Chapter 28: Clash of Wills

The night hung heavy over the marquis' estate, wind rattling the vermilion-lacquered gates with hollow thuds. Su Mingli stood beneath the corridor's eaves, her eyes glinting like polished steel in the moonlight.

Xiao Jingxuan stood beside her, hands clasped behind his back, his lips curved in a mocking half-smile. "How do you intend to retaliate?"

Su Mingli smiled faintly, her voice steady. "If they wish to use me as a pawn, I'll ensure their game collapses."

Her gaze chilled. Tonight's accusation had been a test—a probe by the Marquess' wife and Su Wanrou. Any sign of weakness would invite relentless attacks.

Xiao Jingxuan tilted his head, studying her profile. "You realize without my intervention tonight, you'd have been cornered."

She turned to meet his gaze, eyebrow arched. "Does Your Highness expect gratitude?"

"What do you think?" His voice dropped, charged with intent.

Su Mingli laughed softly. "If you seek my subservience, prepare for disappointment."

Xiao Jingxuan's eyes darkened. He stepped closer, crowding her space. "How long can you maintain this defiance, I wonder?"

She didn't flinch. "Try me."

Their stares locked—a silent duel crackling between them.

Dingguo Marquis' Estate, Dawn

Sunlight streamed through the window as Su Mingli sat reading a medical text, her finger tracing characters while her mind plotted.

Xiao Tao slipped into the room. "Miss, the maid you had watched delivered another message."

Su Mingli closed her book. "Persistent, aren't they?"

"Should we act?"

"Wait." Her voice cooled. "Let them entangle themselves further."

Xiao Tao hesitated. "But if they accuse you again—"

Su Mingli smiled, stroking the jade pendant in her hand. "This time… we set the trap."

Outside, sparrows chirped obliviously as shadows deepened across the courtyard.

The game had entered its most lethal phase.