Chapter 39: The Breaking Point

The morning sun rose over the Bai estate with an eerie stillness, as if the entire household held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. Bai Yue stood by her window, watching the estate's servants scurry about, preparing for the arrival of the Imperial envoy. Every movement, every hushed whisper, carried an undercurrent of tension that set her nerves on edge.

Today was the day she would expose the second mistress's treachery.

Weishan entered her chamber without a sound, his eyes sharp and calculating. "The guards are doubling their patrols near the west wing. They're expecting something—or someone."

Bai Yue turned to face him, her expression resolute. "Then we need to act before the envoy arrives." She held up the parchment they had intercepted the night before. "If we can replace these documents with false ones, it will buy us time."

Weishan smirked. "A bold move. But dangerous."

Bai Yue met his gaze without hesitation. "Every move is dangerous now."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Are you ready for this?"

She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. "I have to be."

Weishan studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Then let's do this."

The plan was simple yet perilous—Bai Yue would create false documents mimicking the ones the second mistress planned to send to the capital, planting misleading information that would cast doubt on her alliances. Meanwhile, Weishan would intercept the original documents and ensure they disappeared without a trace.

As Bai Yue carefully wrote the falsified scrolls in the dim light of her chamber, her hands remained steady, but her heart pounded in her chest. Every stroke of ink felt like a step closer to the edge of a cliff.

Weishan, watching from across the room, leaned against the wall with his usual air of confidence. "You have steady hands for someone facing possible death."

Bai Yue didn't look up. "I've had years of practice."

He chuckled softly. "Remind me never to underestimate you."

Once the documents were finished, Bai Yue sealed them with the Bai family's insignia—an exact replica she had forged months ago for emergencies like this. She handed them to Weishan, meeting his gaze. "Make sure they're placed where the envoy will find them."

Weishan took the scrolls, his fingers brushing against hers briefly. "I'll take care of it."

Bai Yue exhaled slowly. "Be careful."

He smirked. "You worry too much."

Hours passed with agonizing slowness. Bai Yue walked through the estate with forced grace, greeting guests with polite smiles while her mind remained fixated on the plan unfolding behind the scenes.

The second mistress sat in the grand hall, dressed in her finest silks, her expression one of perfect composure. But Bai Yue noticed the way her fingers tapped impatiently against the armrest of her chair, the subtle flicker of unease in her eyes.

Bai Rong, standing nearby, shot Bai Yue a glance that was equal parts suspicion and curiosity. Bai Yue met it with a serene smile, hiding the storm raging within her.

Moments later, the arrival of the Imperial envoy was announced.

A tall figure clad in ornate robes entered the hall, his presence commanding and unreadable. Bai Yue watched as he approached the second mistress, exchanging formal pleasantries before accepting the bundle of documents she presented with a delicate smile.

Bai Yue held her breath.

The envoy unrolled one of the scrolls, his eyes scanning the contents carefully. A flicker of confusion crossed his face, and Bai Yue's pulse quickened.

He turned to the second mistress, his tone polite but firm. "These documents are… not what I expected."

The second mistress stiffened. "My lord, I assure you they are accurate."

The envoy's gaze sharpened. "Then perhaps you would explain why they contain conflicting reports regarding trade agreements and military expenditures?"

Murmurs rippled through the hall, and Bai Yue could see the first beads of sweat forming on the second mistress's brow. Bai Rong's eyes darted between them, sensing the shift in power.

Bai Yue fought to keep her expression neutral. It's working.

The second mistress's lips tightened, but she bowed gracefully. "My deepest apologies, my lord. There must have been a clerical error. I will ensure the correct documents are delivered promptly."

The envoy's gaze lingered on her for a long moment before he nodded slowly. "See that you do."

As he turned to speak with other nobles, Bai Yue allowed herself the smallest of relieved exhales. They had bought themselves time.

Later that evening, Bai Yue slipped away from the bustling hall to the secluded gardens, the night air cool against her skin. Weishan emerged from the shadows, his expression satisfied.

"Nice work," he murmured. "She's shaken."

Bai Yue nodded. "But she's not defeated yet."

He leaned against a tree, watching her intently. "You're playing a dangerous game, Bai Yue. One wrong move, and she'll come after you."

Bai Yue met his gaze, her voice steady. "She already is."

Weishan's smirk softened into something more sincere. "Then I suppose I'll have to stick around."

Bai Yue allowed a small smile. "I suppose you will."

For a brief moment, the weight of their situation felt a little lighter. But Bai Yue knew that this was only the beginning.

The second mistress wouldn't take this humiliation lightly. And when she struck back, Bai Yue had to be ready.

As Weishan reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she realized one thing was certain.

She wasn't facing this battle alone.