Chapter 34: The First Step

The small wooden box containing the antidote sat on Bai Yue's desk, its golden vials glinting softly in the dim candlelight. The weight of what it represented pressed down on her like a heavy stone—hope, risk, and the first real step in their dangerous game against the second mistress.

Bai Yue traced her fingers along the carved lid, her mind racing with possibilities. "We have to be careful with how we use it," she murmured. "If we administer it too openly, the second mistress will know we're onto her."

Weishan, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watched her intently. "Agreed. We start with the envoy. If he recovers, we'll have enough leverage to challenge her."

Bai Yue nodded, but a pang of doubt gnawed at her. "If the antidote works," she said softly, "then that means everyone under her control will remember what happened."

Weishan's lips curled into a smirk. "And that's when things get interesting."

She shot him a look. "This isn't a game, Weishan."

His gaze softened, and he stepped closer, resting a hand lightly on the edge of the desk. "I know. But you have to admit, it's exhilarating, isn't it? Fighting back."

Bai Yue exhaled slowly. "I just want justice."

Weishan's eyes darkened slightly. "Justice and revenge are often the same thing."

Before Bai Yue could respond, a soft knock on the door made them both tense. Ah-Liang's familiar voice came through, barely above a whisper. "Miss Bai Yue, it's me."

Bai Yue quickly opened the door, ushering the boy inside. His eyes darted nervously between her and Weishan. "The envoy... he's not doing well. His fever's gotten worse."

Bai Yue's heart clenched. "We don't have any more time."

Weishan nodded. "Then let's move."

Navigating through the estate under the cover of darkness had become second nature to Bai Yue. She moved with practiced ease, each step silent, every shadow a familiar friend. Weishan trailed behind her, his presence steady and reassuring.

They reached the abandoned herbalist's hut where the envoy was hidden. The room was stifling, the air thick with the scent of sweat and sickness. The envoy lay on a straw mat, his face pale and his breathing labored.

Bai Yue knelt beside him, quickly pulling out a vial from the box and uncorking it. The golden liquid shimmered as she carefully tilted it to his lips. "Drink," she whispered, supporting his head gently.

The envoy groaned weakly but obeyed, swallowing the antidote in slow, shaky gulps.

Weishan stood watch by the door, his sharp eyes scanning the outside for any sign of intruders. "How long will it take?" he asked over his shoulder.

Bai Yue wiped the envoy's brow, her expression unreadable. "I'm not sure. It depends on how much damage has already been done."

Minutes passed in tense silence. Bai Yue remained by the envoy's side, watching for any signs of change. Slowly, the trembling in his hands eased, and his breathing, though still shallow, grew steadier.

Weishan glanced down at her. "It's working."

Bai Yue exhaled a relieved breath. "We'll have to monitor him closely. If he wakes up and remembers everything, we'll know we're on the right path."

Weishan smirked. "And if he doesn't?"

Bai Yue's expression hardened. "Then we find another way."

As the hours crept by, Bai Yue remained at the envoy's side, fatigue weighing heavily on her. She barely noticed when Weishan draped a thin blanket over her shoulders, his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary.

"You should rest," he murmured, his voice unusually gentle.

Bai Yue shook her head. "I can't. Not yet."

He sighed, sitting down beside her, their shoulders almost touching. "You're relentless."

She offered a tired smile. "I have to be."

Weishan leaned back against the wall, watching her with a look she couldn't quite decipher. "You know," he said after a moment, "most people would have walked away by now."

Bai Yue's smile faded. "I've spent too much of my life running, Weishan. I can't run anymore."

He was quiet for a long moment before murmuring, "Then I suppose I'll have to stay and fight with you."

Bai Yue glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. For once, there was no teasing, no smug arrogance—just quiet resolve.

Before she could respond, a weak voice rasped from the mat. "Wh-where am I?"

Bai Yue and Weishan both turned their attention to the envoy, who blinked up at them with hazy confusion. Bai Yue leaned forward, placing a calming hand on his arm. "You're safe. You've been poisoned, but I gave you an antidote."

The envoy's brow furrowed. "Poisoned... by whom?"

Bai Yue hesitated, then asked gently, "What do you remember?"

The envoy's eyes darted around the room before settling on her. "I remember... the second mistress. She gave me medicine. Said it would make me strong for my duties." His eyes widened with sudden realization. "But... it made me weak. It clouded my thoughts."

Bai Yue exchanged a look with Weishan. They had their proof.

The envoy's grip on Bai Yue's hand tightened weakly. "You have to stop her. She's... planning something dangerous."

Bai Yue's heart pounded. "What is she planning?"

The envoy struggled to speak, his strength waning. "She... she has a contact within the Imperial Court. They're planning a... coup. The poison... it's just the beginning."

Bai Yue's blood ran cold. The second mistress wasn't just securing power within the estate—she was reaching beyond it, setting plans in motion that could threaten the entire empire.

Weishan's expression darkened. "We need to move."

Bai Yue nodded, her mind racing. "We'll get you out of here first. Then, we'll expose her."

The envoy's eyes fluttered shut again, exhaustion overtaking him, but Bai Yue felt a new sense of urgency burning in her chest.

The second mistress's game was far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.

And now, she had no choice but to end it.