Chapter 81: The Change of Weather
As the two walked to the palace gates, Lei Yun and Lei An were already waiting beside the carriage. Upon seeing Xianyue standing next to Lan Yixuan, a flicker of surprise crossed their eyes. They exchanged glances, each detecting a glimmer of delight in the other's gaze, and approached. Xianyue, unaware of the circumstances, noted Lan Yixuan's resolute demeanor. Though Lei An felt a surge of irritation, he dared not express it, fearing that it might displease Xianyue and provoke her to bring up her departure.
"Oh, you all are here waiting for me!" Xianyue exclaimed, stepping between the two. A smile graced her lips, bright and unaffected, and her voice carried a lightheartedness that immediately eased Lei Yun's concerns. Like Lei An, he had worried that Xianyue might broach the topic of packing her belongings. Now, seeing her cheerful demeanor, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, despite not knowing her thoughts.
Xianyue leaped into the carriage and, noticing Lan Yixuan and the others still standing in place, called out playfully, "If you don't hurry up, I'll drive off without you!"
Unsure of what transpired between Xianyue and Lan Yixuan, both Lei An and Lei Yun felt a sense of bewilderment. Instinctively, they glanced at Lan Yixuan, who was already making his way toward the carriage. Lei An hurried forward, retrieving a stool from the carriage's storage and placing it at Lan Yixuan's feet, raising an eyebrow in exasperation. "Lei An, next time, just pick up your master and put him in the carriage."
Xianyue chuckled, lifting the carriage curtain only to quickly toss it aside again, eyeing the smiling Lan Yixuan. "Just like a groom carrying his bride."
Lan Yixuan's smile faltered, for here he was, a dignified gentleman, reduced to the role of a bashful bride in Xianyue's jest. Upon hearing this, Lei An's expression turned an ashen hue, and he quickly lowered his head, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. Xianyue playfully tapped his head. "Your master is a man of great virtue; he won't mind your teasing."
Lei An looked up and, indeed, let out a laugh. His head throbbed as if struck by a bolt, but he swiftly suppressed his mirth, knowing that under normal circumstances, he wouldn't dare to laugh if his master were in a different mood.
"Xianyue, with your strength akin to an ox, next time, I shall trouble you to carry our master into the carriage."
Lei An stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at her intently, as if this task were solely hers. "Otherwise, why don't we have our master carry you while you pull him into the carriage?"
Xianyue furrowed her brow, resting her chin on her hand as if contemplating. Sitting at the entrance of the carriage, she tilted her head, scrutinizing Lan Yixuan. "Lord Lan, which option do you prefer?"
Her expression was earnest, as if she were genuinely weighing Lei An's suggestion.
Sitting upright, Xianyue leaned against the carriage, then suddenly jumped down, landing gracefully beside Lan Yixuan. With a powerful kick, she aimed at the three steps he stood on, simultaneously reaching to grasp his back. However, Lan Yixuan seemed to possess a sixth sense, deftly evading her assault. With the step beneath him kicked loose, his tall frame glided gracefully through the air, landing on the carriage with ease. He turned to face Xianyue, his gaze akin to the first rays of dawn piercing through the perpetual fog, radiating a gentle warmth. He arched an eyebrow at Lei An, as if to say, "This method is quite effective."
Then, with a playful jab to Lan Yixuan's calf, he indicated for him to make space.
"Xianyue, aren't you a woman anymore?"
What kind of woman would poke a man's leg?
Xianyue leapt lightly, plopping onto the carriage with her right leg bent in a relaxed manner. "I am not a woman."
Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Then why do you call me 'miss'? Why not 'young master'?"
She turned, dropping the curtain, leaning against the carriage, her arms crossed. They sat facing each other, and noticing Lan Yixuan's silence, Xianyue closed her eyes in boredom, finding a comfortable position, and soon drifted into slumber.
The journey continued in silence. Lan Yixuan refrained from addressing Xianyue's inquiries regarding the Jingyang Palace, choosing instead to safeguard his secrets. Perhaps it was due to his deep reverence for familial bonds. Xianyue didn't press him; everyone has their own secrets, and sometimes, honesty only burdens the heart.
Upon returning home, the sky had begun to lighten. The carriage came to a halt, and as Lan Yixuan shifted in his seat, Xianyue awoke with a large yawn, stretching her arms. Her eyes widened as she turned to Lan Yixuan, then swung open the curtain. The world outside appeared shrouded in a thin mist, blanketing everything in white, obscuring visibility. Yet, the grand estate before them stood clear. "We've arrived."
She barely acknowledged Lan Yixuan, flinging open the curtain and hopping down from the carriage. With a playful pat on Lei Yun's shoulder and a yawn that stretched her mouth wide, she declared, "I'm heading back to sleep."
Her eyes remained closed as she spoke, exuding an air of overwhelming fatigue.
As Lei Yun watched Xianyue's drowsy figure retreat, he approached the door, greeted warmly by the household servants. Since the New Year's celebration when she had distributed red envelopes, her popularity had soared throughout the estate.
"Master, wasn't Xianyue just asleep?"
The streets at night were profoundly silent. He and Lei An were driving the carriage ahead, still able to hear her soft snoring. Yet, the moment the carriage came to a halt, she awoke, which was remarkable since she typically remained undisturbed even in a thunderstorm.
Lan Yixuan cast a fleeting glance at Lei An before turning to Lei Yun. "Keep a close watch on her," he instructed.
Given her agility, she was more alert than most; not only could she detect the commotion of the carriage halting, but even the rustling of leaves would not escape her notice. She had already placed him on her list of potential threats, so there was little chance of her growing close to him. Even without moving out, she had already made significant concessions.
Through the dense fog, Xianyue's figure was obscured. Lei An looked at Lan Yixuan's back and inquired, "What do you mean, young master?"
"It means we must keep an eye on Miss Xianyue and ensure nothing happens to her," he replied.
Lei An raised his head, visibly dissatisfied. Wasn't this stating the obvious? Did he think him a fool who couldn't comprehend such a simple directive? However, watching over Xianyue would certainly lead to detection.
"Don't you find it strange how both the young master and Miss Xianyue are behaving? She was so resolute in Qinghuan Palace, openly demanding you pack your belongings in front of so many people. Now, she won't even mention it. What do you think the young master did to change her mind?"
Lei Yun remained silent, moving toward the door to instruct the night guards to stow the carriage. Lei An persisted, following closely behind him, chattering incessantly, "We've been by the young master's side for so long, yet he's never been this kind to us. Miss Xianyue truly is oblivious to her good fortune; countless women would gladly serve our young master."
Suddenly, Lei Yun turned around, and Lei An, following closely, nearly collided with him. "If Miss Xianyue were like every other woman, would the young master still have affection for her?"
If Xianyue were not Xianyue, would so many be enamored with her?
After a moment of reflection, Lei An conceded that there was some truth to that. The women who had pursued the young master in the past had always annoyed him. Although he sometimes harbored resentment toward Xianyue, it was only after she had hurt the young master; at other times, he found her tolerable, especially since the young master adored her.
"Go prepare hot water."
Lei An was about to protest, feeling exhausted after a long day, and now he was being tasked with preparing hot water. Lei Yun, seemingly accustomed to Lei An's lack of attentiveness, stated, "The young master is injured."
With a mind as keen as a razor and a strategic genius, how could Lei An have spent so many years by the young master's side and learned so little? Perhaps he wasn't careless, just unfamiliar with Xianyue's temperament. When she was angry, no matter what the young master said, she would refuse to return with him, never mentioning her departure. As she had laughed with Lei An moments earlier, Lan Yixuan had stood aside, observing her, particularly the pronounced bruise on his right arm, starkly illuminated by the lantern light.
"Why didn't you say the young master was injured sooner?"
Lei An exclaimed softly, hastily preparing to fetch hot water, but was stopped by Lei Yun. "Do not seek out Miss Xianyue."
The young master had his reasons for not speaking, and Lei Yun worried that Lei An's impulsiveness might lead him to confront Xianyue, stirring up trouble.
In the distance, the sky blazed crimson, akin to the blood of a beaten egg. The bright clouds resembled roaring flames, igniting a fervor within the heart. The entire expanse was shrouded in a bright golden hue; yet, despite its warm tones, it did not evoke a sense of comfort.
Seated at the table, Lan Yixuan welcomed the sea of radiant gold streaming through the open doorway. Behind him, Lei An stood holding a teapot, while in front, Lei Yun leaned respectfully.
"Miss Xianyue has just stepped out."
During this time, his master had transformed from Lan Yixuan to Feng Xianyue. He had been vigilantly guarding her day and night, and at this hour, she should have just finished her long afternoon rest. Seeing her delay in reappearing, Lei Yun pushed the door open. The bed, arranged in Xianyue's style, was a chaotic mess, but she was nowhere to be found. Frantically, he returned to inform Lan Yixuan.
Upon hearing this, Lan Yixuan was momentarily taken aback. Lei Yun cautiously looked up; Lan Yixuan, cup in hand, was savoring his tea. After a gentle acknowledgment, he set down the cup, rising to his feet. As he passed Lei Yun, he said, "You should rest now. Lei An, let me know when she returns."
Lan Yixuan reached the door, resting one hand against the frame. The resplendent red light bathed his face, mildly blinding him. He raised his hand, allowing the vibrant rays to pierce through his fingers and spill over his features. His gentle gaze narrowed, radiating a sharp intensity that contrasted with his softness.
"Change is coming to the State of Chu."
His softly murmured words were scarcely audible, heard only by himself.
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