As Junior Edina contemplated the complexities of the plan, she felt the weight of the task ahead. It was a delicate balance of timing, manipulation, and diplomacy.
But before any of this could move forward, Junior Edina needed a figurehead for her faction within the sect—someone who was trusted and respected, someone who could stand as an equal to Aunt Li Mei and Uncle Mingfe. Senior Edina had suggested Lu Shun for this role, believing his influence and reputation could lend much-needed credibility to their cause. However, Junior Edina had her doubts. Lu Shun was fiercely loyal to his father, and it seemed unlikely that he would choose to align himself with her, especially when doing so would mean going against his own family.
This was the most pressing issue for Edina.
As Junior Edina read more of Senior Edina’s suggestions, she was taken aback to see a particular name on the list: Chuang Chi. Chuang Chi was a loyal worker in the Mu Mansion, frequently seen running tasks for Aunt Li Mei. Junior Edina had always thought of her as a dedicated aide to her aunt, so it was surprising to see her name mentioned in this context. Junior Edina knew that Chuang Chi was once Grandfather Liang Feng’s best disciple, but their relationship had soured after she joined the Mu Family.
What shocked Junior Edina even more was what Senior Edina revealed in the letter. Chuang Chi, it seemed, was actually a spy for Grandfather Liang Feng, planted within the Mu Mansion. She was the one who had secretly informed him about Junior Edina’s condition when she was being tormented under Aunt Li Mei’s care.
Senior Edina had provided detailed instructions on how to persuade Chuang Chi to switch allegiances, leaving Junior Edina stunned, her jaw dropping in disbelief.
The next morning, in the meeting hall of Jinwei Mansion, within the Blazing Dawn Sect,
Junior Edina sat across from Chuang Chi, a striking woman with slender legs, clad in a Hanfu with elegant side slits. She exuded grace as she sat, her demeanor calm and composed.
“Young Mistress Edina,” Chuang Chi began, her voice tinged with mild curiosity, “it’s quite unusual for you to summon me. We’ve never been close enough for casual conversation, so if there’s something important you wish to discuss, please do so quickly. I have tasks to attend to for Mistress Li Mei.” She took a delicate sip of her tea, her eyes calmly fixed on Edina.
Junior Edina gulped, recalling the contents of Senior Edina’s letter. She had spent the entire night memorizing the lines she was about to recite. With a deep breath, she steeled herself and let her expression go completely blank, adopting a monotone voice as she spoke.
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“Chuang Chi, as the disciple of Grandfather Liang Feng, you are of equal standing—or at least a person of comparable respect—in the sect,” Junior Edina stated, her voice devoid of emotion.
Chuang Chi smiled awkwardly, finding Edina’s sudden lack of emotion unsettling, especially from someone who was usually shy and expressive. “Yes, but… so?”
“I will be forming a faction in the future, once the race for ascension begins. I will not reveal the exact timing, but I believe it will be soon. I want you to become my figurehead,” Junior Edina replied instantly, her voice still flat and mechanical.
Chuang Chi blinked, confusion and shock flashing across her face. “Me? Your faction’s figurehead? Young Mistress, did you hit your head?”
“I will be forming a faction in the future, once the race for ascension begins. I will not reveal the exact timing, but I believe it will be soon. I want you to become my figurehead,” Junior Edina repeated, reciting the line verbatim once more.
Chuang Chi’s confusion only deepened, leaving her at a loss for words. After a few moments of silence, she scoffed, masking her uncertainty with defiance. “Why would I do that, Young Mistress Edina? Why would I willingly betray my loyal master?”
“Your true master is Grandfather Liang Feng, not Aunt Li Mei,” Junior Edina responded, her tone still flat and emotionless. “So, by helping me, you’re not betraying him—you’re aiding him.”
Lian Hua, standing beside Edina, felt a cold sweat trickle down her forehead. If Edina knew about Chuang Chi’s true allegiance, there was no way she didn’t know about Lian Hua’s. The tension in the room was palpable, the silence heavy and unnerving.
“I… I… How…?” Chuang Chi stammered, completely at a loss for words. Before she could gather her thoughts, Edina repeated in the same monotone voice, “I will be forming a faction in the future, once the race for ascension begins. I will not reveal the exact timing, but I believe it will be soon. I want you to become my figurehead.”
The repetition of the line only added to Chuang Chi’s bewilderment. She tried to protest, “Even if you’ve figured out my true loyalty, there’s no reason for me to—”
But before she could finish, Junior Edina cut her off again, her tone matter-of-fact. “You’re only helping Grandfather because you owe him your life, but your relationship with him has soured. You don’t see a reason to help me.”
Chuang Chi nodded, her resolve wavering. “As you can see, this isn’t possible. I’ll just—” She began to rise, intent on brushing off the strange encounter, but Junior Edina’s next words stopped her in her tracks.
“I have my first agenda as sect leader,” Edina stated, her voice still devoid of emotion. “To change a certain law within the sect.”
Chuang Chi paused, halfway out of her seat, as Junior Edina continued in her monotone voice. “The rule that states a disciple of the main family cannot marry a member of the main family—I will change it.”
“What…? W-what…?” Chuang Chi’s confusion turned to a glimmer of hope, barely able to believe what she was hearing.
For the first time in their conversation, Junior Edina’s expression changed. A small smirk appeared on her lips as she leaned in slightly. “What I’m saying is, if I become the sect leader, you and Brother Shun can get married.”