered her so effortlessly, so elegantly, without a single harsh word.

And yet, despite her anger, Rui Hua could not deny it—at that moment, she hated Xue Li.

And she wanted Han Feng even more.

At that moment, the sound of measured footsteps echoed through the garden, and all heads turned toward the approaching figure.

"Your Majesty!"

A chorus of voices rang out as everyone immediately bowed in deep reverence at the sight of Han Feng. Even Xue Li, as was customary, lowered herself in greeting.

But Rui Hua, though a guest in this foreign court, merely bent at the waist in a shallow bow, her posture one of restrained arrogance. She was a princess of Liang, and her rank afforded her certain privileges—but to Han Feng, it was nothing more than insolence.

His eyes flickered with cold irritation.

Day by day, his patience for the Princess of Liang wore thinner. If not for Xue Li’s constant reminders of the delicate political balance, he would have long since rid himself of her and simply told the Liang court that she had escaped and fallen into the hands of bandits.

Instead, he ignored Rui Hua entirely, his expression shifting the moment his gaze fell upon Xue Li. His irritation melted away as he approached her, his presence commanding yet gentle.

"My dear Xue Li, the weather is cold. Come inside and share a warm meal with this Emperor."

His voice, deep and laced with affection, carried a softness reserved only for her.

Xue Li’s cheeks tinged with color, and she lowered her gaze, a faint shyness overtaking her otherwise composed demeanor.

Rui Hua’s expression, however, darkened.

Without hesitation, she stepped between them, inserting herself into the space Han Feng had left for Xue Li.

"Your Majesty," Rui Hua spoke, her tone deliberately sweet.

Han Feng did not acknowledge her. He would have continued walking, leaving her standing there like a forgotten shadow, had Xue Li not subtly tugged at his sleeve to prevent a scene.

Taking the gesture as permission to speak, Rui Hua smiled, lifting her chin slightly. "Your Majesty’s birthday is fast approaching," she said. "This princess has prepared something special as a token of gratitude for all the kindness and hospitality you have shown me. I hope Your Majesty will look forward to it."