Chapter 44: The Calm Before the Storm

Bai Yue sat in the quiet of her chamber, staring at the flickering candlelight as the events of the night replayed in her mind. The forged decree was now in place among the second mistress's documents, and Bai Rong—unpredictable as she was—had, for now, chosen to stay silent. The weight of what they had done hung heavy on her shoulders, but there was no turning back.

Weishan leaned against the far wall, his arms crossed, watching her with a quiet intensity. "You should get some rest," he murmured, his voice unusually soft.

Bai Yue let out a tired sigh, resting her chin in her palm. "Resting now would be a luxury I can't afford."

Weishan smirked faintly but didn't argue. "Tomorrow, when the second mistress finds that decree, she'll know someone's working against her."

Bai Yue nodded slowly. "And she'll suspect me first."

Weishan's eyes darkened. "Then we need to be ahead of her."

Bai Yue looked at him, her lips curling into a small, tired smile. "That's why I have you."

Weishan chuckled, pushing off the wall and stepping closer. "Flattery won't make this any less dangerous."

She sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of the desk. "I know."

A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the soft crackling of the candle. Bai Yue's thoughts drifted to the second mistress—how she had always operated from the shadows, pulling strings and manipulating everyone around her. Tomorrow, that power would begin to crumble, and Bai Yue had to be ready for the fallout.

A sudden knock at the door startled them both. Bai Yue stiffened, sharing a glance with Weishan before rising to answer. Ah-Liang stood outside, his face pale and his hands trembling.

"Miss Bai Yue," he whispered, glancing over his shoulder anxiously. "The second mistress—she's summoned the household for an emergency gathering at dawn."

Bai Yue's heart skipped a beat. "She found the document."

Ah-Liang nodded. "And she's furious."

Weishan swore under his breath. "It's sooner than we expected."

Bai Yue's mind raced. "She's moving fast. That means she's desperate." She turned to Ah-Liang. "Do we know what she plans to do?"

Ah-Liang shook his head. "No, but Bai Rong has been in and out of her chambers all night. It looks serious."

Bai Yue pressed her lips together. Bai Rong's involvement meant there was still a chance to manipulate the situation in their favor. She turned back to Weishan, her eyes sharp. "We need to make sure whatever happens tomorrow, we control the narrative."

Weishan nodded. "We'll watch from the crowd. If things turn against you, I'll get you out."

Bai Yue squared her shoulders. "No. If things turn against me, we fight back."

Weishan studied her for a moment before smirking. "I like this side of you."

Bai Yue shook her head, turning back to Ah-Liang. "Go, get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."

As he left, Bai Yue closed the door and exhaled slowly, feeling Weishan's presence beside her.

"You're not scared, are you?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Bai Yue looked up at him, something steely in her gaze. "I've been scared my whole life, Weishan. I'm done running."

He nodded approvingly. "Then let's end this."

Dawn came too quickly. The estate's grand hall was filled with murmuring nobles and restless servants, all gathered under the watchful gaze of the second mistress. Dressed in flowing crimson silk, she stood at the head of the hall, her expression composed but her eyes burning with cold fury.

Bai Yue stood in the crowd, her hands hidden within her sleeves, her heart pounding in anticipation. She could see Bai Rong standing near the second mistress, her face unreadable.

With a single clap of her hands, the second mistress silenced the crowd. Her voice, smooth and commanding, echoed through the hall. "I have gathered you all today because treachery has found its way into this household."

A hush fell over the room. Bai Yue forced herself to remain calm, keeping her gaze fixed ahead.

The second mistress lifted the forged decree, her fingers curling around it tightly. "I have discovered false documents among our most confidential affairs—documents intended to tarnish my reputation and disrupt the harmony of our estate."

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Bai Yue could feel the weight of the second mistress's gaze settling on her.

"I will find the culprit," the second mistress continued, her lips curling in a dangerous smile. "And when I do, they will wish they had never dared to betray me."

Bai Yue's heart pounded in her chest, but she held her ground. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She took a slow step forward, keeping her voice calm and measured.

"Perhaps, mistress, the question isn't who planted the documents, but why someone felt the need to."

A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. The second mistress's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You dare suggest I am at fault, Bai Yue?"

Bai Yue bowed gracefully. "I only seek the truth, mistress."

The second mistress's lips pressed into a thin line. "Be careful with your words, girl."

Bai Yue straightened, meeting her gaze head-on. "And you should be careful with your secrets, mistress. They have a way of coming to light."

A tense silence filled the hall. Bai Rong, watching the exchange closely, stepped forward suddenly. "Perhaps Bai Yue is right," she said, her voice measured. "If someone had access to such documents, it means our security has been compromised."

The second mistress's eyes flickered with uncertainty for the first time. Bai Yue hid a smile. Bai Rong was playing her part perfectly.

Weishan, standing at the back of the hall, caught Bai Yue's eye and gave her a subtle nod.

The second mistress exhaled sharply, regaining her composure. "Enough." She waved a dismissive hand. "This will be investigated thoroughly."

Bai Yue bowed once more. "Of course, mistress."

As the crowd began to disperse, Bai Yue knew they had won a small victory. But the second mistress was far from defeated.

Weishan fell into step beside her, his voice low. "You pushed her, but she's not backing down."

Bai Yue nodded. "No. But now she's questioning everything."

As they walked through the corridors of the estate, Bai Yue felt the weight of their actions settling on her. The second mistress was on edge, Bai Rong was wavering, and the balance of power was beginning to shift.

Tomorrow, everything could change.

And Bai Yue was ready.