Chapter 40: The Second Mistress Strikes Back

The Bai estate was eerily quiet that night, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken threats. Bai Yue sat by her window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard below. The faint rustling of leaves and distant whispers from the guards patrolling the estate did little to ease the tension gnawing at her chest.

Weishan stood near the door, his arms crossed as he observed her in silence. "She'll make a move soon," he said quietly, his voice low and serious.

Bai Yue nodded. "I know. I just don't know when."

"She's cornered," he continued. "And when an animal is cornered, it becomes unpredictable."

Bai Yue sighed, rubbing her temples. "That's what worries me."

Before Weishan could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Bai Yue exchanged a glance with him before rising to open the door.

Ah-Liang stood outside, his face pale and his breathing uneven. "Miss Bai Yue," he whispered urgently, "the second mistress... she's ordered an assembly in the main hall. She's calling for you."

Bai Yue's stomach twisted. "Now?"

Ah-Liang nodded, eyes wide with fear. "Everyone is already gathered."

Weishan's jaw tightened, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his blade. "It's a trap."

Bai Yue inhaled deeply, composing herself. "I don't have a choice."

Weishan caught her wrist gently, his voice softer this time. "Bai Yue, don't underestimate her."

She met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I won't."

The grand hall of the Bai estate was filled with murmuring nobles and servants alike, all watching as Bai Yue entered with graceful composure. The second mistress sat at the head of the hall, dressed in her most regal attire, her expression carefully schooled into one of serenity, but Bai Yue could see the glint of steel beneath her gaze.

Bai Rong stood to the side, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed triumph.

Bai Yue bowed respectfully. "You summoned me, second mistress?"

The second mistress smiled, her voice smooth and laced with hidden malice. "Yes, my dear. It has come to my attention that certain... discrepancies have arisen regarding estate matters."

Bai Yue maintained her poise. "Discrepancies?"

The second mistress gestured gracefully to a servant who stepped forward, holding the falsified documents Bai Yue had planted. "These reports," she continued, "seem to contradict earlier agreements made with our Imperial connections."

Bai Yue's pulse quickened, but she remained calm. "I was unaware of any discrepancies, mistress. Perhaps there was an error in the records."

The second mistress's smile didn't falter. "Yes, errors do happen. But tell me, Bai Yue, how did these documents end up in your handwriting?"

A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Bai Yue's blood ran cold.

She's baiting me.

Keeping her face impassive, Bai Yue bowed her head slightly. "Mistress, I have assisted with various clerical tasks around the estate. It is possible my writing was used without my knowledge."

The second mistress's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Bai Rong stepped forward. "Cousin, you have been quite... involved lately. Perhaps too involved?"

Bai Yue met Bai Rong's gaze with unwavering calm. "I only serve the Bai family's best interests."

The second mistress leaned back, her fingers tapping lightly against the lacquered armrest. "The Bai family's best interests, you say?"

She paused for effect before speaking again, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "Then why have I heard whispers of disloyalty?"

Bai Yue stiffened slightly but remained silent.

Weishan, lurking in the shadows near the entrance, subtly signaled to her. Stay the course.

Taking a deep breath, Bai Yue spoke with measured grace. "If there are such whispers, I would ask who is spreading them."

The second mistress's smile sharpened. "Loyalty is a fragile thing, my dear. And sometimes... it is misplaced."

Bai Yue's heart pounded. She knew the second mistress was testing her, trying to force her into a mistake.

Before she could respond, a voice cut through the tension.

"My lady, I believe the matter requires further investigation before accusations are made."

Heads turned to see Bai Yue's father stepping forward, his face impassive but his tone firm. He looked at his daughter with unreadable eyes before turning to the second mistress. "Bai Yue has served the estate diligently. Perhaps the matter should be handled privately."

The second mistress's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she nodded gracefully. "Of course, my lord. I wouldn't want to tarnish the family's reputation."

Bai Yue bowed deeply, concealing her relief. "Thank you, mistress."

As the gathering dispersed, Bai Rong shot Bai Yue a cold glance, whispering as she passed, "You won't be so lucky next time, cousin."

Bai Yue clenched her fists, watching her retreating form.

Later that night, Bai Yue sat in her chamber, her father standing across from her. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was low and firm.

"You've involved yourself in dangerous matters, Bai Yue."

She looked up at him, her voice steady. "I only did what was necessary to protect the estate."

He studied her for a long moment before sighing. "You remind me too much of your mother."

Bai Yue's breath caught in her throat. He rarely spoke of her mother, and the weight of his words lingered in the air.

"Be careful," he said finally. "The second mistress is not a woman to be trifled with."

Bai Yue nodded. "I understand, father."

With a final glance, he left her chambers, leaving Bai Yue to process everything that had happened.

Weishan appeared from the shadows moments later, his face serious. "You handled that well."

Bai Yue leaned back in her chair, exhaustion washing over her. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

Weishan crouched beside her, his hand resting lightly on hers. "You don't have to do it alone."

Bai Yue looked at him, something unspoken passing between them. For once, she allowed herself to believe in the reassurance his presence brought.

"We have to end this soon," she whispered.

Weishan nodded. "We will."

As the flickering candle cast shadows along the walls, Bai Yue knew the second mistress would not rest until she had eliminated every threat—including her.

But Bai Yue was no longer just surviving. She was fighting back.