What does the cryptic crossword clue "I pleaded slyly and plotted secretly (4-4)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of I + PLEADED = DEEP-LAID The answer is DEEP-LAID.

I pleaded slyly and plotted secretly (4-4)

Times Cryptic #28814 | 18 Across | 2024-01-16 flower