Chapter 137: The Tragedy of Lan and the Moon
In mid-November of the same year, the Crown Prince of Xuanyuan, Xuanyuan Hao, issued a proclamation to the world: to punish treacherous ministers and restore the flourishing Zhou Dynasty. He launched an offensive against Nanyan and Baichu, personally orchestrating the military campaign. With unstoppable momentum, the Xuanyuan army cut through the enemy ranks, conquering over half of Yanguo within just a month and pressing toward Chu Kingdom's Yecheng, seizing much of the land.
With both Yan and Chu collapsing, they turned to the Kingdom of Lan for aid. In early December of the same year, the Lan King issued a decree to the world, vowing to stand with the Feng Kingdom through life and death, declaring that Xuanyuan Hao was using the Emperor's name to command the feudal lords and must be eradicated by all. He promised to send reinforcements before the end of the year.
On the night of December 13th, the Snow Orchid Palace was brightly lit, the glazed palace lanterns hanging from the eaves resembling pearls from the sea, radiant and sparkling, turning night into day.
A clear breeze and bright moon adorned the vast night sky, dotted with stars. Silver light cascaded down, illuminating a pale figure on the rooftop. Her petite form, slender waist, and loose hair danced freely in the night wind, exuding an unrestrained elegance.
"Good wine."
"Good wine."
Xianyue leaned against the vermilion glazed tiles with one hand, holding a wine jug in the other. Her body tilted back as the fine wine from the jade jug poured like a stream, none of it spilling as it all flowed into her mouth. As the alcohol reached its peak, she extended her rosy tongue, licking her lips with a satisfied sigh.
"You, woman."
The voice was as elegant as a blooming orchid, a faint fragrance lingering in the air, permeating the senses and soothing the soul.
"You've nearly stolen all the fine wine from the palace."
That word "stolen" carried a faint smile, indulgent and forgiving, adding a touch of warmth to the cold night like a spring breeze.
Upon hearing this, Xianyue set down the wine jug. The shadows of trees swayed heavily in the wind, like moving figures, yet her gaze was instantly drawn to the purple-clad figure below. His slightly upturned lips and misty eyes, deep and unfathomable, were as refined and elegant as when they first met. The clear light cast upon him made her dizzy, captivating her heart.
Xianyue stood up, brushing off her clothes, and lightly laughed, "Lord Lan, what brings you here?"
With a slightly tipsy smile, she casually dusted off her attire and stood, arms spread, moving like a little cat on the rooftop. Her half-closed, drowsy eyes, with her hair flying in the wind, exuded a lazy charm.
"What do you know? Haven't you heard the saying, 'When life is at its best, one must enjoy it to the fullest, and not let the golden cup be wasted in vain against the moon'?"
Xianyue waved the wine jug toward Lan Yixuan, her body swaying as if she might fall at any moment, yet in the end, she stood firmly on the rooftop. Clad in white, with black hair flowing, her clear eyes smiled radiantly, outshining even the stars and moon above.
Lan Yixuan gazed upward, the winter wind stinging his face ever so slightly. His eyes never left Xianyue, watching her under the cold moon, her bright eyes softened, and the only sound in his ears was her light laughter, teasing at his heart, making it ache, sweet and sour, a strange mix of discomfort and pleasure that he wished could last forever.
Xianyue laughed heartily, her petite form jumping about, splashing water from the jug everywhere. Drops of wine scattered, wetting her hands. All around her were bottles and jars, filling the rooftop with a heady fragrance.
"Lord Lan, catch me."
Xianyue tilted her body, closed her eyes, and spread her arms wide, plunging straight toward Lan Yixuan before he had time to react.
A flash of white, as quick as lightning, sliced through the night. Lan Yixuan raised a brow, his lips curving into a helpless smile. He softly said, "Alright."
That single word, like the blooming of an orchid, filled the air with its fragrance. Suddenly, a purple figure appeared in mid-air, as sharp as a blade, extending his right hand to catch Xianyue firmly.
"Ha ha."
"Ha ha!"
Her bell-like laughter shattered the night's stillness. Xianyue wrapped her left arm around Lan Yixuan's neck while his left hand encircled her waist. Their eyes met, seemingly entangled by something invisible, a shared tenderness and myriad unspeakable emotions reflected back like a mirror.
Xianyue opened her eyes, resting one hand on Lan Yixuan's shoulder. His perfectly chiseled face was mere inches from hers, flawless as jade, with no imperfection to be found. The mist in her eyes seemed to dissipate under the bright moonlight. His jet-black pupils were filled with laughter, reminiscent of the boundless night sky, his refined and graceful presence etched into her memory.
Xianyue turned her head, her slightly tipsy gaze piercing through the trees and the dark night, looking up at the twinkling stars above. Gradually, the scattered stars pieced together into a faint image, becoming clearer. She bit her lip and smiled.
"Is this fun?" Lan Yixuan chuckled softly, gazing down at Xianyue in his arms. Her white robe, delicate features, heroic brows, and bright eyes were as pure as snow. The vermilion mark between her brows was like an axe, cleaving into his vision, leaving no room for anyone else.
When had he come to understand love? Without realizing it, he had become ensnared.
Xianyue pressed her lips together, gazing at Lan Yixuan, and nodded firmly. "Mmm," she hummed, her voice full of conviction. The two stared at each other in silence, neither speaking, the air around them thick with subtle affection.
Xianyue blinked, then released Lan Yixuan's hand with a soft call, "Lord Lan."
Lan Yixuan looked down at Xianyue, their hair entwined, her delicate body pressed close to him. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Master Lan, would you make me your queen right now?"
In the stillness of the night, Xianyue's voice was unnervingly clear. Though phrased as a question, it allowed no room for doubt.
Lan Yixuan stared at her, his heart chilled, the cold wind stinging his face like needles. Stroking her hair, he quietly replied, "Alright."
There was no hesitation, no trace of joy in his voice.
Xianyue snuggled closer in his embrace, laughing softly. "Would you let me lead your army into battle?"
Her chin rested against his chest as she looked up, only able to see his sharp jawline, always held high with a haughty pride that was unapproachable. His lips curled into a faint smile, inviting yet distant.
Lan Yixuan paused, slightly taken aback, and released her. She continued tugging at his clothes, raising her voice. "Well, will you?"
Lan Yixuan gently pried her fingers from his garment, walking past her to stand behind. He remained silent, his brow furrowed, seemingly lost in thought.
Xianyue stood still under the moonlight, their shadows long and intertwined, swaying in the breeze, inseparable. She laughed, the sound like a needle piercing her heart, a slight but sharp pain. She bit her lip, her clear eyes sparkling with emotion. "Master Lan..."
She moved to his side, nudging his arm with her elbow. "Isn't this glorious kingdom exactly what you desire? Lan Nation is still fragile, the Queen's influence remains, and the country needs you. I told you, whatever you want, I'll help you get it."
Her words were steady, filled with unwavering resolve.
Lan Yixuan lifted his chin, gazing beyond the towering city walls into the distance. "And what about you?"
His voice was calm, betraying no emotion. He turned suddenly, his gaze settling on her. Xianyue froze, her pupils dilating in shock. After a long pause, she forced a laugh. "Didn't I just ask you to make me queen?"
Lan Yixuan glanced at her, his eyes warm yet chilling, sending a shiver down her spine. He looked away, saying nothing.
Xianyue felt a wave of anguish, the kind of pain that comes from a wound so fine and deep it's invisible, yet it bleeds endlessly. It was as if she were dying slowly, yet completely helpless.
Since this outcome was inevitable, wasn't it better to face it with a smile than to weep?
She patted the silent Lan Yixuan on the back, waving her hand before his face. "Have you gone dumb?"
Lan Yixuan turned, grasping her hand. Xianyue tried to keep smiling, but her heart felt desolate, like a barren field overgrown with wild grass.
"Stop smiling."
His voice was flat, carrying a hint of coldness.
"Master Lan, don't flatter yourself. I'm not doing this for you."
Xianyue tried to pull her hand free, but his grip tightened. His obsidian eyes darkened as he fixed his gaze on her. "I know, it's for your brother."
He chuckled softly, his eyes filled with teasing understanding, mocking her stubborn pride.
"The Queen of Feng, the future Queen of Lan... she's hardly inferior to you, Master Lan. The feud between the Bai family and the Kingdom of Chu, I'm partly to blame. Otherwise, Xuanyuan Hao wouldn't have had a pretext to march. Besides, Bai Zhanfeng treated me well."
Lan Yixuan frowned. Xianyue, lost in her own thoughts, crouched down and turned to look up at him. "Master Lan, when you were unconscious, I thought to myself: it's only natural for men to have many wives. As long as you wake up, I'll allow you to take concubines. Even if you have a harem of three thousand, it won't matter. But remember, the position of Queen of Lan belongs to me, Feng Xianyue. That's all I ask."
After finishing, she took a big gulp of wine, drinking so hastily that she choked and coughed violently. Lan Yixuan knelt down, gently patting her back. When she waved him off, he sat beside her, offering his shoulder for support. "When did you find out?"
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