Samuel studied the map. "The servants’ quarters would be ideal from her perspective. That area is at the back of the compound, poorly maintained, dark at night. If something happened there, it could easily be claimed as a random assault or robbery."

"Exactly what I was thinking," Heena said, marking the location. "And I have a legitimate reason to be there—I’ve been teaching reading lessons to the younger servants every few evenings."

"So we use that as the bait," Samuel said. "You announce publicly that you’ll be conducting lessons there tomorrow evening. Maya hears about it, passes the information to Driver Li, and he plans his attack for that time and location."

Heena nodded. "Now we need to position our assets without being obvious about it."

She began marking positions on the map.

"We’ll need guards here, here, and here—close enough to respond immediately, but hidden well enough that Driver Li doesn’t spot them and abort the attack."

"We’ll also need witnesses," Samuel added. "People who can testify to what happened. But they need to be positioned where they won’t be in danger themselves."

"The storage building adjacent to the servants’ quarters has a second-floor window," Heena said, pointing to the map. "We could position Master Feng or another respected merchant there with your guard. They’d have a clear view of the courtyard but be safely out of reach."

Samuel looked impressed. "You’ve already scouted the location?"

"I went there yesterday while you were at the merchant meeting," Heena admitted. "I had a feeling we’d need to plan something like this."

She continued marking the map. "We also need someone who can document everything in writing immediately after—a formal record of events while they’re still fresh. Someone educated and respected whose testimony would hold weight."

"Master Zhao would be perfect for that," Samuel said. "He’s known for his meticulous record-keeping, and he’s already favorable toward us after meeting you at the assembly."

"Good. So our witness team is Master Feng and Master Zhao, positioned in the storage building. Your personal guard will be hidden in three locations around the courtyard, ready to intervene when needed."

"What about you?" Samuel asked. "What weapons will you carry?"

Heena smiled slightly. "I don’t need weapons. My hands are sufficient. But I will wear clothing that allows for easy movement—nothing restrictive that could hinder my defense."

Samuel frowned. "I still don’t like you being unarmed—"

"A weapon could be taken from me and used against me if I’m not careful," Heena interrupted. "And it would also suggest I was prepared for violence, which could complicate the legal situation afterward. Better to appear completely innocent and unprepared, then defend myself with what appears to be desperate improvisation."

She saw Samuel’s continued reluctance and added, "Trust me. I know what I’m doing. I’ve planned operations like this before."

’Many, many times,’ she thought. ’Though usually with armies and political leverage rather than just a few guards and merchants as witnesses.’

Samuel finally nodded. "Alright. I trust your judgment. But I’m positioning myself close by, regardless of the plan. If things go wrong, I’ll intervene immediately."

"Where exactly will you be?" Heena asked.

Samuel pointed to a location on the map. "Here. In the shadows near the servants’ quarters entrance. Close enough to reach you in seconds, but concealed enough that Driver Li won’t see me initially."

"That works," Heena agreed. "You can also serve as a backup witness to corroborate what the merchants observe from above."

She set down the brush and looked at the completed plan.

"So the sequence is: I arrive at the servants’ quarters just after sunset to conduct reading lessons. The young servants will be there initially, providing some safety in numbers. After about an hour, I’ll dismiss them and start organizing materials alone—that’s when Driver Li will likely make his move." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"He’ll attack when he thinks you’re isolated and vulnerable," Samuel said.

"Right. I’ll defend myself, making sure to clearly call out what’s happening so the witnesses can hear and document everything. Your guards will move in when I signal—probably when Driver Li is subdued but before he can escape or seriously harm anyone."

"And then we immediately secure him and begin questioning," Samuel finished. "With respected witnesses present, his confession about who hired him will be credible and legally actionable."

Heena nodded. "That’s the plan. Simple, straightforward, with redundancies built in."

"When will you announce the reading lesson?" Samuel asked.

"At breakfast this morning, in front of as many household members as possible. That gives Maya all day to get the information to Driver Li and coordinate the attack."

Samuel looked at her seriously. "You’re absolutely certain you can handle Driver Li if he attacks? He’s a large man, experienced with manual labor, probably desperate and violent."

Heena met his eyes steadily. "Samuel, I once killed three trained assassins in hand-to-hand combat while poisoned and recovering from a stab wound. Driver Li is not going to be a problem."

Samuel’s eyes widened. "You... what?"

"Did I not mention that?" Heena said casually. "It was during the coup attempt. Long story. Maybe I’ll tell you someday."

Samuel just stared at her for a moment, then shook his head with something like wonder.

"Every time I think I’ve figured you out, you reveal something new that’s completely shocking."

"Keeps things interesting," Heena said with a slight smile.

"It certainly does that," Samuel admitted.

---

’’[Breakfast - The Bait is Set]’’

Breakfast was served in the main hall, with the entire household present—a formal meal that was still occasionally observed despite the family’s declining fortunes.

The old Master sat at the head of the table, Maya beside him looking tired and anxious. Samuel and Heena sat in their designated places, maintaining perfect politeness.

Halfway through the meal, Heena spoke up clearly, her voice carrying to everyone present:

"I wanted to announce that I’ll be conducting another reading lesson this evening for the younger servants. We’ve been making excellent progress, and several of them are nearly ready to read simple texts independently."

Several servants (like they were hiding behind doors and instead of staying in their own master home, they finished their work fast and came here to see the spectacle) smiled at this news—Heena’s lessons had become popular.

Maya’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "How charitable of you," she said with false sweetness. "Spending your evenings with servants instead of with your husband."

"My husband supports my educational efforts," Heena replied calmly. "He understands the value of an educated household staff."

Samuel nodded in confirmation. "Indeed. An intelligent, capable staff is an asset to any household."

The old Master grunted noncommittally, not particularly interested in the topic.

But Heena saw Maya’s servant Meili, standing in attendance near the wall, paying very close attention to the announcement.

’Perfect,’ Heena thought. ’She’ll report this directly to Maya, who will pass it to Driver Li.’

"What time will these lessons occur?" Maya asked, trying to sound casually curious.

"Just after sunset, as usual," Heena said. "About two hours. The servants’ quarters have the most space for a group, and the lighting there is adequate for reading practice."

’And there it is,’ Heena thought. ’Time, location, duration—everything Driver Li needs to plan an attack.’