"Imperial Noble Consort Chen," I said, struggling to suppress the tumultuous waves crashing within me, my tone as cold as midwinter ice. "What is the meaning of this? Don't tell me you're planning a 'double agent' act as well?"
The face of Imperial Noble Consort Chen, usually so alluring and captivating, was now etched with a complexity that made it look as if a tawdry soap opera were unfolding in real-time. She did not answer me directly; instead, she fixed me with a gaze so impenetrable it made my skin crawl.
"Su Mingyue, you are very clever," she began slowly, her voice as low and ominous as a thunderstorm brewing on the horizon. "But sometimes, those who are too clever do not live very long."
Chapter 48