Chapter 32: The Calm Before the Storm

The morning air was crisp, yet it did nothing to ease the heavy weight pressing against Bai Yue's chest. She sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in the polished bronze mirror. Dark circles lined her eyes from a restless night, and the tension in her shoulders refused to fade.

She reached out to pour herself a cup of tea, her fingers trembling slightly. Control yourself, Bai Yue. You can't afford to show weakness now.

A sharp knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened, taking a deep breath before answering. "Come in."

Ah-Liang stepped inside, his face pale and drawn. "Miss Bai Yue, I found out something."

She set her cup down and motioned for him to continue.

"I overheard some of the maids talking about Madam Rong's personal attendants," Ah-Liang whispered, stepping closer. "One of them collapsed in the kitchens yesterday. They say she was healthy before, but now she barely speaks, and she's too weak to stand."

Bai Yue's heart clenched. "Is she still in the servants' quarters?"

Ah-Liang nodded. "Yes, but the second mistress has ordered the physician to keep it quiet. No one is allowed to visit."

Bai Yue stood abruptly, pacing the room. "If she's been poisoned with the same substance, she could be the key to exposing everything."

Ah-Liang swallowed nervously. "Miss Bai Yue, if the second mistress finds out you're investigating this…"

"I know." Bai Yue met his worried gaze. "But we don't have a choice."

Later that afternoon, Bai Yue made her way to the servants' quarters, careful to keep her pace unhurried and her expression composed. She carried a tray of medicinal tea, a guise that would hopefully allow her entry without raising suspicion.

As she approached the narrow corridor leading to the infirmary, she spotted a guard stationed at the door—one of Madam Rong's most loyal men.

Bai Yue paused for a moment, considering her options. Just as she was about to turn back, a familiar presence appeared beside her.

Weishan.

He leaned casually against the wall, his dark eyes watching her with amusement. "You're not exactly subtle, you know."

Bai Yue rolled her eyes but kept her voice low. "I need to get inside."

Weishan smirked. "Lucky for you, I enjoy distractions."

Before Bai Yue could protest, he stepped forward, approaching the guard with his usual smooth confidence. "Ah, friend," Weishan greeted, clapping the man on the shoulder. "I was looking for you."

The guard frowned. "What do you want?"

Weishan's expression turned conspiratorial. "There's been talk of… certain activities within the estate." He lowered his voice, forcing the guard to lean in. "Wouldn't want the wrong people finding out, would we?"

Bai Yue seized the moment and slipped past unnoticed, her heart pounding in her chest. Once inside, she shut the door softly behind her and scanned the small room.

On a cot in the corner lay a frail-looking young woman, her skin pale and clammy, her breathing shallow. Bai Yue hurried to her side, setting down the tray and gently pressing her fingers to the woman's wrist.

Weak pulse. Cold extremities. She's definitely been poisoned.

Bai Yue quickly examined the woman's eyes and lips, noting the same faint discoloration she had seen in the envoy. There was no doubt now—the second mistress had been administering the substance to those closest to her.

The woman's eyelids fluttered, and she looked up weakly. "Who…?"

"I'm here to help," Bai Yue whispered. "Try to stay awake. Do you remember what you were given?"

The woman's lips trembled. "Mistress… medicine… she said it would make me stronger."

Bai Yue's jaw tightened. "And how long have you been taking it?"

"…weeks…"

A wave of anger surged through Bai Yue, but she forced herself to remain calm. "I'll get you out of here, but you need to hold on."

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Bai Yue's heart stopped.

"Looking for something?"

Bai Rong's cold voice cut through the silence, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she stepped inside. Two guards flanked her, their expressions impassive.

Bai Yue quickly stood, schooling her face into polite indifference. "I was just delivering medicine."

Bai Rong's smile didn't reach her eyes. "How kind of you, cousin. But I think you've overstayed your welcome."

Bai Yue forced a smile, stepping back toward the door. "Of course. I wouldn't want to interfere with the mistress's affairs."

Bai Rong's gaze lingered on her, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Indeed."

As Bai Yue left the room, she found Weishan waiting in the corridor, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His expression darkened the moment he saw Bai Rong exit behind her.

"Making friends, are we?" he murmured.

Bai Yue shot him a look. "Let's go."

They walked in silence until they reached the safety of Bai Yue's chambers. Once inside, Bai Yue leaned against the door, exhaling heavily. "That was too close."

Weishan studied her, his eyes sharp. "What did you find out?"

Bai Yue sat down, her hands trembling slightly. "She's been poisoned, just like the envoy. Bai Rong's watching everything closely, which means we don't have much time left."

Weishan nodded. "Then we move forward."

Bai Yue looked up at him, determination burning in her eyes. "We need to get the antidote, and we need to expose the second mistress before she silences everyone who knows the truth."

Weishan smirked, but there was an edge of seriousness beneath it. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Bai Yue took a deep breath. The storm was coming, and she was ready to face it.

With Weishan by her side, she knew they had a fighting chance.