Chapter 28: Into the Lion’s Den

The moon hung high in the night sky as Bai Yue and Weishan slipped through the Bai estate's narrow corridors once more, the air thick with anticipation. The stolen ledger pages tucked safely inside her robes felt like they weighed a hundred stones, but she knew they weren't enough. They needed tangible proof—evidence that could expose the second mistress's treachery without a shadow of doubt.

The west wing was their destination.

Bai Yue's heart pounded as they reached the secluded passage leading to the forbidden section of the estate. The corridor was dimly lit, and the occasional flicker of lantern light cast ghostly shadows against the walls.

Weishan, moving with the same effortless grace that both reassured and unnerved her, pressed a hand against her back, guiding her forward. "Stay close. We only get one chance at this."

She nodded, swallowing her nerves. "I know."

They reached the west wing's entrance—a pair of ornate doors guarded by two sentries standing rigid and alert. Bai Yue quickly assessed their positioning, her mind racing. "How do we get past them?"

Weishan smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. "Leave that to me."

Before Bai Yue could protest, he stepped into the dim light, his posture casual as he approached the guards with an air of effortless confidence. "Evening, gentlemen," he greeted smoothly.

The guards stiffened immediately, their hands going to their weapons. "Who goes there?"

Weishan smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Just a wandering noble who's lost his way."

Bai Yue, hidden in the shadows, held her breath as the guards exchanged wary glances. She knew Weishan had a way with words, but this was a dangerous gamble.

"I don't believe you're allowed in this part of the estate," one of the guards said suspiciously.

Weishan chuckled, stepping closer, his voice lowering into a conspiratorial tone. "Come now, surely a man can take a detour without causing alarm. I hear interesting things happen in the west wing at night."

The guards frowned, but before they could respond, Weishan's hand moved like lightning, a swift strike to the pressure points at their necks sending both men crumpling to the ground without a sound.

Bai Yue stepped out from the shadows, staring at him in disbelief. "You couldn't have just talked your way through?"

Weishan grinned, kneeling to adjust one of the unconscious guard's collars. "Where's the fun in that?"

Bai Yue rolled her eyes and pushed the doors open cautiously, slipping inside.

The west wing was unlike the rest of the estate. The air was thick with incense, and the floors were lined with plush carpets embroidered with intricate gold patterns. Bai Yue felt a chill creep down her spine as they moved deeper into the wing, every step echoing in the eerie silence.

"We need to find the storeroom," she whispered. "If the second mistress is hiding something, it will be there."

Weishan nodded, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "Lead the way."

Navigating through the dimly lit halls, Bai Yue felt the familiar stirrings of anxiety. They were walking straight into the heart of the second mistress's operations, and if they were caught… she didn't want to think about the consequences.

Finally, they reached the storeroom—an imposing wooden door reinforced with thick iron locks. Bai Yue reached into her robes and pulled out a slender hairpin, expertly sliding it into the lock with practiced ease.

Weishan raised a brow. "You're full of surprises."

She didn't respond, focusing entirely on the delicate click of tumblers falling into place. After a tense moment, the lock gave way, and the door creaked open.

Inside, shelves upon shelves of labeled crates lined the walls, each meticulously marked with names Bai Yue didn't recognize. But one in particular caught her eye—Crimson Lotus.

Bai Yue hurried to the crate, prying it open carefully. Inside, neatly packed bundles of vials glistened in the dim light. She picked one up, holding it to the lantern's glow. The liquid inside was dark, almost black, with a faint metallic shimmer.

Weishan took one and held it up, his expression grim. "This isn't medicine. This is something else entirely."

Bai Yue examined the label, her stomach sinking. "These aren't herbs… they're alchemical extracts."

Weishan's gaze darkened. "And not the kind used to heal people."

Bai Yue felt a knot form in her stomach. The second mistress wasn't just involved in illicit trade—she was dealing in dangerous alchemy, possibly weaponized substances. If this reached the wrong hands, the consequences could be devastating.

"We need to get this to someone who can analyze it," Bai Yue murmured. "This might be the proof we need."

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps made them both freeze.

Weishan reacted instantly, grabbing Bai Yue and pulling her behind a stack of crates. They barely had time to hide before the door swung open, and Bai Yue peeked through the narrow gap between the boxes.

Bai Rong stepped inside, flanked by two guards. Her expression was smug, and her voice dripped with satisfaction. "Check the inventory. I want to make sure nothing is missing."

Bai Yue's heart pounded as the guards began moving through the storeroom, their torches flickering ominously.

Weishan leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "We need to get out, now."

Bai Yue nodded, carefully clutching the vial she had taken. As the guards moved toward the back of the room, Weishan signaled for her to follow him silently toward the door.

Step by step, they edged toward the exit, hearts hammering in their chests. Just as they reached the door, Bai Rong's voice rang out.

"Stop!"

Bai Yue's breath hitched, and for a moment, she was certain they had been caught. But when she glanced back, she realized Bai Rong was speaking to the guards.

"I don't trust these shipments," Bai Rong continued. "Double the security from now on."

Taking advantage of the distraction, Weishan slipped through the door, pulling Bai Yue with him. They moved swiftly through the corridors, not stopping until they were safely hidden in the garden beyond the estate walls.

Bai Yue leaned against a tree, catching her breath. "That was too close."

Weishan studied her, a rare flicker of concern in his eyes. "You did well."

Bai Yue held up the vial, determination burning in her gaze. "We have what we need. Now, we just have to figure out what it means."

Weishan smirked, his fingers lightly brushing over hers as he took the vial. "We will. Together."

Bai Yue looked at him, her heartbeat slowing but the weight of their mission pressing down on her. There was no turning back now.

The web of intrigue around the Bai estate was growing tighter, and Bai Yue was caught at the center of it—whether she liked it or not.