Chapter 31: Gathering Storms

The Bai estate loomed before them like a sleeping beast, its elegant walls hiding the dark secrets that Bai Yue and Weishan now carried with them. The knowledge of the alchemical poison weighed heavily on Bai Yue's mind as they slipped through the outer courtyard under the veil of night.

"We should split up," Bai Yue whispered, glancing around to ensure no one was watching. "If we're seen together too often, Bai Rong will get suspicious."

Weishan's eyes narrowed. "You think she isn't already?"

Bai Yue sighed. "All the more reason to be careful."

He studied her for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But don't do anything reckless."

Bai Yue rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine."

Weishan leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing but laced with something deeper. "That's what worries me."

Before she could respond, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Bai Yue standing alone in the dimly lit corridor. She took a steadying breath, adjusting her robes before making her way back to her quarters.

Inside the safety of her room, Bai Yue carefully unwrapped the vial and placed it on her desk. The dark liquid inside shimmered ominously under the candlelight, a constant reminder of how deep the second mistress's schemes ran.

Who else has been poisoned?

The envoy was one victim, but Bai Yue couldn't shake the feeling that others might have already fallen under the second mistress's influence.

She needed to act.

Grabbing a fresh sheet of parchment, Bai Yue began to draft a list of those closest to the second mistress—servants, advisors, even her father's trusted officials. If she could identify who had been affected, she might find a way to turn the tide.

A soft knock on the door made her pause. "Miss Bai Yue?"

Recognizing Ah-Liang's voice, she quickly concealed the vial and opened the door.

Ah-Liang slipped inside, wringing his hands nervously. "Miss, something's happening. The second mistress has summoned several servants to the west wing. They say she's furious."

Bai Yue's heart clenched. "Did she find out about the missing envoy?"

Ah-Liang hesitated before nodding. "I think so. The guards are on high alert, and Bai Rong has been going around asking questions."

Bai Yue cursed under her breath. If Bai Rong suspected her involvement, it was only a matter of time before the second mistress made a move against her.

"Ah-Liang," Bai Yue said, keeping her voice steady, "I need you to do something for me."

Ah-Liang swallowed hard. "Anything, Miss."

"Find out if any of the second mistress's close attendants have been acting strangely lately—more forgetful, weak, or... obedient."

Ah-Liang's eyes widened. "You think… they've been poisoned too?"

Bai Yue nodded grimly. "I suspect so."

Ah-Liang nodded quickly. "I'll see what I can find out."

As he left, Bai Yue sank onto her stool, her mind racing. Time was running out.

Later that night, Bai Yue made her way toward the inner courtyard, careful to stay hidden among the shadows. Weishan had told her to wait, but she couldn't sit idly by while the second mistress strengthened her hold over the estate.

As she neared the west wing, she heard voices—low, hushed murmurs carried by the wind. She pressed herself against the stone wall, inching closer.

"...the envoy couldn't have gone far," Bai Rong's sharp voice carried through the night. "He was weak, sick. Someone must have helped him."

A male voice replied, rough and commanding. "We're searching everywhere. If Bai Yue had anything to do with it, we'll find out soon enough."

Bai Yue's fingers curled into fists. They're already suspecting me.

She knew she had to be careful. Taking a deep breath, she slipped away before she could be seen, her mind racing with possibilities.

As she made her way back through the servant's corridor, a figure stepped out from the shadows, causing her to stifle a gasp.

Weishan.

"You don't listen," he murmured, crossing his arms.

Bai Yue exhaled, composing herself. "I needed to know what they were saying."

Weishan stepped closer, his dark eyes scanning her face. "And?"

"They're suspicious. They know the envoy had help."

Weishan's expression darkened. "Then we don't have much time."

Bai Yue nodded. "I have Ah-Liang looking into the servants. If we can confirm more victims, we might have leverage."

Weishan smirked slightly. "You're more cunning than I gave you credit for."

Bai Yue crossed her arms. "I'll take that as a compliment."

His smirk deepened, but it quickly faded as his gaze grew serious. "Stay in your quarters tonight. The second mistress is getting desperate."

Bai Yue frowned. "And what about you?"

Weishan hesitated before brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering longer than necessary. "I'll handle things from the outside. You just stay alive."

Bai Yue swallowed, feeling the warmth of his fingers even after he stepped away. "Fine. But be careful."

He chuckled softly. "I should be telling you that."

With a final glance, he disappeared into the night once more, leaving Bai Yue alone with the weight of her thoughts.

The night passed slowly, Bai Yue lying awake in bed, listening to the faint rustling of leaves outside her window. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant murmur of the guards made her heart pound.

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming—something far more dangerous than she had anticipated.

And when it did, she had to be ready.

As the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Bai Yue sat up, her resolve solidifying.

The second mistress wasn't the only one who could play this game.

Bai Yue was ready to fight back.