Chapter 29: Counterstrike

The night was ink-black, the rear courtyard of the marquis' estate steeped in silence save for the flicker of crimson lanterns casting restless shadows.

Su Mingli sat at her desk, fingertips brushing a folded letter, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"It's done, Miss," Xiao Tao whispered eagerly. "The maid delivered the letter as you instructed."

Su Mingli nodded. "Now we wait."

Main Hall, Dawn

The Marquess' wife sat rigidly at the head of the hall, her sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled household.

"Su Mingli!" she snapped, fury simmering beneath her tone. "Do you deny allegations of colluding with outsiders to plot treason?"

Gasps rippled through the room.

Su Wanrou hid a smirk behind her sleeve. "Sister, such accusations are grave. Best clear your name swiftly."

Su Mingli raised her eyes calmly. "What proof does Madam offer?"

The Marquess' wife gestured sharply. A trembling maid was dragged forward—the very one who had delivered the forged letter.

"She confessed to your orders," the Marquess' wife hissed.

The maid kowtowed, voice shaking. "I—I acted on the young mistress' command—"

Su Mingli smiled coolly. "Then let Madam examine the letter's contents."

A servant presented the document. The Marquess' wife scanned it, her face darkening. The letter contained nothing but mundane records of medicinal herb purchases.

"Explain this," the Marquess' wife demanded, glaring at the maid.

"I—I was coerced!" The maid wept, casting frantic glances at Su Wanrou.

Su Mingli rose gracefully. "To levy baseless accusations… unbecoming of the household's mistress, no?"

The Marquess' wife's knuckles whitened, but she relented. "This matter is closed."

Su Mingli curtsied, smile frostily polite. "Madam's wisdom is beyond question."

Su Wanrou's nails dug into her palms, impotent rage flashing in her eyes.

War Prince's Residence, Night

Xiao Jingxuan stood in his study, listening to his shadow guard's report. A smirk tugged at his lips.

"She surpasses even my expectations."

His gaze drifted to the moonlit courtyard, voice low with anticipation.

"The game grows more intriguing by the day…"