Chapter 35: The Silent War Begins

Bai Yue sat beside the envoy's unconscious form, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The revelation that the second mistress was orchestrating a coup sent shivers down her spine. It was no longer just about the estate; this was a threat to the entire empire.

Weishan crouched beside her, his expression unreadable. "We can't keep him here much longer. If Bai Rong or the second mistress gets wind of this, they'll kill him before he can speak again."

Bai Yue nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "We need to move him somewhere safe."

Weishan studied her for a moment before offering a suggestion. "There's an old temple outside the city, abandoned but structurally sound. Few people go there anymore—it could serve as a temporary hiding spot."

Bai Yue considered it. "It's risky."

He smirked. "Everything we do is risky."

With a sigh, Bai Yue looked down at the envoy. He was still pale, his breathing shallow but steady. They couldn't afford to wait. "Fine. Let's do it."

Weishan stood, offering his hand to help her up. Bai Yue hesitated for a moment before taking it, his grip firm and reassuring.

Slipping out of the Bai estate under the cover of darkness had become second nature to Bai Yue, but this time, the stakes felt higher than ever. Weishan carried the envoy with practiced ease, his movements silent as they navigated through the servant's passageway and into the night.

The temple was further than Bai Yue had anticipated, nestled deep in the outskirts of the city, surrounded by dense forest and the remnants of forgotten history. Its once-grand pillars were now covered in moss, and the scent of damp earth lingered in the air.

Inside, Bai Yue quickly set up a makeshift cot using her cloak and assessed the envoy's condition. "He needs rest, but he's stable for now."

Weishan stood by the entrance, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. "We won't be safe for long. Someone will notice his absence."

Bai Yue sighed, rubbing her temples. "Then we have to act before they do."

Weishan turned to her, his expression serious. "What's your next move?"

Bai Yue swallowed, feeling the weight of the decision before her. "I need to get close to the second mistress—closer than ever. If she's planning a coup, she's bound to slip eventually. But I need more evidence."

Weishan frowned. "You're putting yourself right in her sights."

"I know." Bai Yue met his gaze. "But it's the only way."

There was a long silence before Weishan sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. "Then I'll have to stay close to you."

Bai Yue arched a brow. "You already do."

He smirked, the teasing glint in his eyes returning for a brief moment. "True."

She shook her head but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Let's go back. The longer we stay away, the more suspicious it looks."

The Bai estate was quiet when they returned, but Bai Yue knew that silence could be deceiving. As she slipped back into her quarters, she found Ah-Liang waiting anxiously.

"Miss Bai Yue," he whispered urgently, "Bai Rong has been asking questions all night. She's convinced you're hiding something."

Bai Yue's heart sank. "I expected as much."

Ah-Liang bit his lip. "She even spoke with the second mistress."

Bai Yue clenched her fists. "Then we're running out of time."

She turned to Weishan. "We need to accelerate our plan. I'll speak with Bai Rong directly and try to divert suspicion. Meanwhile, can you keep an eye on the second mistress?"

Weishan nodded. "Consider it done."

Bai Yue squared her shoulders, preparing herself for the inevitable confrontation with Bai Rong.

Bai Yue found Bai Rong in the grand hall the next morning, her cousin lounging elegantly with a cup of tea in hand, a sharp smile playing on her lips.

"Cousin," Bai Rong purred, her eyes glinting with thinly veiled malice. "You've been keeping yourself quite busy lately."

Bai Yue returned the smile, feigning ignorance. "I've been tending to my usual duties. Why the sudden interest?"

Bai Rong's eyes narrowed. "Oh, just some… interesting rumors. I hear you've been quite the night wanderer."

Bai Yue chuckled softly. "I do enjoy a walk under the moonlight."

Bai Rong's smile didn't falter, but her voice turned cold. "I'd be careful if I were you, Bai Yue. The second mistress doesn't take kindly to those who step out of line."

Bai Yue met her gaze head-on. "Thank you for your concern, cousin. But I assure you, I have nothing to hide."

Bai Rong tilted her head, clearly unsatisfied. "We'll see."

Bai Yue bowed politely and walked away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Later that evening, Weishan found her by the lotus pond, his expression unreadable. "Bai Rong's watching you closely."

Bai Yue sighed. "I know. But I think she's waiting for something—waiting for me to make a mistake."

Weishan smirked. "Then don't."

She rolled her eyes. "Easier said than done."

His gaze softened slightly, and he reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You're doing better than you think, Bai Yue."

She blinked up at him, surprised by the rare show of gentleness.

Before she could respond, he stepped back. "Come on. We have a coup to stop."

Bai Yue nodded, determination hardening in her chest. The second mistress's days of control were numbered.

And Bai Yue would make sure of it.