The bells chimed at dawn, summoning the servants into the courtyard. Breath misted in the cool morning air, paws and tails shifting restlessly as the line of beastkin maids waited for their orders.
Bai Ronghua stood at the front, arms crossed, her fox ears flicking with authority. She scanned the row slowly, her gaze lingering on Xueya just long enough for everyone to notice.
"Today is a busy day," Ronghua announced. "The Madam's guests will tour the mansion. Every corner must gleam. Every step must shine."
Her lips curled in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Which means no room for mistakes."
She paced before them, then snapped her fan shut with a sharp crack.
"You." Her finger pointed straight at Xueya. "The laundry hall. Alone. Fifty sets of linens—washed, dried, folded, and delivered to Madam Xu's quarters before noon."
The maids murmured. Shu Ling's ears drooped. Mei Yun's smile widened like a cat who'd just cornered a mouse.
"That's impossible," one whispered.
"She'll never finish," another muttered.
Xueya lowered her head, voice quiet. "Yes, Head Maid."
---
The laundry hall steamed with heat, water sloshing in giant wooden tubs. Piles of soiled linens towered higher than her head, the sheer volume enough to drown her if she faltered.
Xueya wrung her hands, ears sagging pathetically in case anyone peeked in. But as the door shut, her eyes sharpened.
So this is your test, Ronghua. Fine. I'll play along.
She plunged her hands into the water, scrubbing with practiced rhythm. The system chimed instantly.
> [Task Completed: Wash linens.]
[Reward: +1 Endurance.]
Her lips curved. Good.
She varied the motions—scrubbing with steady circles, folding as she rinsed, humming softly under her breath.
> [+1 Grace.]
[+1 Dexterity.]
[Hidden Task: Efficiency in Repetition.]
[+2 Endurance.]
Time bled by in steam and splashes. Her muscles ached, but each ache was sweet, filled with the warmth of invisible growth.
By the time Shu Ling slipped inside, arms laden with soap, Xueya had already stacked two neat piles of drying cloth.
"Xueya!" Shu Ling hissed. "That fox is trying to break you! Why didn't you say something?"
Xueya smiled faintly, hands never stopping. "Because… if I complain, I lose. Better to work quietly."
"But—"
"Go." Xueya's voice softened, but her eyes gleamed. "If she catches you helping, you'll be punished too."
Shu Ling hesitated, then bit her lip and scurried out, tail low.
Xueya turned back to her task, a sly spark dancing in her eyes.
Let them think it's impossible. Let them wait for me to fail. And then…
---
By late morning, she carried the last stack of folded linens toward Madam Xu's quarters. Her steps were steady, her back straight, the tower of cloth balanced flawlessly in her arms.
The other maids watched from the corridor, eyes wide. Mei Yun's smirk faltered for the first time.
Bai Ronghua's fox ears twitched as she approached, her fan snapping open.
"Well, well," she said coolly. "The rabbit didn't drown. Surprising."
Xueya bowed low, balancing the pile without flaw. "The task is complete, Head Maid."
For a heartbeat, silence hung.
Then Ronghua's smile sharpened, beautiful and dangerous.
"You work too well, little rabbit," she murmured. "Almost as if you were trained elsewhere." Her eyes narrowed, golden and unblinking. "Tell me—are you sure you're not a spy sent by one of the rival clans?"
Gasps rippled among the servants. Mei Yun's ears perked with interest. Shu Ling covered her mouth in shock.
Xueya froze, heart hammering. But she let her ears droop, trembling just enough to look convincing.
"M–me? A spy?" Her voice cracked with practiced fear. "I'm just a servant. I only wish to do my work properly."
Ronghua studied her long and hard, fox tail flicking slowly.
At last, she laughed softly, folding her fan. "Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Time will tell."
She turned away, her voice like silk over steel. "I'll be watching you, rabbit."
Xueya bowed low again, hiding the glimmer of triumph in her eyes.
Watch all you like. You'll only see what I let you see.
And in the faint shimmer of her vision, the system whispered once more.
> [Hidden Task Completed: Endure Suspicion Without Faltering.]
[Reward: +3 Obedience, +2 Willpower.]
Her lips curved in the faintest smile as she rose.