Chapter 30: Shadows of Deception

The night air was thick with tension as Bai Yue followed Weishan through the narrow alleyways of the city, her heart hammering in her chest. The streets were eerily quiet, the occasional flicker of lanterns casting elongated shadows against the damp stone walls.

They moved quickly, their steps silent and measured, each turn taking them deeper into the labyrinth of forgotten paths behind the bustling main roads. Bai Yue clutched the vial tightly in her palm, its cold glass a reminder of the dangerous truth they were about to uncover.

Weishan glanced back at her, his dark eyes glinting in the dim light. "Stay close. We're almost there."

Bai Yue nodded, swallowing the unease rising in her throat. She had no choice but to trust him—for now.

They finally arrived at a small, inconspicuous tea house tucked between two larger buildings. The wooden sign above the door was faded, the scent of old parchment and herbs wafting from within. Weishan pushed open the door, and Bai Yue followed him inside.

The interior was dimly lit, lined with shelves stacked high with ancient scrolls and medicinal ingredients. Behind the counter, an elderly man with sharp eyes and a long, silver beard looked up from his work. His gaze settled on Weishan, and a slow smile spread across his weathered face.

"Weishan," the man greeted in a voice that carried both wisdom and amusement. "It's been a while."

Weishan inclined his head. "Old Lin." He gestured to Bai Yue. "She needs your expertise."

Old Lin's gaze shifted to Bai Yue, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. "And what trouble have you brought me this time?"

Bai Yue stepped forward, carefully placing the vial on the counter. "I need to know what this is."

Lin's eyes darkened as he picked up the vial, holding it to the light. He swirled the dark liquid, his brows furrowing in thought. Without a word, he uncorked it and took a careful sniff.

A frown settled on his features. "Where did you get this?"

Bai Yue hesitated, exchanging a glance with Weishan before responding, "It was taken from the Bai estate."

Lin set the vial down with a heavy sigh. "This… is no ordinary substance." He looked at Bai Yue seriously. "It's a rare alchemical formula, derived from a blend of poisonous herbs and arcane minerals. It's designed not just to kill, but to control."

Bai Yue's blood ran cold. "Control?"

Lin nodded grimly. "Whoever ingests this in small amounts becomes susceptible to suggestion. It weakens their will over time, making them… compliant."

Bai Yue's stomach twisted. If the second mistress was using this, it wasn't just about gaining power—she was manipulating people from within.

Weishan's expression darkened. "How long does it take to take full effect?"

Lin rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "Weeks, perhaps months, depending on the dosage. By the time the victim realizes something is wrong, it's too late."

Bai Yue clenched her fists, anger simmering beneath the surface. "And is there an antidote?"

Lin sighed. "There is, but it's not easy to come by. The antidote requires a rare flower—Moonshade Bloom. It only grows in the mountains beyond the capital."

Weishan crossed his arms. "Then we find it."

Bai Yue took a deep breath, her mind spinning with possibilities. "If the second mistress is using this on the envoy, she could be using it on others in the Bai household as well."

Weishan nodded. "Which means we need to act before she tightens her grip any further."

Lin handed the vial back to Bai Yue, his gaze filled with quiet warning. "Be careful, girl. You're stepping into dangerous waters."

Bai Yue nodded, determination hardening her resolve. "Thank you, Master Lin."

Weishan placed a few coins on the counter before leading Bai Yue back into the night.

The journey back to the Bai estate was quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Bai Yue's grip on the vial tightened as she considered her next move. She had proof now—but exposing the second mistress without falling into her trap was another matter entirely.

"You're thinking too much again," Weishan's voice cut through the silence.

Bai Yue shot him a sideways glance. "And you don't think enough."

He smirked. "That's why we make such a good team."

Bai Yue rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the truth in his words. "We need a plan."

Weishan nodded. "We'll find the antidote first. Then, we make our move."

Bai Yue sighed. "And if she finds out what we're doing?"

Weishan's gaze turned sharp, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Then she'll regret it."

Bai Yue wasn't sure if that was a promise or a threat, but either way, she knew one thing—there was no turning back now.

The game of shadows was just beginning, and Bai Yue was determined to win.