Chapter 208: Reason
Although Feng Xianyue was merely the consort of Lan Kingdom, the dread she inspired far surpassed that of Gong Shaohua and even the Lan King himself. Gong Shaohua's temper was mercurial, yet over the years, he treaded carefully, consistently winning her favor. Lan Yi Xuan, unpredictable and formidable, resembled a tiger at court, but Xianyue was who Xu An feared most—a woman who defied convention. Whatever she desired, she achieved effortlessly, especially here. If she wished him dead, it would be as simple as crushing an ant. From the moment they left Lan Kingdom, Xu An sensed her ill intentions, so he clung to Cheng Qiang for support, yet even then, the journey was a grueling ordeal.
When Xianyue posed a casual question, Xu An committed it to heart, feeling more like a common soldier than a royal overseer. Was he afraid? Certainly not. Many desired his death.
"No," Cheng Qiang replied firmly. "Even if I am killed, Lan Kingdom's soldiers will not cower before Xuanyuan. With our King and Queen, they would surely avenge me." Cheng Qiang spoke with uprightness, devoid of any hint of fear. Xu An sneered inwardly, finding his words sycophantic—did he not fear death?
"And you, Bai Zhanfeng?" Xianyue asked.
Bai Zhanfeng rose, moving to stand before her. "As long as I live, the Bai family remains. No one's ambition to consume Bai and Bai Chu will succeed. I will lead every soldier of Bai Chu to avenge our fallen comrades." He held Xianyue's gaze with unwavering resolve. Xianyue clapped, shrugging slightly. "Do you understand now?" Some understood clearly, while others looked puzzled. Some generals relied on wisdom, while others wielded sheer might; those who typically fought with brawn struggled to comprehend her words.
"General Cen is indeed loyal to Xuanyuan, having campaigned across the land and won countless battles for Xuanyuan Hao. He is known for his integrity and is beloved by soldiers and civilians alike. Killing Cen Shen would only prompt more to rise in his place. We cannot kill them all, and such slaughter would only provoke the ire of Xuanyuan's army and people."
The others grasped her meaning, recalling her previous words, their minds enlightened. Indeed, the Bai family army had fought relentlessly for Chu, and over the years, they had witnessed friends fall, be captured, or suffer injuries that barred them from battle. They had endured so much for the sake of those who had fallen, to honor their sacrifice and share their burdens. Naturally, they yearned to avenge their comrades.
Xianyue returned to her seat, her sharp gaze scanning each person in attendance. "Every soldier sheds their blood to protect their homeland, a testament to their loyalty. Aside from titles, they are no different from us—family, friends, a heart brimming with loyalty. Yet they are also the most innocent, merely caught in the conflict due to differing nations and allegiances. They, even more than we, desire peace."
War only brings wealth to a few. Xuanyuan Hao may extol it as his noble vision for a tranquil realm, but at its core, his ambitions serve his lust for dominance. Ruling the world—every ruler harbors dreams of benevolent governance to change the land, yet few truly achieve it. If not for war, the common people would undoubtedly fare better. Yet such revolutions are inevitable as history progresses, the new overthrowing the old. Ordinary citizens, loyal soldiers—these are the innocents, their sacrifices shattering families.
"I want you to remember the sorrow of losing comrades, but understand that sacrifice in war is unavoidable. Their comrades fall, and so too do our enemies. We cannot change this, but I hope we can minimize the losses."
Her words resonated deeply. Each word, each phrase, landed with profound clarity. Lü Zhu, Cheng Qiang, and others watched her, noting the confidence in her eyes—a wisdom that seemed almost to glow. Yes, she was a true sage, her casual posture exuding an unshakable poise that stunned everyone, her bright resolve piercing into their hearts, prompting each one to examine themselves.
Bai Pingting observed Xianyue, a smile spreading across her face as her thoughts drifted. This was the princess His Highness cherished, noble and compassionate. "Your Highness, are you watching? Your sister is the finest woman in the world. Grandfather, do you see? This is the queen of our Feng Kingdom, whose magnanimity would inspire loyalty from any subject."
Lü Zhu, Yilan, and others shared this enthusiasm. This was the princess they so admired, whose every action commanded unwavering loyalty. They knew she always had her reasons, inspiring each follower deeply. They felt a fierce joy—serving under such a leader was a true honor.
Indeed, those soldiers were the most innocent. Having once lost family themselves, they understood the pain, the sense of loss. They, too, longed for peace. Perhaps once the war ended, they could repay their debt to the princess and pursue lives of their own.
Cheng Qiang and the other generals were equally struck, Xu An no less. Such words, spoken by a woman younger than they, yet exuding such poise and intelligence, commanded their loyalty. They believed Lan Kingdom would ultimately triumph over Xuanyuan, for their King was a master strategist, and their Queen, a farsighted visionary.
Bai Chu's generals glanced at Bai Zhanfeng, finally understanding why their young lord would be drawn to such a woman. If this radiant figure were their lady, perhaps Bai Chu would not be in its current state.
Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xianyue, his deep eyes flickering with admiration he could barely suppress. This was the woman he had chosen—though he had lost her, no one could deny his judgment. In the eyes of others, she might appear carefree, but to him, she was a rare and exceptional woman. He had simply let her slip away, and that regret burned quietly, unyielding. Yet he vowed not to rue it; her brilliance justified every heartache.
"Xuanyuan now gathers its full force to conquer the land. Xuanyuan Hao personally commanded at Biluojiang, determined for victory. This war is unavoidable, but I swear, Xuanyuan shall meet defeat this time."
Xianyue's fervor inflamed the camp; her composed, confident face inspired conviction. Though they lacked a strategy, her presence alone instilled belief. Xuanyuan's army would not cross Biluojiang if she said so.
Pausing, Xianyue added, "Should Xuanyuan soldiers surrender, I would spare them, treating them as kin of Lan and Feng Kingdom."
Earnestly, she would seek the world, regardless of Xuanyuan or Feng-Lan. She aimed for Lan Yi Xuan's rule to be remembered, transcending all bloodshed. History might reduce such aspirations to myth, but she longed for Lan Yi Xuan to be a monarch praised by generations.
With a slight smile, she straightened, "That's all I have to say. Does anyone wish to add anything?" The sudden shift startled them, yet their respect for her was unwavering.
"Lord Xu, anything to add?"
Lost in thought, Xu An stammered before she approached him, patting his shoulder. "After these years of indulgence, it's time you served the people. Consider this an opportunity to repay your debts."
Xianyue stretched, then turned to Hu Tao with a smile. "Thank you, Lord Hu, for the pear wine."
A bashful Hu Tao responded, "As long as Lady Xianyue enjoys it."
Xianyue nodded, her smile widening. "Fine wine is always welcome!"
"Then I'll request two more casks in a few days," he offered.
Xianyue laughed, shaking her head. "Let's keep discipline in the camp. We leave for Biluojiang the day after tomorrow. Cheng Qiang, I'll rely on you and the generals, and Bai Zhanfeng, select some to prepare."
She yawned widely, the others chuckling quietly. She was unapologetic, remarking, "An early start is unusual for me—I'm used to sleeping in at the Bai estate."
Stretching again, she offered a cheeky grin. "Thank you, gentlemen. Please, carry on."
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