Chapter 36: Weaving the Trap

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the Bai estate, its golden light unable to dispel the growing tension that settled over Bai Yue like a heavy cloak.

Each passing moment brought her closer to uncovering the second mistress's plans—and closer to the danger that lurked behind every ornate screen and whispered conversation.

Bai Yue stood in the central courtyard, pretending to admire the delicate koi fish gliding through the pond, but her thoughts were far from tranquil. Bai Rong's veiled threats lingered in her mind, and she knew that the second mistress's patience was wearing thin.

Weishan appeared beside her, his presence blending effortlessly with the surroundings. "You shouldn't look so tense," he murmured, his voice low but teasing. "People might think you're hiding something."

Bai Yue shot him a dry look. "I am hiding something."

He smirked. "Yes, but you should at least pretend otherwise."

She sighed, folding her hands gracefully in front of her. "Did you find anything new?"

Weishan's expression darkened slightly.

"The second mistress has been meeting with someone outside the estate. A messenger cloaked in black, no insignia. It's clear she's planning something... imminent."

Bai Yue's lips pressed into a thin line. "Then we have to act now."

Weishan nodded. "What's the plan?"

Bai Yue turned away from the pond, her eyes scanning the estate with the precision of someone who knew its every corner.

"We expose her from within.

Bai Rong may suspect me, but she's also hungry for power. If I can make her believe that the second mistress is planning to dispose of her once she's served her purpose, she might just betray her own ally."

Weishan raised a brow, impressed.

"Turning them against each other. Clever."

Bai Yue smiled faintly. "It's a game they taught me to play."

Weishan's eyes softened for a brief moment before he asked, "And how do you plan to convince Bai Rong?"

Bai Yue glanced toward the west wing, where the second mistress's chambers were located. "With proof. We still have the antidote. If Bai Rong sees it working, she'll know she's expendable."

Weishan smirked. "Manipulation suits you, Bai Yue."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it."

That evening, Bai Yue made her way toward Bai Rong's quarters, her footsteps light, her mind focused. Weishan had managed to slip a vial of the antidote into the servant's wine tray earlier, ensuring that one of Bai Rong's closest maids—who had shown early signs of poisoning—would soon begin to recover.

As Bai Yue approached the entrance, she found Bai Rong reclining on a silk divan, sipping delicately from a porcelain cup. Her gaze lifted lazily, a small smirk curving her lips.

"Cousin. To what do I owe this rare visit?"

Bai Yue smiled politely, stepping inside.

"I simply wanted to talk."

Bai Rong raised a delicate brow. "Talk?" She leaned forward.

"You've been far too quiet lately. I expected more… resistance from you."

Bai Yue's smile didn't falter. "I've simply learned to choose my battles."

Bai Rong chuckled. "And have you chosen one?"

Bai Yue studied her cousin carefully. "I think you have."

Bai Rong's smirk faded slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Explain."

Bai Yue stepped closer, lowering her voice. "The second mistress. She's using you, Bai Rong. Do you really think she intends to share power with you when her plans come to fruition?"

Bai Rong's eyes flickered with suspicion, but she remained composed. "And why would I believe anything you say?"

Bai Yue tilted her head slightly, watching as the maid standing in the corner suddenly staggered, clutching her chest. Bai Rong immediately turned, concern flashing across her face. "What's wrong with you?"

The maid took a shuddering breath, blinking rapidly before straightening, a newfound clarity in her gaze. "I… I feel… better."

Bai Rong's sharp gaze snapped back to Bai Yue, suspicion laced with intrigue. "What did you do?"

Bai Yue smiled, feigning innocence. "Nothing. Perhaps she's simply recovering from whatever 'medicine' the second mistress has been giving her."

Bai Rong's lips pressed into a thin line. "You're saying... she's been poisoned?"

Bai Yue nodded slowly.

"Not just her. Others, too. The second mistress has been controlling those closest to her with a very particular substance."

She leaned in, her voice like silk. "Do you really think you're immune?"

Bai Rong's grip tightened around her cup, her knuckles whitening. For the first time, doubt flickered in her expression.

"You lie."

Bai Yue pulled a small vial from her sleeve and placed it gently on the table.

"This is the antidote. If you don't believe me, have someone trusted test it. See for yourself."

Bai Rong stared at the vial, the cogs in her mind visibly turning. "And what do you want from me?"

Bai Yue smiled sweetly. "Only the truth. We both know the second mistress isn't someone who shares power.

Once she no longer needs you, you'll be discarded."

Bai Rong exhaled slowly, tapping her nails against the table.

"You're playing a dangerous game, cousin."

Bai Yue straightened.

"So are you. But at least I know who my enemies are."

Bai Rong stared at her for a long moment before finally nodding.

"I'll consider what you've said."

Bai Yue dipped her head respectfully and left, feeling the weight of Bai Rong's eyes on her back the entire way.

Outside, Weishan was waiting in the shadows, his arms crossed as he watched her approach. "How did it go?"

Bai Yue sighed, shaking her head. "She's suspicious but intrigued. It's a start."

Weishan chuckled. "You know, I think I enjoy watching you manipulate people."

Bai Yue shot him a glare.

"I'm not manipulating. I'm surviving."

He nodded, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "I know."

As they made their way back to her chambers, Bai Yue couldn't help but feel the pieces of her plan slowly falling into place. The second mistress's web of control was beginning to fray, and soon, it would unravel completely.

And when it did, Bai Yue would be ready.