Chapter 17: The Banquet of Masks

The grand banquet hall of the Imperial capital was a sight to behold—golden chandeliers illuminated the vast space, casting a warm glow over polished marble floors and towering silk drapes embroidered with intricate phoenix motifs. The air was thick with the scent of fragrant wines, roasted meats, and the delicate aroma of blooming peonies.

Bai Yue stepped cautiously into the hall, her eyes scanning the room with careful precision. She was no stranger to opulence, but tonight, amidst the laughter and clinking glasses, she felt like an outsider.

Dressed in her pale lavender robes, she moved with a quiet grace that belied the tension coiling in her stomach. Every glance in her direction carried whispers—some filled with curiosity, others laced with disdain.

Bai Rong, walking just ahead of her, wore a smug smile. "Try not to embarrass me tonight, Bai Yue," she said sweetly, though the venom in her tone was unmistakable.

Bai Yue merely inclined her head. "Of course, cousin."

But she was not here to entertain Bai Rong's petty games. Tonight, she had a purpose—to observe, to listen, and perhaps, to uncover something valuable about the Bai family's hidden dealings.

And, of course, there was him.

Li Weishan stood near one of the grand pillars, clad in midnight black robes embroidered with faint gold patterns that shimmered subtly under the light. His presence was like a dark storm cloud in the middle of the vibrant gathering, commanding attention without trying.

Bai Yue felt his gaze before she even looked in his direction. When their eyes met, a slow smirk tugged at his lips, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

She took a steady breath and ignored him, focusing instead on the noble guests mingling across the room. It was safer that way.

The banquet proceeded smoothly, with nobles exchanging pleasantries and alliances masked behind polite conversation. Bai Yue sat quietly at her assigned seat, pushing food around her plate while discreetly eavesdropping on the surrounding conversations.

From what she could gather, the Bai family's reputation in the capital was far from solid. Whispers of scandal and financial troubles lingered in the air like a persistent shadow.

As she listened intently, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You should eat."

She turned her head sharply, only to find Weishan seated beside her, his dark eyes watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I'm not hungry," she replied smoothly, though her pulse quickened at his proximity.

He leaned in slightly, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. "You'll need your strength. These people are wolves."

Bai Yue glanced around the hall, noting the predatory glints in the eyes of certain nobles. "I know."

Weishan's gaze darkened. "Then act like it."

His words were a challenge, one she wasn't willing to back down from. Lifting her cup of tea, she sipped calmly and said, "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself."

He chuckled softly, the sound rich and laced with something almost possessive. "Of course you can. But it doesn't mean I won't be watching."

Bai Yue shot him a sharp look. "I didn't ask you to."

Weishan smiled, that infuriatingly confident smile that made her blood simmer. "And yet, here I am."

Before she could reply, Bai Rong approached with a group of nobles, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, Bai Yue, how fortunate you are to have such attentive company," she said, her gaze flicking between them.

Bai Yue offered a polite smile, unwilling to engage in Bai Rong's games. "I'm sure the banquet offers many interesting guests."

Bai Rong laughed, the sound light but pointed. "Indeed. But not all guests are welcome, are they?"

Weishan's expression remained impassive, but there was an unmistakable chill in the air as he spoke. "Some guests don't need an invitation to make themselves at home."

Bai Rong's smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Enjoy the evening," she said before sauntering off.

Bai Yue sighed, rubbing her temples. "You really don't make things easier for me."

Weishan leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "I'm not here to make things easy. I'm here to make sure you survive."

Bai Yue's heart raced, but she refused to let him see the effect he had on her. "I don't need you to protect me, Weishan."

His gaze softened, just a fraction. "Perhaps not. But I'll do it anyway."

As the evening wore on, Bai Yue noticed a man watching her from across the room. His face was unfamiliar, but his intense gaze sent warning signals through her mind.

Weishan noticed too.

Before she could react, Weishan placed a hand lightly on her wrist under the table, his grip firm but not forceful. "Do you know who that is?" he asked, his voice dark with suspicion.

Bai Yue shook her head slightly. "No. But I intend to find out."

Weishan's grip tightened slightly. "Be careful."

The possessiveness in his voice was undeniable, and for once, Bai Yue didn't push him away.

When the banquet finally drew to a close, Bai Yue stepped out onto one of the balconies to breathe in the crisp night air. The sounds of laughter and music filtered through the grand hall, but out here, it was peaceful.

She leaned against the railing, lost in thought, when she felt Weishan's presence behind her.

"You shouldn't be out here alone," he said, his voice softer now.

Bai Yue turned to him, studying his face under the moonlight. "Why do you care so much?"

Weishan stared at her for a long moment before speaking. "Because someone has to."

His answer was simple, yet it held a weight that made her chest tighten.

Bai Yue looked away, suddenly unsure of how to respond. "I've survived this long on my own."

Weishan stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers on the railing. "You don't have to anymore."

Bai Yue felt her resolve waver. She should push him away, set boundaries, but instead, she found herself standing still, caught in the quiet storm that was Li Weishan.

The moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and the undeniable tension that neither of them dared to acknowledge.

Finally, Bai Yue exhaled and pulled away. "Let's go inside."

Weishan's lips twitched, but he didn't argue. "As you wish."

As they re-entered the banquet hall, Bai Yue couldn't help but feel that things were spiraling far beyond her control. And yet, a part of her wondered if, just maybe, that wasn't such a bad thing.