Chapter 41: A Dangerous Alliance

Bai Yue sat in her chamber long after her father had left, the weight of his warning heavy on her shoulders. The second mistress had made her move, and Bai Yue had barely evaded the trap. But she knew this wasn't over—if anything, the real battle had just begun.

A soft rustle from the window pulled her from her thoughts. Weishan slipped inside with his usual fluid grace, his dark eyes assessing her with quiet concern.

"You're still alive," he said, a trace of amusement in his voice, though his expression remained serious.

Bai Yue managed a tired smile. "Barely."

Weishan leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "The second mistress isn't done with you."

"I know," Bai Yue said softly, staring at the flickering candle on her desk. "She's testing me, waiting for me to slip."

Weishan smirked. "Then don't slip."

Bai Yue shot him a dry look. "Easier said than done."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "We need to move faster. The Imperial envoy is still here, and there's talk among the guards about an important guest arriving tomorrow."

Bai Yue straightened. "Another guest?"

Weishan nodded. "Someone from the capital. Possibly connected to the coup."

Bai Yue exhaled, her mind racing. If someone else from the capital was arriving, it meant the second mistress was escalating her plans. They had to strike before she could solidify her alliances.

"We need an ally," Bai Yue said, her voice steady but filled with hesitation. "Someone who can challenge the second mistress from within."

Weishan raised a brow. "Bai Rong?"

Bai Yue's lips pressed into a thin line. "She's ambitious and power-hungry. If we can convince her that the second mistress sees her as disposable, she might turn against her."

Weishan smirked. "A dangerous game, but I like it."

Bai Yue stood, determination settling in her chest. "Then it's time to plant the final seed of doubt."

Bai Yue found Bai Rong in the moonlit garden, standing by the lotus pond, her reflection shimmering in the water like a phantom. Her cousin turned slowly as Bai Yue approached, her expression carefully guarded.

"You're persistent, cousin," Bai Rong said smoothly, though there was a flicker of wariness in her gaze. "I assume you're not here for pleasantries."

Bai Yue smiled faintly. "No, I'm not."

Bai Rong's eyes gleamed with interest. "Then speak."

Bai Yue stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I know you've been thinking about what I said before. About the second mistress."

Bai Rong's smile didn't falter, but there was an edge to it now. "You assume too much."

Bai Yue's gaze remained steady. "Do I? Then why are you here, thinking instead of acting?"

Bai Rong's lips curled, but her amusement was fading. "And what would you suggest, dear cousin?"

Bai Yue took a calculated risk. "If you truly want power, Bai Rong, you'll never have it as long as you serve the second mistress. She uses you, feeds you scraps, but in the end, you'll be discarded like the rest."

Bai Rong's grip tightened around the silk sash at her waist. "And you? What do you gain from this?"

Bai Yue tilted her head slightly. "The satisfaction of seeing justice served."

Bai Rong laughed softly, but there was a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Justice? You've always been such an idealist."

Bai Yue leaned in slightly. "I prefer to think of myself as a realist." She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small vial—the last of the antidote—and placed it gently on the stone railing beside Bai Rong. "Give this to one of your maids. See for yourself."

Bai Rong stared at the vial, her expression unreadable. "And if you're lying?"

Bai Yue's gaze didn't waver. "Then you lose nothing."

There was a long silence before Bai Rong finally spoke. "Very well, cousin. Let's see if your words hold weight."

Bai Yue inclined her head respectfully and walked away, her heart pounding in her chest. She had laid the foundation—now, it was up to Bai Rong to take the bait.

Back in her chamber, Bai Yue found Weishan waiting, his arms crossed and his expression thoughtful. "Well?" he asked.

Bai Yue sat down, exhaustion creeping in. "She's considering it. But she's not fully convinced yet."

Weishan smirked. "She will be."

Bai Yue sighed. "I hope so."

Weishan walked over, resting a hand lightly on her shoulder. "You did well."

Bai Yue looked up at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Coming from you, that's almost a compliment."

He chuckled softly, his fingers lingering for a moment before he pulled away. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we find out where her loyalties truly lie."

Bai Yue nodded, but sleep was the last thing on her mind.

Tomorrow would decide everything.