Chapter 37: Cracks in the Foundation

The night air was heavy with the scent of blooming jasmine as Bai Yue slipped through the corridors of the Bai estate, her mind buzzing with the events of the evening. Bai Rong had taken the bait, but whether she would act on it or not remained to be seen. For now, Bai Yue had to prepare for the next move—one that would shake the foundation of the second mistress's influence.

Weishan walked silently beside her, his presence steady yet watchful. "You did well tonight," he murmured, glancing at her. "Bai Rong is too ambitious to let an opportunity slip past her."

Bai Yue sighed. "I just need her to doubt the second mistress enough to act. If she investigates the antidote and finds out the truth, she'll be forced to choose a side."

Weishan smirked. "And you're betting on her choosing her own survival."

Bai Yue nodded. "Self-preservation is a powerful motivator."

They reached her chambers, and Bai Yue hesitated at the door. "We need to be careful from now on. Bai Rong might pretend to trust me, but she won't hesitate to betray me if it benefits her."

Weishan leaned against the doorframe, his eyes dark and calculating. "That's why I'll be keeping a closer eye on you."

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

He chuckled softly. "And yet you keep getting yourself into trouble."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the small flicker of warmth his words brought. "I'll be fine."

Weishan's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he nodded. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, things will start to shift."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Bai Yue alone with her thoughts.

The next morning, Bai Yue found herself summoned to the second mistress's chambers. Anxiety churned in her stomach, but she forced herself to remain calm as she stepped through the grand doors into the lavishly decorated room.

The second mistress, draped in luxurious silk and adorned with gold hairpins, sat gracefully at a lacquered table, a serene smile playing on her lips. But Bai Yue knew better than to be fooled by appearances.

"Ah, Bai Yue," the second mistress greeted, gesturing for her to sit. "I was just thinking of you."

Bai Yue bowed respectfully and took a seat. "You honor me, mistress."

The second mistress's eyes, sharp and calculating, studied her carefully. "I have heard... troubling things."

Bai Yue's heart pounded, but she kept her expression composed. "Troubling?"

The second mistress leaned in slightly. "My dear Bai Rong has been whispering of betrayal. Of schemes in the dark."

Bai Yue's pulse quickened, but she met the mistress's gaze evenly. "Bai Rong has always been ambitious. Perhaps she seeks to sow discord."

The second mistress smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Perhaps." She reached for her cup of tea, her fingers tapping lightly against the porcelain. "You have always been a quiet girl, Bai Yue. It would be such a shame if you found yourself in... unfortunate circumstances."

Bai Yue's lips curled into a soft smile. "I only serve the Bai family, mistress. My loyalty is unwavering."

The second mistress studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Good. Loyalty is such a precious thing."

Bai Yue bowed once more and excused herself, feeling the weight of the second mistress's gaze follow her out of the room.

Back in her quarters, Bai Yue found Weishan waiting, his arms crossed and an amused expression on his face. "You're still alive. That's a good sign."

Bai Yue exhaled sharply. "She knows something's happening, but she's not sure who to trust."

Weishan's eyes darkened. "Then we need to push her further."

Bai Yue sat down, her mind racing. "Bai Rong will make her move soon. If we can intercept her next meeting, we might be able to force her into exposing the second mistress."

Weishan nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll keep watch on Bai Rong. You focus on keeping up appearances."

Bai Yue smirked. "So I play the obedient niece while you do the real work?"

He chuckled. "You play your role too well, Bai Yue."

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I just hope it's enough."

Weishan's voice softened. "It will be."

Bai Yue glanced at him, surprised by the quiet reassurance in his tone. For a moment, the tension melted away, replaced by something unspoken between them.

Then Weishan straightened, his teasing smirk returning. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, we set the final pieces in motion."

As he left, Bai Yue let out a slow breath. The second mistress's empire of secrets was beginning to crumble, but Bai Yue knew the most dangerous moments were still ahead.

And she was ready to face them.