Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a soft silver glow over the Bai estate. The usually lively courtyard was now silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. Bai Yue sat near her window, gazing out into the night, her thoughts wandering to the fragments of Bai Yue's past that still lingered in her mind like faded ink on an old scroll.

Despite the weakness of her current body, Xinya's mind remained sharp. Memories surfaced unbidden—images of a lonely young girl wandering the corridors of the Bai estate, watching from the shadows as others thrived under the attention of the elders. Bai Yue had been invisible to them, a forgotten presence lost in the grandeur of the family name.

Xinya's fingers tightened around the edge of the wooden windowsill.

"No more," she whispered to herself.

She had spent too long living cautiously, regaining her strength in secret. But now, it was time to take her first step beyond mere survival. If she wanted to change her fate, she had to face the Bai family head-on.

The next morning, Xinya dressed carefully, choosing a modest but clean set of robes that Bai Yue once owned. Though they were plain compared to the extravagant silks worn by her cousins, they were enough to mark her status as a Bai. She examined her reflection in the cracked mirror, taking in the pale, fragile features that had once belonged to someone helpless.

Let them see me as weak, she thought. For now.

With a deep breath, she stepped out of her small courtyard and made her way toward the central hall, where the Bai family gathered for morning greetings. Servants whispered as she passed, some startled by her sudden appearance. She ignored them, keeping her gaze forward.

Upon entering the hall, she was met with curious stares. The grand room, adorned with golden embroidery and intricate carvings, was filled with the members of the Bai family enjoying an elaborate breakfast. The clinking of porcelain and murmured conversations filled the air, but they all paused the moment she stepped in.

Bai Rong was the first to break the silence.

"Well, well, if it isn't our dear Bai Yue," she said with a saccharine smile. "I thought you had forgotten your place here."

Xinya met her gaze steadily and bowed with grace. "Good morning, cousin."

Bai Rong's smile faltered slightly at the polite yet distant response, but before she could say more, a cold voice rang from the head of the table.

"That's enough, Rong."

Bai Zemin, the head of the Bai family, sat at the highest seat, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Xinya with a gaze that could pierce through stone. He was an imposing man, his presence alone commanding respect.

Xinya lowered her gaze slightly, showing the appropriate deference. "Uncle."

Bai Zemin studied her for a moment before speaking. "You have been absent from family gatherings for some time, Bai Yue. Have you been ill?"

Xinya met his gaze with a soft but steady expression. "Yes, uncle. I've been unwell, but I am recovering now."

Bai Zemin nodded, but his expression remained unreadable. "It's good that you're recovering. See to it that you don't neglect your responsibilities any further."

Xinya bowed again, silently assessing the situation. Despite the cold treatment, there was a sense of curiosity in his eyes. The Bai family had written her off as useless, but now that she had shown herself again, they were watching.

Bai Rong, not willing to let things end so simply, leaned forward. "Father, since Bai Yue is feeling better, shouldn't she contribute to the household? Surely, she wouldn't want to be a burden forever."

Xinya looked at her cousin, already sensing where this was headed. Bai Rong wanted to publicly humiliate her, force her into a task that would highlight her weakness.

Instead of resisting, Xinya smiled lightly. "I agree. I'd be more than happy to help however I can."

Bai Rong's smug expression faltered. She hadn't expected such an easy concession.

Bai Zemin gave a small nod. "Very well. You will assist in managing the herbal stores."

Xinya's heart skipped a beat. The herbal stores… A chance to regain access to medicine, ingredients, and information. She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Uncle. I will do my best."

Bai Rong scowled but said nothing, while Xinya hid her satisfaction behind a composed expression. This was exactly what she needed—a way to strengthen herself while remaining under the radar.

Later that day, Xinya found herself in the dimly lit herbal storeroom, rows upon rows of medicinal ingredients stacked on the shelves. The faint, earthy aroma of dried herbs filled the air, and for the first time since she arrived in this world, she felt a sense of familiarity.

Running her fingers along the various jars and bundles, she examined their contents carefully. Some were low-quality, others improperly stored, but there were enough useful herbs to work with.

Her mind whirred with possibilities. If she played her cards right, she could use this opportunity to build her strength faster, create antidotes, and even earn a place within the household.

As she sorted through the supplies, the sound of soft footsteps caught her attention. Turning, she saw the same young servant boy from the gardens standing in the doorway, watching her curiously.

"You again," Xinya said, arching an eyebrow.

The boy grinned shyly. "I heard you were coming here. Thought you might need some help."

Xinya studied him for a moment before nodding. "What's your name?"

"Ah-Liang," he replied. "I know where everything is in here."

Xinya smiled slightly. "Good. Then you'll be useful."

As Ah-Liang eagerly moved to assist her, Xinya's mind raced with plans. The Bai family thought they had given her a simple task to keep her occupied, but little did they know that they had just handed her the perfect weapon.

One step at a time, she would reclaim control over her life.