Chapter 23: Preparing to Strike

The night sky was scattered with starlight, and the Grand Tutor’s estate was shrouded in the glare of torches and the clamor of voices, appearing as bustling as a stage mid-performance.

Sheng Xiayan sat cross-legged atop the roof ridge, her elbows resting casually on her knees, her gaze sweeping languidly over the chaos below. Dressed in a moon-white gown, she looked like a wisp of pale smoke against the night—cool, detached, and tinged with a carefree laziness.

Xie Xunzhi sat beside her, his slender fingers tapping rhythmically against his knee. His eyes, deep and meaningful, remained fixed upon her.

"What was that you said just now?" he asked, his voice carrying a playful undertone.

Sheng Xiayan blinked, a faint smile touching her lips. "The venom of this viper was too weak. It bit her, yet she didn't meet her end on the spot."

Xie Xunzhi raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curling upward as his gaze deepened. "Second Miss Sheng, you are far more intriguing than I had imagined."

Sheng Xiayan smiled softly and said nothing more, turning her attention back to the frantic scene below. Servants scurried about in a panic, and the Marchioness stood in the courtyard, her expression etched with profound anxiety. With the lamps burning bright in Sheng Xiaying’s chambers, it was clear the entire estate had been stirred by this sudden accident.

Xie Xunzhi watched her quietly, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes. Though she stood at the very center of the storm, she remained like an outsider—calm, indifferent, and even possessing the leisure to critique the potency of a snake’s venom. This composure and cunning only fueled his curiosity.

"You seem remarkably unruffled," he remarked, his voice low and amused.

Sheng Xiayan glanced at him, her smile unwavering. "It is they who should be panicked, not I."

Xie Xunzhi let out a low chuckle, his eyes growing darker. The estate remained in turmoil; the pained moans of Sheng Xiaying, the cries of the servants, and the suppressed rebukes of the Marchioness echoed through the night. Resting her chin on her hand, Sheng Xiayan looked up at the stars, her eyes glinting. She watched the heavens in silence, the deep night seeming to draw one’s thoughts to far-off places.

Xie Xunzhi followed her gaze, observing her fixed attention on the starry sky. There was a touch of longing and intoxication in her eyes, as if that brilliant sea of stars were the only place she truly considered home. He paused, a sudden interest in her inner world taking root.

"What are you looking at?" he asked.

"The stars," she replied, her voice light and carrying an almost imperceptible sigh. "They are beautiful."

Xie Xunzhi raised an eyebrow. "You certainly have a leisurely mind."

Sheng Xiayan smiled faintly but remained silent, her eyes still anchored to the firmament. It was as if her world were bound by invisible chains, and that free, boundless expanse of stars was the only thing she truly yearned for. Xie Xunzhi lowered his gaze, the intrigue in his eyes deepening.

The following morning, before the mist had cleared, the Grand Tutor’s estate was enveloped in silence, save for the heavy atmosphere in the Marchioness’s courtyard. The Marchioness sat upright in her carved pear-wood chair, her fingers tracing the rim of a teacup, her expression dark.

"Madam," the nanny beside her whispered, "the recent chaos in the estate must surely be linked to the Second Miss."

The Marchioness let out a cold hum. "She has hidden herself well. She once knew how to play the part of a submissive daughter; now, she dares to turn the world upside down right under my nose."

The nanny watched her expression warily before testing the waters. "Madam, in this servant’s view, the Second Miss is no longer the easily manipulated girl she once was. She is deep-thinking and resourceful. If we continue to let her grow unchecked..."

The Marchioness narrowed her eyes, her resolve hardening. Sheng Xiayan was no longer the controllable chess piece she had been. If that was the case, she could not be allowed to remain. She set down her teacup and ordered coldly, "It is time to act early."

The nanny was startled. "Madam, you mean to—"

The Marchioness’s gaze sharpened, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "If she were sensible and obedient, I would not touch her. But since she dares to defy me, she cannot blame me for being ruthless." She stood up slowly, a glint of malice in her eyes. "Since she has been frequenting the Prince of Night’s residence lately, why not let her ‘disappear’ there? Once her reputation is ruined, let’s see what waves she can stir up then."

The nanny shuddered but nodded in agreement.

"Go," the Marchioness commanded coldly. "And see that it is done cleanly."

As the nanny retreated, the Marchioness looked out the window, her eyes clouded and inscrutable. Meanwhile, in her own courtyard, Sheng Xiayan sat quietly, toying with her teacup as a faint, subtle smile curved her lips.

"So... you couldn't help yourself after all?"

Just then, Liuzheng walked into the courtyard with a tray of freshly brewed flower tea. Seeing Sheng Xiayan sitting by the window, her fingers tracing the cup with that enigmatic smile, she spoke softly, "Miss, the tea is freshly brewed. Please, have a taste."

Sheng Xiayan glanced at her and took a sip. The tea was fragrant and sweet. She nodded slightly. "It is good."

Liuzheng looked at her, a glimmer of worry in her eyes. "Miss, the estate has been in turmoil these past few days. Should you not keep a lower profile? This servant fears the Madam will not let this rest."

Sheng Xiayan set down the cup and looked calmly out the window. "She certainly will not."

Liuzheng felt a tightness in her chest. "Does the Miss have a plan to deal with this?"

Sheng Xiayan turned back and offered her a faint smile, her eyes glinting with coldness. "Naturally."

Liuzheng hesitated, about to ask more, but Sheng Xiayan gestured for her to draw closer. As Liuzheng leaned in, she heard Sheng Xiayan whisper instructions into her ear. "Go and prepare these things now."

Liuzheng was startled. "Miss, you are..."

A cold light flashed in Sheng Xiayan’s eyes, though her smile remained. "If the Madam wants to make a move, how can I let her have her way?"

Liuzheng understood. Despite her lingering doubts, she nodded. "This servant understands. I will go and prepare at once."

Sheng Xiayan tapped the edge of the table. "I fear tonight will be a sleepless one."

Liuzheng felt a surge of tension; she knew her mistress never spoke without cause. She had clearly foreseen what was to come. Without further questioning, she took a deep breath and replied firmly, "This servant will not let the Miss down."

Sheng Xiayan nodded with satisfaction. Watching Liuzheng depart, she continued to tap her teacup, her eyes shimmering with profound significance.

Deep into the night, the Grand Tutor’s estate was silent, save for a few lanterns swaying in the wind, casting dancing shadows. Sheng Xiayan stood quietly by the window, her fingers tracing a paper talisman, her gaze as deep and still as water.