Chapter 45: Unraveling Threads

The tension in the Bai estate was palpable as Bai Yue walked through the corridors, her mind carefully weighing every word spoken during the morning's assembly.

The second mistress's anger had been controlled, but beneath her composed façade, Bai Yue had seen something else—doubt.

Weishan trailed a step behind her, his presence a constant shadow. "You pushed her far today," he murmured. "She won't let it slide."

Bai Yue nodded, keeping her expression neutral as they passed a pair of maids who quickly averted their gazes. "I didn't expect her to." She glanced at Weishan, her voice barely above a whisper. "But doubt is a seed that grows quickly in dangerous soil."

He smirked. "Poetic."

Bai Yue sighed. "We don't have time for poetry."

She turned down a secluded hallway leading to a small study where she often retreated for privacy. Once inside, she shut the door and leaned against it, letting out a slow breath. "We need to accelerate our plans."

Weishan folded his arms. "Agreed. The second mistress will be tightening security. If we want to strike, it has to be soon."

Bai Yue's eyes flickered with determination. "Bai Rong is the key. If she starts turning her suspicions outward, the second mistress will crumble under the weight of her own paranoia."

Weishan arched a brow. "And if Bai Rong turns on you instead?"

Bai Yue smirked faintly. "Then I'll deal with it."

Before Weishan could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. Bai Yue stiffened, signaling for him to stay quiet before she opened the door just enough to see Ah-Liang's nervous face.

"Miss Bai Yue," he whispered urgently, glancing down the hall. "Bai Rong wishes to meet with you—alone."

Bai Yue exchanged a glance with Weishan. His jaw tensed, but he gave her a slight nod.

"I'll go," she said, stepping out and smoothing her robes. "Where is she?"

"The eastern pavilion," Ah-Liang replied. "She said it's important."

Bai Yue nodded and followed him through the winding paths of the estate, feeling the weight of each step. The eastern pavilion was secluded, surrounded by delicate willow trees and a small koi pond—an ideal place for secret discussions.

As she entered, Bai Rong stood at the far end, gazing into the water with an unreadable expression. Bai Yue approached slowly. "You wanted to see me, cousin?"

Bai Rong turned, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You really don't know when to stop, do you, Bai Yue?"

Bai Yue smiled lightly, carefully choosing her words. "I stop when I have what I need."

Bai Rong sighed, stepping closer, her eyes sharp. "The second mistress is watching you closely. She doesn't trust me either, but she still thinks I'm loyal."

Bai Yue's heart pounded in her chest, but she maintained a calm exterior. "And are you?"

Bai Rong's smile faltered for a brief moment before she whispered, "I'm loyal to myself, and right now, the second mistress is losing control." She leaned in slightly, her voice like silk. "You've stirred the pot well, cousin. But how far are you willing to go?"

Bai Yue's gaze didn't waver. "Far enough to end this."

Bai Rong studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Then you should know—she's called for an audience with the Imperial envoy tonight. She plans to frame you as the traitor."

Bai Yue's breath caught, but she quickly masked it with a composed smile. "I expected nothing less."

Bai Rong stepped back, tilting her head. "I could help you. Or... I could stand aside and watch."

Bai Yue smiled, pressing a small silk-wrapped bundle into Bai Rong's hand. "You should take this."

Bai Rong glanced down, unwrapping it carefully to reveal another vial of the antidote. Her fingers tightened around it, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face.

Bai Yue's voice softened. "You know what's coming, Bai Rong. When the second mistress falls, you don't want to fall with her."

Bai Rong's lips parted slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned on her heel and left, leaving Bai Yue standing alone in the pavilion, the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily on her chest.

Back in her chambers, Bai Yue relayed the conversation to Weishan, who listened with a dark scowl.

"She's playing both sides," he said grimly. "She could betray you at any moment."

Bai Yue nodded. "I know. But if she truly believes the second mistress is losing power, she'll shift her allegiance when it matters most."

Weishan sighed, rubbing his temple. "And tonight, the second mistress makes her move."

Bai Yue squared her shoulders. "Then we'll be ready."

Night fell swiftly, and the Bai estate buzzed with quiet tension. The grand hall was prepared for the Imperial envoy's arrival, adorned with golden lanterns and delicate tapestries. Bai Yue stood at the entrance, her heart steady as she observed the second mistress seated regally at the far end of the hall. Bai Rong stood beside her, her expression carefully neutral.

The envoy entered, his presence commanding. He was an older man, his gaze sharp and observant as he took his place at the head of the hall.

The second mistress stood gracefully, bowing deeply. "My lord, I have called you here tonight to discuss a most pressing matter—treachery within our household."

Bai Yue stepped forward, bowing politely. "And who is the accused, mistress?"

The second mistress's smile was sharp. "You."

Gasps echoed through the hall. Bai Yue felt the weight of every eye upon her, but she remained composed. "On what grounds, mistress?"

The second mistress gestured, and a servant stepped forward, presenting scrolls marked with Bai Yue's personal seal—documents she had never seen before.

"These letters were discovered in Bai Yue's chambers," the second mistress continued smoothly. "Correspondence with enemies of the empire."

Bai Yue's heart pounded. She's one step ahead.

Before Bai Yue could speak, Bai Rong stepped forward suddenly, her voice calm but firm. "Mistress, are we certain these letters are genuine?"

The second mistress's eyes flickered with suspicion. "Are you doubting me, Bai Rong?"

Bai Rong smiled politely. "Not at all, but surely we should verify the source."

The envoy's gaze sharpened. "Indeed. Bring the accused forward."

Bai Yue stepped forward, feeling Weishan's presence in the crowd like a steady anchor. As the envoy examined the documents, Bai Yue spoke, her voice unwavering.

"My lord, I have nothing to hide."

The second mistress's lips curled into a victorious smile.

But Bai Yue's gaze flicked to Bai Rong, and in that moment, she saw it—the smallest flicker of hesitation in her cousin's eyes.

She's still uncertain.

Bai Yue straightened, determination burning within her. "Then let the truth be revealed."

The second mistress's downfall had begun.