Chapter 198: Moonlit Affection
Leaving the main courtyard, Bai Zhanfeng felt a storm brewing within him; his mind was a chaotic whirlpool. He hadn't meant to quarrel with Chen Ruoxi, but even with patience, things had spiraled into this. His experiences with women were scarce, and he understood them even less. Now, he found himself uncharacteristically unsettled by Chen Ruoxi.
A chilly night breeze swept in, laden with moisture. The moonlight was dim, casting a bleakness over the scene. Fortunately, the surrounding lanterns blazed bright, casting a warm glow. Servants along his path stepped aside in respect, bowing as he passed.
Originally, he'd intended to return to the study, but a growing unease gnawed at him. Subtle anxiety, lurking deep within, seemed stirred by the cool night wind, heightening his restlessness. Tonight, like so many nights before, sleep felt elusive. He wondered if he had been too soft-hearted to allow Chen Ruoxi to stay at the Bai residence. But forcing her to leave now? That was something he simply couldn't bring himself to do, and any reasons he could give seemed feeble at best.
Frustration simmered within him, rising to a palpable agitation. Unknowingly, he found himself at the entrance of the Rose Courtyard.
At this hour, Xianyue should have been asleep. Yet, just as he reached the doorway, the guards noticed him and hurried forward to greet him. He waved them off, lowering his voice, "I'll just stand here a moment."
They exchanged puzzled glances. Bai Zhanfeng's penetrating gaze swept over them, and they straightened, feeling his unusual mood. His hurried questions earlier, followed by his swift departure, had set their minds racing with countless speculations. They returned to their posts, still pondering his intentions.
The tale of Bai Zhanfeng's affection for Xianyue was no secret; it was common knowledge in the martial world. As his personal guards, they were privy to certain details of his past with her. When his father had pushed for his marriage to Chen Ruoxi, they'd stood just outside the study, overhearing snippets of the heated argument. That night, Bai Zhanfeng had stormed out in fury. His feelings for Xianyue ran deep, even if she now occupied a distant pedestal as the Queen of Lan. Why did he cling to this love when it was long out of reach? Chen Ruoxi, while not Xianyue's equal, was hardly a poor match.
The Rose Courtyard lay in silence; only the faint sound of wind stirring the dust broke the quiet. The lantern light inside her room had already dimmed, amplifying the stillness around him. Standing by the door, he felt his frayed nerves slowly calm.
He knew, of course, that he shouldn't have come. She now belonged to Lan Yixuan, Queen of Lan, and whatever he did or felt for her now would be seen as nothing more than delusion. And yet, he couldn't help but worry that his actions might invite needless gossip around her. Because of him, someone like her had even aroused Chen Ruoxi's hatred and resentment.
But he couldn't control himself. He'd tried returning to his study, yet somehow, his steps had led him here. Coming here had almost become a habit. She would leave for the military camp tomorrow, and after that, he would no longer have the comfort of being this close, even if separated by walls.
He knew she didn't want to see any discord between him and Chen Ruoxi, so he would honor her wishes. Just this once—this would be the last time. He wanted to lose himself in his longing one final time.
Bai Zhanfeng crossed the courtyard threshold and took a seat in a quiet corner. Suddenly, the room's door opened, and he froze, caught mid-squat, looking utterly out of place. He hadn't expected Xianyue to appear; he'd wanted only to sit in silence through the night.
He gazed at the woman in the doorway, her white attire ethereal, much like the first time they met. The moon, finally emerging from clouds, bathed her in a soft glow. A touch of cinnabar adorned her brow, her bright eyes seeming to hold the starlit sky. She smiled faintly, an air of serene confidence about her. His usually composed self now faltered, his words caught in his throat.
She would likely think him foolish, clinging to a hopeless attachment. The thought made his heart lurch; he feared that she might feel disdain for him.
"I… I just… I just…"
Bai Zhanfeng stood, gripping the cold marble table in front of him. The moisture in the night air left a chilling condensation on its surface, seeping into his bones as he felt a shiver ripple through him. Meeting her gaze, he was at a complete loss for words.
Xianyue simply laughed. In truth, she hadn't been oblivious to his visits. Each night, he had come to this spot. How could she not have known? Yet, what was there to say? Should she ask him to stop coming? The thought seemed absurd. Whether she felt anything for Bai Zhanfeng was her own affair; she hoped he would get along with Chen Ruoxi, but outcomes were often beyond hope's reach. If this eased his heart, so be it. She trusted Lan Yixuan not to misunderstand her, though part of her wished he would. That way, the inevitable heartbreak might set them both free, and Lan's ministers could cease their objections to her presence. Perhaps this would suit everyone; after all, being the Queen of Lan had never suited her.
Xianyue looked at Bai Zhanfeng, standing in the courtyard, and felt a pang of guilt. While her stay here brought joy to both Bai Zhanfeng's father and himself, it wasn't without an ulterior purpose. Bai Zhanfeng would never suspect, nor would anyone else.
She loosened her grip on the door and moved toward him, motioning to the spot where he'd intended to sit. Waving her fingers emphatically, she said, "Why are you just standing there? Sit down!"
Bai Zhanfeng locked eyes with her, a weight lifting as he realized she harbored no ill will. He sank into the seat she indicated.
"Bai Zhanfeng, you are guilty."
Xian Yue immediately accused Bai Zhan Feng as soon as she opened her mouth, startling him with her serious demeanor. He opened his mouth, his expression growing increasingly flustered. "Xian Yue, I didn't—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Xian Yue burst into laughter. Bai Zhan Feng, gazing at her mirthful expression, quickly realized she was merely teasing him. A woman like her, open-hearted and embracing all, would hardly become upset over such a trivial matter. He had been too anxious and had forgotten this simple truth, allowing his excessive concern to blur his judgment.
With an air of nonchalance, Xian Yue raised an eyebrow, "Who asked you to bring me fine wine?"
She lightly touched her belly, saying, "The drink has filled me up nicely. I was lost in a beautiful dream when I heard a growl from someone's stomach, and it startled me awake."
As she caressed her flat stomach, it remained unchanged. Despite her somewhat coarse demeanor that usually earned disdain, her current attitude exuded sincerity. Her laughter was boisterous, her voice resonant; even the guards stationed at the door couldn't help but smile quietly, understanding why the five distinguished sons of the Zhou family regarded her with newfound admiration. Though she might not possess the ethereal beauty that could stun upon first sight, wherever she was, joy would surely follow. Her infectious smile could brighten the spirits of those around her.
Bai Zhan Feng was just about to summon someone to prepare a midnight snack when a guard, who had been stationed at the door, entered and bowed respectfully, "Young Master, I will have someone prepare a late-night meal immediately."
Xian Yue nodded approvingly, her expression one of mentorship. "Just prepare some pastries and some hot tea."
After she spoke, she turned to Bai Zhan Feng, "Would you care for something to eat?"
"Do as Xian Yue suggested." As the eldest son of the Bai family in the state of Chu, there was no delicacy he had not tasted. Regardless of how exquisite the food might be, it never stirred his appetite. For him, eating was merely a means to replenish energy. He could never appreciate such moments alone as Xian Yue did, savoring tea and pastries while engaging in calm conversation. Simply sitting across from her, enjoying her company, was more fulfilling than any culinary delight.
Since it was Bai Zhan Feng who had requested it, the pastries would be made fresh, taking some time to prepare. However, the tea arrived promptly. Just as someone was about to serve it to Xian Yue and Bai Zhan Feng, Xian Yue took it from them, saying, "You may leave now."
She poured a cup for Bai Zhan Feng, the steam rising from the hot liquid, the tea leaves swirling within. For a woman who adored her wine, her greatest flaw was her inability to appreciate tea, which, no matter how fine, tasted the same to her—not like that person who always delighted in snow-flavored tea.
"Tea calms the mind," Xian Yue said, handing him the cup. Bai Zhan Feng was momentarily taken aback, feeling as though she could see through him. He smiled and accepted the cup, taking a sip.
Leaning closer, Xian Yue asked playfully, "How does it taste?"
Bai Zhan Feng shook his head. He hadn't grown up in the Bai household and had not received the education of a nobleman. Like Xian Yue, he preferred wine over tea, showing little appreciation for such a refined beverage.
Xian Yue took a sip as well, laughing, "I can't say I feel anything either." Their eyes met, and they shared a smile.
"I just returned from Chen Ruoxi's place."
Setting her cup down, Xian Yue responded with a nonchalant hum. "Did you argue?"
Though it was a question, her expression was one of certainty. Both she and Lan Yixuan possessed an innate ability to perceive the subtleties of the world around them.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone