Here's Chapter 86 of T
Chapter 86: Webs of Schemes
As midnight deepened, the marquis's banquet hall stood empty save for the servants clearing the last plates. Su Yanyue lingered near a pillar, waiting for a servant to guide her to the guest quarters prepared for her. Her mind was restless, replaying every word the marquis had spoken.
From the shadows of an ornate screen, Madam He emerged like a wraith. "Miss Su," she said sweetly, folding her hands into her sleeves, "you made quite an impression tonight."
Yanyue dipped her head politely. "Madam He is too kind."
The older woman's eyes glittered like a snake's. "It's a dangerous thing, earning the marquis's attention. Many young women before you have found that his favor comes with… expectations."
Yanyue forced herself to meet the older woman's gaze. "I have no intention of becoming anyone's pawn."
A slow smile spread across Madam He's face, brittle and cold. "Then I pray you are clever enough to avoid it."
As she glided away, Yanyue let out a shaky breath. The suffocating atmosphere of power struggles and veiled threats pressed in on her from every corner.
Just then, Wei Ling strolled into the hall, casual and unbothered as always. He twirled his fan lazily. "Did Madam He warn you off? She does love scaring newcomers."
Yanyue squared her shoulders. "I'm not here to play games, Master Wei."
"Yet you're in the marquis's house. There's no place with more games than this." He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "You fascinate me, Miss Su. I can't decide if you're fearless or just naive."
She was saved from answering when the marquis's steward arrived. "Miss Su, your room is ready."
She followed the steward through the quiet corridors. Oil lamps flickered against carved wooden panels, shadows dancing like restless spirits. Her guest room was spacious but austere, with a lacquered bed and silk curtains that felt more like a cage than a refuge.
Once alone, she checked the wooden bolt on the door and moved to the window. The courtyard beyond was silent, moonlight glinting off the tiles. Somewhere beyond those walls lay her tea shop, her hardworking employees—and the triplets who depended on her.
She refused to be intimidated.
Sitting by the small desk, she pulled out her notes: ledgers of expenses, sketches for new packaging, and ideas for expanding the tea line. If the marquis wanted tea deliveries, she'd exceed his expectations—but on her terms.
A quiet knock broke her concentration. "Miss Su," came a soft voice. It was a maid, slipping inside with a tray of pastries and warm tea. "The marquis asked you be made comfortable."
Yanyue thanked her, accepting the cup but not trusting it enough to drink. Once the maid left, she poured the tea out the window, watching the liquid disappear into the darkness.
She knew kindness could be as dangerous as threats in a place like this.
As the candle burned low, Su Yanyue vowed to stay alert. She could feel herself balancing on the knife's edge of opportunity and danger—but she would not let the marquis, Wei Ling, or anyone else dictate her fate.
Outside, clouds began to gather over the moon, shrouding the estate in shifting shadows. Somewhere in the night, a wolf howled—an omen, or perhaps a challenge.
Either way, Su Yanyue was ready.