Chapter 18: Banquet of deception

The news of Konga’s failed scheme and public humiliation had spread like wildfire through the capital. While it solidified Silla’s reputation as a formidable force in both business and society, it also stirred whispers of intrigue. In a society driven by power plays, there was no such thing as lasting peace.

A few days later, as Silla stood in her private workshop experimenting with a new floral essence for her perfumes, a servant entered bearing an ornate invitation.

“The Lady Dowager of the Choi family extends her invitation to a grand banquet tomorrow evening,” the servant announced, bowing low as he handed her the scroll.

Silla’s brow furrowed as she read the intricately written message. The Choi family was known for their vast wealth and influence, particularly in the merchant class. Their patriarch, Lord Choi, was a rising star among the business elite—a man both respected and envied. What unsettled her, however, was the knowledge that Konga, Nian Dou, and Gou had recently aligned themselves with this family.

“Do you think it’s a trap?” asked Pei Tian, who had arrived moments earlier to discuss the fallout from Konga’s scheme.

Silla set the scroll aside, her expression calm but thoughtful. “Undoubtedly. Konga won’t stop until she destroys me. But refusing the invitation would give them ammunition to paint me as a coward or worse.”

Pei Tian nodded grimly. “Then I’ll accompany you. If they try anything, they’ll regret it.”

The following evening, Silla arrived at the Choi family’s estate dressed in a stunning gown of deep emerald silk, its subtle embroidery glinting under the lantern light. Her presence immediately commanded attention as she entered the grand hall, her poise and elegance silencing the murmurs of gossip among the gathered nobles and merchants.

The banquet was an opulent affair, with tables laden with delicacies and musicians playing soft melodies in the background. Lord Choi, a man in his early forties with an air of naive geniality, greeted her warmly.

“Lady Silla, it is an honor to have you here,” he said with a broad smile. “Your shop has become the pride of the capital. Even my mother speaks of your creations.”

Silla bowed gracefully. “You are too kind, Lord Choi. Your family’s reputation for excellence in trade precedes you.”

As they exchanged pleasantries, Silla’s sharp eyes caught sight of Konga and her children across the room. Konga wore a bright smile, but there was a hardness in her eyes. Nian Dou, dressed in a gown far too extravagant for the occasion, hovered near a group of eligible young men, laughing a bit too loudly. Gou, meanwhile, lingered near the wine table, his eyes darting around the room as though searching for an opportunity.

The evening progressed smoothly at first. Silla engaged in polite conversation with the other guests, her charm and wit earning her admiration from many. But as dessert was served, the atmosphere subtly shifted.

A servant approached Silla with a goblet of wine, bowing deeply. “A gift from Lady Konga,” he said, placing the drink before her.

Silla’s eyes flicked toward Konga, who raised her own goblet in a mock toast from across the room. The corners of her mouth curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Careful,” Pei Tian whispered from beside her. “It could be poisoned.”

Silla picked up the goblet, swirling the wine gently. Using the advanced analysis feature of her implant, she discreetly scanned the liquid. The results confirmed her suspicion: it had been laced with a subtle but potent sedative.

A plan formed in her mind as she set the goblet back down. “Let them think they’ve won,” she murmured to Pei Tian.

Moments later, Silla pretended to wobble in her seat, her eyelids fluttering as though she were struggling to stay awake. Gasps rippled through the hall as she slumped forward, her hand knocking over the goblet of wine.

Pei Tian immediately leapt to her side, shouting for assistance. The room descended into chaos as guests murmured and servants scrambled.

Konga’s triumphant smirk lasted only a moment before Lord Choi intervened, demanding an explanation. “What is the meaning of this?” he barked, his face darkening.

Pei Tian stood, his voice loud and authoritative. “The wine given to Lady Silla was tampered with. Someone has tried to harm her!”

Before anyone could protest, Pei Tian called for the imperial guards stationed nearby. “Detain the servant who delivered the wine!”

The trembling servant was dragged forward, his face pale with fear. Under intense questioning, he broke down and confessed that he had been bribed by Konga to lace the wine.

The hall erupted in outrage.

“Konga!” Lord Choi’s voice was thunderous as he turned to her. “You have brought disgrace upon my family!”

Konga tried to deny the accusation, but the servant’s confession and the evidence were undeniable. Her face turned ashen as she realized the trap had backfired spectacularly.

Silla, who had feigned unconsciousness, now stirred and slowly sat up, her expression calm but piercing. “Lady Konga,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the noise, “it seems your vendetta against me knows no bounds. But I will not allow you to tarnish my name or harm my reputation.”

Konga opened her mouth to speak, but Lord Choi silenced her with a glare. “You and your children are no longer welcome in my household. Leave at once!”

Humiliated and defeated, Konga, Nian Dou, and Gou were escorted out of the banquet under the watchful eyes of the guests.

Later that evening, as Silla prepared to leave, Lord Choi approached her. “Lady Silla, I owe you an apology for allowing such treachery to occur under my roof. Please know that the Choi family has no part in Konga’s schemes.”

“I believe you, Lord Choi,” Silla replied graciously. “But I hope this serves as a lesson to choose your allies more carefully.”

As she stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against her face, she felt a sense of triumph. Konga had tried to ruin her once again, but instead, she had only dug her own grave deeper.

Pei Tian chuckled as he walked beside her. “You really are a force to be reckoned with, cousin. I almost feel sorry for Konga. Almost.”

Silla smiled faintly but said nothing. In the distance, the imperial palace loomed, its lights shining like stars against the dark sky. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her battles were far from over—and that her growing connection with Crown Prince Wei Cheng would only complicate matters further.

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