Chapter 5: A Test of Patience

The morning mist clung to the stone pathways of the Bai estate, shrouding the grand courtyards in an eerie stillness. Bai Yue sat quietly by the window of her small room, gazing out at the bustling figures in the distance. Servants rushed about their duties, nobles dressed in extravagant silks strolled gracefully, and she once considered part of this noble world was nothing more than a shadow.

Xinya knew better than to rush. In her past life, healing required patience, precision, and strategy. And now, in this unfamiliar world where strength and power dictated survival, she would apply the same principles.

She carefully rolled up her sleeves and examined the bruises on her arms remnants of years of neglect and quiet torment. Her fingertips traced the faint scars that littered her skin.

Each mark told a story of silent suffering, and yet… there was an undeniable fire in her eyes.

They think I'm weak, she mused. Good. Let them think that for now.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she said, her voice calm but firm.

The same timid maid who had brought her meals entered cautiously, her gaze lowered. She carried a tray with another bowl of bland porridge and tea, placing it gently on the rickety table.

Xinya studied the food before looking at the maid. "Did anyone tell you to bring this?"

The maid hesitated, then nodded. "The second mistress asked me to ensure you are eating well."

Second mistress, Xinya thought. Bai Yue's distant aunt by marriage always pretending to care while subtly ensuring her slow demise.

Xinya picked up the teacup, swirling the liquid gently. The faint metallic tang of poison still lingered, though diluted compared to before. A small smile tugged at her lips. They were being careful now, which meant they were beginning to suspect she wasn't as helpless as she seemed.

Taking a slow sip, she met the maid's nervous gaze. "Tell the second mistress that I am grateful for her kindness."

The maid blinked in surprise, then quickly bowed and scurried out of the room.

Xinya set the cup down with a sigh. She would continue drinking the poison slow doses to build her resistance. It was a gamble, but one she was willing to take. In time, what was meant to weaken her would make her stronger.

Later that afternoon, Xinya took slow steps through the courtyard, each footstep deliberate and measured. She could feel the watchful gazes of the servants and other members of the Bai family. Some whispered behind their sleeves, others sneered openly.

"Looks like she's finally crawling out of her hole."

"She should just disappear quietly instead of embarrassing the Bai family."

Xinya ignored them, her expression serene. They had no idea she was observing them just as carefully, memorizing names, faces, and allegiances. She knew better than anyone that knowledge was power.

A sudden voice broke through the murmurs.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to enjoy the sunlight."

Bai Rong.

Xinya turned gracefully, facing her cousin with an expression of polite indifference. Bai Rong stood with a group of other noble girls, their laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes.

Xinya met her cousin's gaze without flinching. "I was feeling better today," she said evenly.

Bai Rong's lips curled in a sneer. "Really? I thought you enjoyed hiding away like a little rat."

Laughter rippled through the group, but Xinya remained unfazed. "Rats are quite resourceful, cousin. They survive even in the worst conditions."

Bai Rong's eyes darkened for a moment before she scoffed. "Enjoy your little stroll while you can, Bai Yue. No matter what you do, you'll always be nothing but a pitiful orphan."

Xinya smiled faintly. "We'll see."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Bai Rong fuming in her wake.

Patience, Xinya reminded herself. Strength wasn't just about physical power; it was about knowing when to strike. And her time would come.

That evening, back in the solitude of her room, Xinya sat cross-legged on the floor, focusing on her breathing. Each inhale filled her frail body with warmth, and each exhale carried away the lingering fatigue. Slowly but surely, she was reclaiming control over herself.

Her gaze shifted to the small wooden box she had gathered from the storeroom—her collection of herbs and roots. With careful hands, she began grinding the dried leaves, creating a simple tonic to aid her recovery. The familiar rhythm of preparation brought her a sense of calm.

As the mixture simmered in a small clay pot, she murmured, "Tomorrow will be better."

One step at a time. She was not the forgotten heiress they once knew. She was Lin Xinya, and she would rise.