Chapter 48: Whispers from the Capital

Bai Yue sat at her desk, the weight of the letter pressing against her chest like an iron hand. The wax seal bore an unfamiliar crest, but the handwriting inside was unmistakably elegant and deliberate—a mark of someone used to wielding power from the shadows.

"Lady Bai Yue, your recent actions have not gone unnoticed. The Imperial Court watches with interest. Be wary—loyalty is a fickle thing in such turbulent times."

Bai Yue traced the delicate strokes of ink, her mind racing. The message was subtle, yet laced with a clear warning. Someone beyond the Bai estate was now involved, and their interest in her could either be an opportunity or a trap.

Weishan, standing nearby with his usual calm, observed her closely. "Judging by your expression, it's either good news or a death threat."

Bai Yue exhaled, placing the letter on the desk. "Perhaps both."

He stepped closer, picking up the letter and scanning it quickly. His lips curled into a grim smile. "They're watching you now. Congratulations, you're officially dangerous."

Bai Yue pressed her fingers to her temples. "That's not exactly reassuring."

Weishan smirked but his tone remained serious. "You wanted to bring down the second mistress. That kind of victory doesn't come without consequences."

Bai Yue's thoughts turned to the envoy, to Bai Rong's growing ambitions, and to the unknown figure in the capital who now had their eyes on her. "This letter… it's not just a warning. It's a test."

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Weishan raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

Bai Yue tapped the parchment lightly. "They want to see what I'll do next. If I hesitate, they'll know I'm not a threat. If I act too boldly, they might decide I need to be… removed."

Weishan nodded thoughtfully. "So, what's the plan?"

Bai Yue's gaze darkened. "We take control of the estate before they make a move."

The Bai estate, once ruled with an iron grip by the second mistress, now teetered on the edge of uncertainty. Servants whispered in corners, nobles watched with thinly veiled curiosity, and Bai Rong maneuvered herself ever closer to a position of influence.

Bai Yue moved through the corridors with a sense of purpose, her steps measured, her expression calm. Every glance cast her way, every whisper behind her back, only solidified her resolve.

As she entered the study where Bai Rong often entertained her circle of followers, she found her cousin reclining elegantly, a small smirk on her lips.

"Cousin," Bai Rong purred, setting down her tea cup. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Bai Yue smiled politely, stepping closer. "I thought it time we spoke—properly."

Bai Rong's eyes gleamed with amusement. "And what shall we speak of? The future of the Bai estate, perhaps?"

Bai Yue took a seat across from her, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "Exactly that." She leaned forward slightly, her voice laced with quiet authority. "We both know the estate is vulnerable right now. Without clear leadership, it will fall into chaos."

Bai Rong's smile didn't falter, but her fingers tightened slightly around the handle of her teacup. "And you believe you should lead?"

Bai Yue's lips curled. "I believe I can stabilize it."

Bai Rong chuckled softly. "Ambitious, aren't we?"

Bai Yue met her gaze evenly. "Practical."

There was a long silence as Bai Rong studied her, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. Finally, she set her cup down and sighed. "You have a habit of surviving, cousin. I respect that."

Bai Yue tilted her head. "I don't just survive, Bai Rong. I win."

For the first time, Bai Rong's smirk faded. "Then perhaps we should consider an alliance. For now."

Bai Yue allowed a small, satisfied smile. "For now."

Later that evening, Bai Yue found herself on the estate's rooftop garden, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Weishan appeared beside her, his gaze fixed on the moonlit courtyard below.

"So, you made a deal with Bai Rong," he said without preamble.

Bai Yue nodded. "She's useful… for now."

Weishan leaned against the railing. "She'll betray you the moment it suits her."

Bai Yue smiled faintly. "Then I'll make sure it never does."

He glanced at her, something like admiration flickering in his dark eyes. "You really have changed."

Bai Yue exhaled slowly, watching the lanterns flickering below. "I had to."

Weishan studied her for a moment before offering her a small, rare smile. "Well, I suppose I'll have to stay close to make sure you don't get yourself killed."

Bai Yue looked at him, her expression softening. "I'd expect nothing less."

As the wind carried the distant murmur of the estate, Bai Yue felt the weight of the unknown pressing against her. The battle was far from over—power shifted like sand, and every alliance was fragile.

But for the first time in a long while, Bai Yue felt ready for whatever came next.

And she would face it head-on.