Chapter 9

📖 CHAPTER 9: THE FIRST TRAP

The scent of blood lingered in the cold night air. Gu Qingyan stood over the lifeless body, her silver hair glinting under the moonlight. The servant's eyes remained wide in frozen terror, his lips slightly parted as if he had tried to scream. But the poison had been swift.

Her gaze flickered to the rooftops. A shadow moved—silent, swift—before vanishing into the darkness.

They had killed their own pawn.

A slow smile curled on her lips.

So, they were finally making their move.

She knelt beside the corpse, her fingers brushing against the small puncture wound on the servant's neck. This wasn't a simple murder. The poison was rare, expensive, and required expertise to handle. This was a message.

They wanted to see her reaction.

If she panicked. If she ran.

She wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

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📍 Gu Manor – Qingyan's Courtyard

As she stepped into her room, Ying Yue was already waiting, her face pale with urgency.

"Miss, the Old Madam's maid just delivered a message—there's been an incident in the manor. They found a body."

Gu Qingyan tilted her head, her expression calm. "So soon?"

Ying Yue hesitated. "Miss… they're saying the servant was last seen heading in your direction."

Gu Qingyan picked up the teapot, pouring herself a cup of tea as if the matter had nothing to do with her. "How unfortunate."

Ying Yue clenched her fists. "Miss, what should we do?"

Gu Qingyan took a slow sip, letting the warmth spread through her fingers before placing the cup down.

"Nothing."

Ying Yue's eyes widened. "But—"

"They want a reaction," Gu Qingyan said smoothly. "If we panic, they win."

Ying Yue swallowed hard. "But if they frame you—"

Gu Qingyan's lips curved slightly. "Then we'll let them. And when they think they have the upper hand…" She tilted her head. "We'll crush them."

Ying Yue exhaled shakily. No matter how many times she witnessed it, she still wasn't used to this version of her mistress.

Cold. Ruthless. Unshaken.

The real Gu Qingyan.

A knock sounded at the door.

A guard's voice echoed from the other side. "The Old Madam has summoned you, Miss."

Gu Qingyan stood, adjusting her sleeves.

"It seems the show is about to begin."

She stepped out into the night, her gaze sharp and unreadable.

Let them try.

They had no idea who they were dealing with.

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📍 Gu Manor – Old Madam Gu's Courtyard

The air was thick with incense, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows against the walls. The Old Madam sat at the center of the room, her sharp eyes studying Gu Qingyan as she approached.

"Yan'er," the elderly woman spoke slowly, "do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Gu Qingyan smiled slightly. "Grandmother, is there something I should confess?"

The Old Madam's gaze didn't waver. "A servant has died, and all eyes are on you."

Gu Qingyan met her stare without flinching. "How convenient."

The Old Madam sighed. "You've made powerful enemies, child."

"I've simply stopped pretending to be weak."

The Old Madam studied her for a long moment before finally chuckling. "Very well. But be careful, Yan'er. The game you're playing is not a kind one."

Gu Qingyan's eyes gleamed.

"I never expected kindness."

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📍 Secret Meeting – The Mastermind

In a dimly lit chamber, a figure sat in the shadows, listening.

A man in black robes knelt before them. "The plan has been set in motion. Gu Qingyan is being cornered."

The figure leaned forward slightly. "And?"

"She did not react as expected. She remains… unfazed."

Silence.

Then, a low chuckle.

"Interesting."

A pale hand reached for a teacup, fingers tapping against the porcelain.

"She thinks she's the hunter."

A slow smile.

"Let's see how she fares when she realizes she's the prey."