Chapter 38: The Threads Tighten

Morning light streamed through Bai Yue's chamber, but instead of the usual warmth it brought, she felt only the suffocating weight of what lay ahead. The second mistress was suspicious, Bai Rong was wavering, and Weishan's ever-watchful presence reminded her that danger lurked behind every ornate screen and whispered conversation.

Seated at her vanity, Bai Yue traced the rim of her teacup, deep in thought. The second mistress is waiting for someone to slip up. If I make a wrong move, everything falls apart.

A soft knock at the door broke through her thoughts. Bai Yue stood and opened it cautiously, finding Ah-Liang outside, his face pale with worry. "Miss Bai Yue," he whispered urgently, glancing over his shoulder. "There's movement in the west wing. Bai Rong summoned the house steward this morning."

Bai Yue's grip on the door tightened. "Did you hear anything?"

Ah-Liang nodded, swallowing hard. "They're preparing something... something big. The second mistress has ordered all guards to report to her chambers tonight. And... there was talk of an arrival."

Bai Yue's eyes narrowed. "An arrival?"

Ah-Liang glanced around nervously. "I think she's bringing someone from the capital."

Bai Yue felt her heart skip a beat. The pieces were falling into place faster than she had anticipated. If an Imperial official was truly coming, it meant the second mistress was moving forward with her coup. There was no more time to hesitate.

"Thank you, Ah-Liang. Stay out of sight and report back if you hear anything else."

He nodded and hurried away, leaving Bai Yue with a growing sense of urgency.

Inside the grand hall, the air was thick with tension. Bai Yue had decided to make an appearance, blending into the gathering of noblewomen sipping tea and exchanging pleasantries. She could feel Bai Rong's eyes on her from across the room, a predatory gleam in them that sent a shiver down her spine.

Weishan appeared at her side as if summoned by her thoughts, his presence solid and reassuring. "Your cousin is watching you like a hawk," he murmured, his lips barely moving. "She's up to something."

Bai Yue didn't glance at him, keeping her expression serene. "I know. We need to strike before she does."

Weishan smirked. "I do love it when you talk like that."

Bai Yue resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I need you to get into the west wing tonight. Whatever they're preparing, I need to know before it's too late."

Weishan's eyes darkened. "Consider it done."

Just then, Bai Rong sauntered toward them, her silk robes rustling like the whisper of a snake. "Cousin," she purred, her smile too sweet to be genuine. "You seem awfully... composed today."

Bai Yue met her gaze without flinching. "Should I be otherwise?"

Bai Rong's smile widened, but her eyes gleamed with malice. "I heard the second mistress has taken quite an interest in you lately. It's rare for her to pay such attention."

Bai Yue sipped her tea calmly. "I'm honored by her concern."

Bai Rong leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "You should be careful, cousin. You're walking a dangerous path."

Bai Yue's lips curled into a faint smile. "So are you."

For a brief moment, their gazes locked in silent battle before Bai Rong laughed lightly and stepped away, leaving Bai Yue feeling as if she had just dodged the fangs of a viper.

Weishan leaned in, his voice soft. "She's starting to worry."

Bai Yue nodded. "Good. That means we're getting closer."

That night, Bai Yue paced her chambers, waiting for Weishan's return. The estate was quieter than usual, an ominous stillness hanging in the air. She knew the second mistress's plans were reaching their climax, and any mistake now would cost them dearly.

A soft rustle outside the window made her tense, but a moment later, Weishan appeared, slipping inside with the grace of a shadow. His expression was grim.

"You were right," he said, handing her a folded parchment. "The second mistress is expecting an Imperial envoy tomorrow night. They're finalizing plans to smuggle documents out of the estate."

Bai Yue's hands trembled as she unfolded the parchment. Inside were coded messages detailing the envoy's expected arrival and the exchange of sealed documents. If these papers contained evidence of treason, they could bring the entire Bai family under scrutiny.

"We need to intercept them," Bai Yue said, her voice firm. "If we can expose this before it leaves the estate, the second mistress will have nowhere to run."

Weishan studied her intently. "That means taking a big risk."

Bai Yue exhaled. "I know. But if we don't, she'll consolidate her power and silence everyone—including us."

Weishan nodded, a hint of admiration in his gaze. "Then we make our move tomorrow."

Bai Yue clenched the parchment in her fist, determination burning in her chest. "Tomorrow, this ends."

As dawn approached, Bai Yue sat by her window, watching the sky slowly lighten. Sleep was impossible with the weight of her plan pressing against her thoughts.

For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had a chance—not just to survive, but to change her fate.

And with Weishan by her side, she might just succeed.

Tomorrow, the second mistress's web of lies would begin to unravel.

And Bai Yue would make sure of it.