Chapter 30: Hidden Currents

The night was damp with dew, the rear courtyard of the marquis' estate steeped in silence save for the whisper of wind through trembling leaves.

Su Mingli leaned against the window frame, staring into the oppressive darkness. Beneath her calm exterior, her mind churned like storm-tossed seas.

Today's victory was no conclusion—merely the opening gambit.

"Miss, the Marquess' wife's spies still watch us," Xiao Tao murmured, anxiety threading her voice.

Su Mingli smiled faintly. "Let them watch. Her vigilance betrays her guilt."

She turned to her desk, picking up a medical scroll. Moonlight caught the calculating glint in her eyes.

"Are you… waiting for word from the War Prince?" Xiao Tao ventured.

Su Mingli glanced up, setting the scroll aside. "Waiting is for pawns. Queens seize opportunities."

War Prince's Residence, Dawn

Xiao Jingxuan sat in his study reviewing intelligence reports, his expression unreadable.

A shadow guard announced from the doorway: "Your Highness, Lady Su requests an audience."

Xiao Jingxuan's brow arched. He set down the documents, lips curving. "Admit her."

Moments later, Su Mingli entered with the poise of a queen approaching a chessboard.

"To what do I owe this rare initiative, Lady Su?" Xiao Jingxuan drawled.

She met his gaze unflinching. "Aren't you curious about the secret of the gilded bronze figures?"

His eyes sharpened. "You possess… unexpected depths."

"A partnership," she stated bluntly.

Xiao Jingxuan rose, closing the distance between them. "Why assume I'll agree?"

"Because what you seek…" Her smile held the certainty of a strategist unveiling checkmate. "…I hold the key to obtaining."

The air thickened with unspoken challenges.

Xiao Jingxuan laughed softly, a predator's rumble. "Su Mingli, you continue to astonish."

He leaned closer, breath grazing her ear. "Very well. Let us play this game… together."