Phoenix Empress: Rise of the Fallen

The first light of dawn appeared as Ling Qianxue woke early.

Yesterday's events were still vivid in her mind. She looked at her hands—the feeling of pretending to have flames seemed to linger. Perhaps one day, she would truly be able to control fire.

She quietly got up, her first priority being to check on Xiao Hanye.

Opening the door, she found Xiao Hanye leaning against the bed, trying to change his own medicine.

"What are you doing?" Ling Qianxue quickly walked over.

"Sister Qianxue, why are you here?" Xiao Hanye hurriedly put down the ointment, trying to pull up his slipped clothing. "I just wanted to change the medicine myself."

"How can you treat the wounds on your back by yourself?" Ling Qianxue looked at him reproachfully. "Take off your clothes, I'll help you."

Xiao Hanye's face turned red instantly. "This... this isn't appropriate..."

"What's inappropriate about it?" Ling Qianxue feigned composure, though her heartbeat was also accelerating. "Hurry up, don't dawdle."

Xiao Hanye, red-faced, slowly removed his upper clothing.

When his muscular torso was fully exposed to Ling Qianxue's eyes, she couldn't help but catch her breath.

Though Xiao Hanye was only sixteen, years of physical labor had given him a solid build that his peers lacked. Under his wheat-colored skin, his muscles were clearly defined—neither overly exaggerated, yet full of strength. Broad shoulders, firm chest muscles, and those faintly visible abs...

Ling Qianxue felt her cheeks burning, her heart pounding like a drum. She had never admired a male body at such close range before, especially when this person was Hanye, whom she spent every day with.

"Sister Qianxue?" Xiao Hanye looked back questioningly when he saw her frozen.

"Ah!" Ling Qianxue hurriedly averted her gaze. "I... I'll apply the medicine now."

With slightly trembling hands, she dipped into the ointment and gently applied it to the wounds. When her fingertips touched his warm skin, both of them involuntarily shuddered.

"Does it hurt?" Ling Qianxue's voice was somewhat hoarse.

"N-no, it doesn't." Xiao Hanye's voice was also unnatural.

Ling Qianxue focused on treating the wounds, but her peripheral vision kept involuntarily sweeping over his body. Those undulating muscles trembled slightly with his breathing, exuding the masculine aura of youth.

"Sister Qianxue's hands are so cool," Xiao Hanye suddenly said.

"A-are they?" Ling Qianxue's hand shook, accidentally touching his waist.

"Mmm..." Xiao Hanye let out a low sound.

This sound seemed to have magic, making Ling Qianxue's whole body tingle. She bit her lower lip, trying hard to calm herself.

"The wounds in front need treatment too," she said with a slightly trembling voice. "Turn around."

Xiao Hanye slowly turned, and they faced each other, close enough to feel each other's breath.

Ling Qianxue lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes, focusing on treating the bruises on his chest. But this position brought them even closer—she could even smell his unique scent—the smell of sunshine mixed with a faint herbal fragrance.

"Sister Qianxue..." Xiao Hanye's voice was low and hoarse.

"Hmm?" She still didn't dare look up.

"Your face is very red."

"Nonsense!" Ling Qianxue chided, but as she looked up, she met his deep eyes.

In those eyes was an emotion she had never seen before—passionate yet restrained, making her forget to breathe for a moment.

Time seemed to stop as they gazed at each other. Ling Qianxue could clearly see herself reflected in his eyes and feel his rapid breath on her face.

"Sister Qianxue, I..." Xiao Hanye's hand somehow grasped her wrist.

At this extremely ambiguous moment, Uncle Fu's voice came from outside the door: "Young Miss, the grain shop people are here!"

The two separated like startled birds. Ling Qianxue stood up in a fluster. "I... I'll go check."

"Sister Qianxue!" Xiao Hanye called out to her.

"What is it?" She stood with her back to him, not daring to turn around.

"Thank you."

Ling Qianxue's heart fluttered again. She took a deep breath. "Fool, why are you thanking me?"

With that, she fled the room.

In the front hall, the grain shop clerk was waiting impatiently.

"Miss Ling, it's not that we're unreasonable, but the shopkeeper has spoken." The clerk seemed somewhat embarrassed. "You've owed for three months already. If you don't pay, we'll be in a difficult position."

"I understand." Ling Qianxue nodded. "Could you give us a few more days?"

"Well..." The clerk said with difficulty, "At most three days, and that's considering past relations."

"Alright, we'll definitely pay in three days."

After sending the clerk away, Ling Qianxue fell into deep thought. Three taels of silver—where could she get it?

"Young Miss, why not... sell me?" Uncle Fu said tremblingly. "This old servant at my age should still fetch one or two taels."

"Uncle Fu, what nonsense!" Ling Qianxue flatly refused. "You've taken care of us for so many years. How could we sell you?"

"But..."

"No buts." Ling Qianxue took a deep breath. "I'll find a way."

In the afternoon, Ling Qianxue took the last few pieces of not-so-valuable jewelry to the pawnshop.

"Miss, these items..." The shopkeeper shook his head. "Worth five qian silver at most."

Five qian, not even one tael.

Ling Qianxue gritted her teeth. "Then five qian it is."

Leaving the pawnshop, her heart was heavy. At this rate, Ling Manor would soon run out of food. She had to find a way to earn money.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Ling?"

A familiar voice rang out. Ling Qianxue looked up to see Wang Fugui sitting in a teahouse, looking at her smugly.

"Fallen to such a state, truly pitiful." Wang Fugui said loudly, deliberately letting those around hear. "I say, rather than lingering on like this, why not accept my goodwill?"

People around whispered:

"The Ling family really gets worse year by year."

"I heard they can't even pay the servants' wages."

"In such a household, isn't any girl born there just suffering?"

Ling Qianxue took a deep breath and left with her head held high. She wouldn't let these people see her weakness.

Returning to the manor, she found Xiao Hanye chopping wood in the courtyard.

"What are you doing?" Ling Qianxue hurriedly stopped him. "Didn't I tell you to rest properly?"

"I heard from Uncle Fu about our situation." Xiao Hanye put down the axe. "This firewood can be sold. Though it's not much, it can help a little."

Ling Qianxue felt a pang in her heart. "Your injuries..."

"They're much better already." Xiao Hanye smiled. "Sister Qianxue's medicine is very effective."

Looking at the sweat on his forehead, Ling Qianxue took out a handkerchief to wipe it. "Fool, this little money won't solve the problem."

"Every little bit helps." Xiao Hanye said stubbornly. "Besides, I can't just do nothing and watch Sister Qianxue bear everything alone."

The two looked at each other for a moment, then Ling Qianxue suddenly smiled. "Alright, then we'll figure it out together."

In the evening, Xiao Hanye really did carry a bundle of firewood to the market. Though he only sold it for thirty copper coins, he was still very happy.

"Sister Qianxue, look!" He excitedly showed the copper coins. "This is the first money I've earned."

Ling Qianxue took the copper coins—what weighed heavy wasn't their weight, but the sentiment.

"You've worked hard," she said softly.

Dinner was simple, just coarse grain and pickled vegetables. But the few people sitting together ate with relish.

"Tomorrow I'll chop more wood." Xiao Hanye planned. "Neighbor Old Li said he knows a carpenter who can introduce me as an apprentice."

"No." Ling Qianxue shook her head. "Your injuries aren't fully healed. You can't do heavy work."

"But..."

"Listen to me." Ling Qianxue's tone was firm. "Wait until your injuries are healed."

Xiao Hanye had to give up.

Late at night, Ling Qianxue came to Xiao Hanye's room again to change his medicine.

This time, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The morning's scene seemed to linger between them, making the air ambiguous.

"Take off your clothes." Ling Qianxue tried to make her voice sound natural.

Xiao Hanye silently complied. This time, Ling Qianxue was mentally prepared, but seeing his body still made her heart race uncontrollably.

Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, coating his body in silver, making it even more alluring. The muscle contours appeared and disappeared in the moonlight, every curve filled with wild beauty.

"Sister Qianxue, I'm sorry," Xiao Hanye suddenly said.

"Why are you apologizing?" Her hand paused slightly.

"This morning I... I shouldn't have looked at you like that."

Ling Qianxue's fingers lightly slid across his skin. "How did you look at me?"

Xiao Hanye was silent for a while, then turned around, looking directly at her. "Like looking at the most precious treasure in this world."

Ling Qianxue's breathing quickened. She knew she should pull away, but her body honestly stayed in place.

"Hanye..."

"Sister Qianxue, I know I'm not worthy of you." Xiao Hanye's hand gently covered hers on his chest. "But I can't control my heart. Every time I see you, I feel like my heartbeat is about to stop."

His palm was very hot, that temperature transmitted through the back of her hand, burning all the way to her heart. She could feel his strong heartbeat in his chest, the rhythm as chaotic as hers.

"Don't say foolish things." Ling Qianxue's voice trembled. "What's this about worthy or not worthy?"

"What about you?" Xiao Hanye boldly asked. "How do you... feel about me?"

Ling Qianxue looked up, meeting his expectant yet anxious gaze. Under such scrutiny, she felt her defenses crumbling bit by bit.

"I..."

Xiao Hanye suddenly leaned forward, bringing them so close they could feel each other's breath. His hand moved to her waist, and with a gentle pull, she was pressed against his bare chest.

That burning temperature transmitted through the thin fabric, making Ling Qianxue go weak. She could feel the heat of every inch of his skin, could hear his thunderous heartbeat.

"Sister Qianxue, may I?" His voice was so low it seemed to come from deep in his throat.

Ling Qianxue knew what he wanted to do. Reason told her she should refuse, but her body was soft as water, completely powerless to push him away.

She closed her eyes—this was consent.

Xiao Hanye's lips slowly approached, warm breath spraying on her face. Finally, two soft lips touched.

This was their first kiss, innocent and sweet.

At first, it was just a light touch of lips, like a dragonfly skimming water. But soon, Xiao Hanye wasn't satisfied with just that. His hand supported the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Ling Qianxue felt weak all over, as if electricity was flowing through her entire body. She had never experienced this feeling before—strange yet intoxicating. Without realizing it, her arms wrapped around his neck, responding to his kiss.

Xiao Hanye's kissing technique was clumsy but full of passion. He carefully traced the shape of her lips, tasting her sweetness. When she began to respond, he trembled with excitement.

"Mmm..." Ling Qianxue let out a soft moan, which made Xiao Hanye lose more control.

His hand slid from the back of her head to her waist, holding her entire body tightly in his arms. Two young bodies pressed closely together, clearly feeling each other's heartbeat and temperature.

The kiss lasted a long time, until both were breathless before they separated.

"Ha... ha..." Ling Qianxue panted heavily, her face red as a ripe apple.

Xiao Hanye wasn't much better, his eyes misty, breathing heavily. "Sister Qianxue... your lips are so sweet..."

"Don't say it!" Ling Qianxue covered his mouth in embarrassment.

Xiao Hanye gently kissed her palm, causing her to hurriedly withdraw her hand.

"Sister Qianxue, I like you so much." He looked at her seriously. "So much my heart is melting."

Ling Qianxue was flustered by his passionate gaze. "I... I too..."

"Really?" Xiao Hanye asked in surprise.

Ling Qianxue bit her lower lip and nodded gently. "I've... I've liked you for a long time."

Xiao Hanye excitedly wanted to kiss her again but restrained himself. "Sister Qianxue, when we're older, when I have enough strength and status, I'll openly propose to you. I know I'm not worthy of you now, but please give me time."

"Fool." Ling Qianxue finally looked up, her eyes full of tenderness. "I don't need you to be powerful. As long as you're Hanye, that's enough."

"Sister Qianxue..." Xiao Hanye couldn't help but kiss her again, this time a gentle, sweet kiss.

"Want more?" he asked mischievously.

"You..." Ling Qianxue pushed him in embarrassment. "Turn around quickly, I still need to apply medicine!"

"As you command, my Sister Qianxue." Xiao Hanye obediently turned around, but the smile on his lips couldn't be hidden.

Both knew their relationship had changed. That kiss changed everything, transforming them from childhood sweethearts to lovers.

"I'll continue applying the medicine." Ling Qianxue tried to normalize the atmosphere.

"Mm." Xiao Hanye turned around obediently.

But this time, Ling Qianxue's movements were even gentler. Her fingertips weren't just applying medicine but seemed to be tracing every line of his body.

"Sister Qianxue, it tickles..." Xiao Hanye couldn't help but laugh softly.

"Bear with it." Ling Qianxue deliberately lingered longer on the most sensitive spot on his waist.

"Sister Qianxue is mean." Xiao Hanye pretended to be angry.

"You're the mean one." Ling Qianxue lightly patted his shoulder. "That kiss just now..."

Saying this, she blushed again.

Xiao Hanye turned back, looking at her seriously. "Sister Qianxue, that was my first kiss."

"It... it was mine too..." Ling Qianxue said softly.

"Then we're each other's first kiss." Xiao Hanye smiled happily. "Sister Qianxue, I swear, before we officially marry, besides kissing, I won't do anything improper to you."

"Who's marrying you?" Ling Qianxue chided, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her.

"Sister Qianxue..." Xiao Hanye suddenly became serious. "I know my status—I'm just a servant's son. But my feelings for you are real. I'll work hard to become strong, to become someone worthy of you."

"Hanye..." Ling Qianxue's heart softened. "In my heart, you were never a servant. You're the most important person to me."

"You..." Ling Qianxue wanted to retort but was pulled into his embrace.

This embrace was especially gentle. Xiao Hanye lightly kissed the top of her head, murmuring, "Sister Qianxue smells so good."

"Fool..." Ling Qianxue buried her face in his chest, feeling his warmth.

Just this simple embrace brought two young hearts closer. They could feel each other's heartbeats, the rhythm gradually synchronizing, as if telling the same feelings.

"Sister Qianxue, tomorrow is Awakening Day." Xiao Hanye whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her.

"Mm, I know."

"If I awaken, the first thing I'll do is become strong, strong enough to protect you."

"What if you don't awaken?"

"Then I'll become strong in other ways." Xiao Hanye said firmly. "No matter what, I'll definitely become a man worthy of you."

Ling Qianxue smiled in his arms. "Fool, you're already very good."

The two embraced quietly like this, enjoying this pure and beautiful affection.

Outside the window, moonlight like water witnessed the feelings between two youths.

What changes would tomorrow's Awakening Day bring them? But regardless of the outcome, they had already confirmed each other's feelings.

That was enough.