Chapter 14

📖 CHAPTER 14: THE WEB TIGHTENS

The Gu Manor was quiet, but beneath the surface, tension simmered like a slow-burning flame. Gu Qingyan returned to her courtyard, her every step measured. The confrontation in the main hall had confirmed it—her enemies were growing restless.

But it was her father's reaction that intrigued her the most.

He had let her go.

Not out of kindness.

Not out of trust.

But because he was watching.

She needed to tread carefully.

As she stepped inside, a figure was already waiting for her.

Zhao Yue.

The ever-loyal shadow at her side.

"Miss," Zhao Yue said quietly, her sharp eyes glinting. "There's movement in the estate."

Gu Qingyan's brows lifted slightly. "Oh?"

Zhao Yue nodded. "The third concubine's servants were seen slipping out late last night. And the kitchens received an order for a specific herbal mix."

Gu Qingyan's fingers stilled.

An herbal mix?

Her lips curled.

"Let me guess," she mused. "A combination that can weaken the body gradually, making it look like a natural illness?"

Zhao Yue's expression darkened. "Exactly."

A soft chuckle escaped Gu Qingyan's lips. "How unfortunate for them that I am not as naïve as before."

Someone was planning to poison her.

How predictable.

But it meant only one thing—her enemies were growing desperate.

And desperate people made mistakes.

---

📍 Evening – The Gu Manor's Inner Courtyard

Dinner was served in the grand dining hall, a rare occasion where all the household members gathered. Dishes were laid out meticulously, steam curling from freshly prepared delicacies.

Gu Qingyan took her seat, her gaze sweeping over the table.

Gu Tianlong sat at the head, his expression impassive. Lady Zhao sat beside him, her smile ever composed.

Gu Ruoyun, too perfect, too poised.

And at the far side, the third concubine, Lady Xu, barely concealing the way her eyes darted toward Gu Qingyan's bowl.

Ah.

There it was.

The faintest shift in Lady Xu's expression, the small tension in her shoulders.

Gu Qingyan picked up her chopsticks.

And then, with an effortless motion, she turned slightly—offering the dish to Gu Ruoyun.

A deliberate act.

A subtle challenge.

Ruoyun's eyes flashed, but she had no choice but to accept.

She picked up a bite, her fingers tightening slightly around her chopsticks.

Then—her face paled.

The silence was deafening.

Gu Qingyan's voice was light, almost amused. "Oh dear. Sister, you don't look well."

Ruoyun's lips trembled as realization struck her.

The poison wasn't fatal, but it was potent enough to weaken—to make her vulnerable, susceptible to "illness."

A perfect excuse to remove someone from favor.

And now, it had backfired.

Lady Xu's breath hitched. "Ruoyun, what's wrong?"

Ruoyun clenched her jaw, forcing a smile. "Nothing, Mother."

Gu Qingyan set down her chopsticks. "How strange. If something were wrong, I would be deeply concerned. After all, Father would never forgive anyone who dared to harm his children."

The unspoken threat lingered.

Lady Xu's face turned ashen.

Lady Zhao, who had been watching the exchange, suddenly laughed softly. "It seems tonight's meal has been quite eventful."

Gu Tianlong's gaze flickered. His expression remained neutral, but Gu Qingyan knew.

He had seen it all.

And now, he knew exactly who was the predator and who was the prey.

---

📍 Later That Night – Gu Ruoyun's Chambers

Ruoyun slammed her hands against the table, rage burning in her veins.

"She knew," she hissed. "She knew."

Lady Xu paced, her face twisted in panic. "This wasn't supposed to happen! The poison—"

Ruoyun turned, her eyes sharp as daggers. "This isn't just about the poison, Mother. It's about power. Gu Qingyan is playing us."

Lady Xu trembled. "Then what do we do?"

A voice interrupted them.

"You change the rules."

The man in black stepped out of the shadows once more, his golden eyes gleaming.

Ruoyun stiffened. "You again."

The man smirked. "Did I not tell you? Gu Qingyan is no longer an easy target. If you wish to bring her down, you must stop thinking like a noble lady."

Ruoyun narrowed her eyes. "Then what do you suggest?"

The man's smirk deepened.

"A little chaos."