Qui Song stood at the center of the reception hall, his chest puffed out with the arrogant authority of a man who believed the universe revolved around his intellect.

Three years later.

The Wei Merchant Syndicate had expanded across four provinces, becoming the most powerful trade network in the eastern realm. Under my direct leadership, our family's wealth and political standing reached unprecedented heights.

I sat in the high courtyard of the new Wei Central Headquarters, reviewing the quarterly trade manifests.

Xiaoi stepped into the pavilion, placing a fresh cup of jasmine tea on my desk, followed by a thick letter bearing the seal of the Northern Village Academy.

"A report from the schoolmaster, Lady Wei," Xiaoi said respectfully.

I opened the letter and read through the neat calligraphy.

The report detailed Yuan and Mei’s progress. After three years of living simply in the countryside, working in the gardens, cooking their own simple meals, and attending the humble village school, both children had transformed completely.

Yuan had become the top student in his class, showing genuine humility and a fierce work ethic, while Mei had learned to weave and care for others, often writing long, respectful letters to the Wei estate, expressing her deep gratitude for the monthly grain and books sent to them.

As for Qui Song, he worked as a low-level clerk for the village magistrate, earning a meager wage, living quietly in the shadow of the scholar he had once dreamed of becoming. He never remarried, nor did he ever dare to speak my name in public again.

I folded the letter neatly and placed it in my drawer.

"Shall I prepare a reply, Lady Wei?" Xiaoi asked.

"Send them the next semester's tuition fees," I replied softly, looking out over the sprawling, sunlit city below my estate. "And tell the schoolmaster that if Yuan passes his preliminary examinations next spring, he may apply for an entry internship at the Wei Guild—as an ordinary clerk, starting from the bottom."

"Yes, My Lady," Xiaoi bowed with a warm, proud smile.

I picked up my teacup, looking down at the red phoenix bracelet resting gracefully around my wrist.

I had supported a man who did not deserve me, raised children who needed to learn the value of love, and dismantled a betrayal before it could destroy my life.

I had not shed a single tear.