Capítulo 67: "Lan Yixuan, why do you linger like a ghost?"
The state of Chu is nestled against the majestic Xieluo Mountain, surrounded by water on three sides, making it the only coastal nation among the Five Kingdoms. The climate here is temperate, providing an ideal environment for habitation. Expanses of phoenix trees flourish, while evergreens blanket the hills, ensuring that even in the frigid grip of winter, one can still sense the breath of spring.
Xianyue rode at a leisurely pace, taking nearly a month and a half to reach the capital city of Chu.
Yingcheng lacks the bustling opulence of Yanjing or the majestic gravitas of Panshi, which has accumulated over centuries. It's not to say the city is devoid of life; the streets are teeming with vehicles and pedestrians, filled with the constant sounds of lively merchants hawking their wares. Yet, there is a tranquility to this place—a sense that standing here allows one's heart to be as serene as still water. Even in this biting winter season, Yingcheng exudes a vibrant energy.
Holding the reins of her steed, Xianyue was not in a hurry. As usual, she took breaks along the journey. The magnificent horse she led was the gift her brother had prepared for her before she departed Panshi, though its once-gleaming white coat was now dust-laden.
The sun poured warmth onto her face, enveloping her in a comforting embrace, just as noon arrived. Most people were at home or dining in inns, resulting in a sparsely populated street. The roads were wide, even broader than those in Panshi, lined with a variety of trees. Some had shed their leaves, standing bare and casting flickering shadows that danced with the wind, while others remained lush and green. Every so often, there were flower beds still in bloom, vibrant hues brightening the atmosphere and lifting her spirits considerably.
Bright red lanterns hung from tree branches, and the inns and shops alike radiated a festive cheer. It suddenly dawned on Xianyue that the year-end celebrations were fast approaching.
Turning her gaze toward the direction of Fengguo, she wondered if her brother had yet arrived there. If they could return together, they would celebrate the New Year side by side.
As she watched the golden sunlight, her heart ached with nostalgia. Without Liu Xinyou by her side, she would face the New Year alone. But then she reconsidered; solitude might offer her a certain freedom.
Scanning her surroundings, she prepared to find an inn to rest. Though she had not rushed, the days spent on horseback had left her feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and her stomach rumbled, reminding her of her hunger. She longed for a hearty dinner, a warm bath, and a good night's sleep.
As she approached an inn and handed the reins to the young attendant at the door, patting her horse's back, a cloud of dust rose into the air. "Make sure my steed is well-fed, then give her a bath and find a comfortable spot for her to rest," she instructed.
While speaking, she produced a small silver coin from her pocket. The attendant smiled as he accepted it, and Xianyue noted that his grin was considerably brighter than before.
Just as she was about to step through the inn's entrance, she heard a familiar neigh behind her. Turning, she was surprised to see Lei An, who had not been seen for quite some time. He generously pulled out a sum of silver that was at least ten times greater than what she had just given, tossing it into the attendant's palm, then swiftly commandeered her steed. The attendant looked bewildered, glancing between Xianyue and the silver.
Standing next to Lei An was someone she recognized all too well—Lei Yun, known for her culinary skills and understanding nature.
"What brings you both here?" Xianyue asked, moving closer to Lei Yun and glancing around, searching for the familiar figure she had expected to see.
"Where's Lan Gongzi? I don't see him," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of Lan Yixuan, not a hint of anticipation in her gaze, only mild curiosity. She knew that Lei Yun and Lei An were typically inseparable from him, so if they were present, he should be nearby as well.
"Our master isn't here," Lei An replied, raising an eyebrow at Xianyue, a hint of pride in his demeanor. "Are you missing him?"
As he asked, his gaze bore into her, eager for a confirmation of his suspicion.
"Then perhaps you should accompany us," Xianyue suggested, her mind wandering to the notion of Lei An using Lan Yixuan's name to lure innocent girls. She couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.
"What are you laughing at?" Lei An demanded, quickly handing his horse over to Lei Yun before rushing up to Xianyue, his dark eyes shimmering with a hint of irritation.
Xianyue stifled her laughter but couldn't quite conceal the amusement in her eyes. "Why would I miss your master? Why would I want to go with you? What if your master sells me off? I definitely wouldn't want to find myself counting coins after being sold by him," she quipped, nodding in agreement with her own conclusion.
"He would never sell you; he simply couldn't bear to do so," Lei An insisted, his eyes wide with certainty as he stared at her.
Even if their master were to sell both Lei Yun and himself, he would never part with her. Besides, did their master ever need to resort to selling anyone?
"Every woman in the world adores our master, yet you seem oblivious to that. You spend your days eating and sleeping, while Lei Yun treats you like a lady. What's wrong with that? Just come with us," he urged, his expression suggesting that she was simply unaware of her own fortune.
"It seems you have a personal grudge against me," Xianyue retorted, raising an eyebrow at Lei An.
He fell silent, though his feelings toward her were not entirely negative; it was just her indifferent attitude toward Lan Yixuan that irked him. Which woman wouldn't eagerly seek closeness to their master? Yet Xianyue remained aloof.
"If you can't stand me, how can we coexist?" he countered, recalling the times they had managed to get along quite well, always at his expense.
"I'm not going anywhere; I'll stay at the inn," Xianyue stated firmly, gesturing to the inn ahead—Sailing Wind Inn. She hadn't paid much attention to the name earlier, but now—
She laughed softly, retracting her hand and saying to Lei Yun, "Please hand my horse over to the attendant; she's exhausted and hungry after days of travel."
In referring to her horse, she was subtly speaking of herself.
Lan Yixuan truly possessed remarkable resources; she had only just arrived in Chu and hadn't found a place to rest, yet he had already located her. What business did he have in Chu?
"Xianyue, given that it's a festive season, staying at an inn may not be convenient. I've prepared a meal in advance," Lei An said.
Being away from home during the holidays often evokes feelings of nostalgia. Though she had grown accustomed to it, there was an unavoidable sense of sadness. It was precisely for this reason that she was more reluctant to spend time with Lan Yixuan.
If, in the future, she were coerced into choosing him, as long as her heart remained her own, she could still be the free-spirited Feng Xianyue. Otherwise, finding herself caught in the middle, perhaps even reduced to his pawn, would be deeply lamentable.
Ah, women tend to become fools and madwomen in the face of love. Though she had no personal experience, maintaining a safe distance was undoubtedly wise.
"In just a cup of tea's time."
Xian Yue waved her fingers in front of Lei Yun, her chin slightly raised. "If your young master can appear before me within the span of a teacup, I shall accompany you."
Though Lan Yixuan did not despise commotion, he had a preference for tranquility. His retreat was situated in the eastern suburbs, an area bustling with inns and shops. Xian Yue was certain he would not reside in such a lively locale; even with his astute foresight, he could not have anticipated her proposal.
With her arms crossed, Xian Yue stood confidently, while the innkeeper watched the scene with mild curiosity. Fortunately, it was winter; the sun, though bright, did not scorch as it would in summer, casting a warm and comfortable glow.
Xian Yue closed her eyes, her skin pale and delicate, akin to fine goose-down silk. The innkeeper, originally positioned to observe the unfolding drama, found his gaze inexplicably drawn to Xian Yue.
The natural beauty of Chu's landscapes nurtured many lovely women, yet Xian Yue's appearance, though pleasing, was merely above average. At first glance, she did not elicit any sense of awe. However, a second look revealed a quality that set her apart from ordinary women. Yet now, he found himself captivated, unable to divert his eyes from her. Growing up in Chu, he had once been fortunate enough to see the Snow Princess, a beauty one could not help but cradle in their palms, yet he now felt that the notion of the world's most beautiful woman paled in comparison to Xian Yue.
As she opened her eyes just a fraction, a smile graced her lips. "Lei Yun, time is fleeting—"
Before she could finish, her arms fell from their crossed position, her eyes widening as they fixed on a point behind Lei Yun, her previously carefree expression cracking momentarily.
"Let's go."
Lan Yixuan approached Xian Yue, unperturbed by the dirt on her hands, and grasped her wrist, his face adorned with his usual smile—proud and sly, like a cunning fox.
The innkeeper could not help but gawk at Lan Yixuan beside Xian Yue. Draped in purple attire, his every move exuded an air of refined grace, noble and regal, as though he had just stepped out of a royal court.
Suppressing the urge to swallow hard, Xian Yue gripped her other wrist, resisting the impulse to punch that handsome face. Yet, when Lan Yixuan took her hand, her body tensed for a fleeting moment as he appeared entirely unbothered by her discomfort. She withdrew one hand and playfully patted his arm, her smile brighter than the flowers blooming in nearby gardens. "Young Master Lan, what a coincidence."
Lan Yixuan frowned, and one could easily imagine how heavy her touch must have been.
Each word she spoke seemed to be tinged with a biting edge. Despite her meticulous calculations, she had erred, assuming that someone like him would lower his pride. Yet, how could she have overlooked the fact that, perhaps in his eyes, she was no longer merely Xian Yue, but Feng Xian Yue—the beloved princess of the Feng Kingdom.
"What brings you here?" she inquired, a smile playing on her lips. Meanwhile, Lei An could not suppress his laughter at Xian Yue's discomfort, reveling in the moment.
"Didn't you ask me to appear before you within a teacup's time?" Lan Yixuan replied, his tone gentle and his voice as smooth as polished jade, without so much as glancing at her.
Xian Yue yanked her hand free from his grasp, refusing to move forward. "If you truly possess so much time, you might as well seek out another woman; I'm certain they would welcome you."
Lan Yixuan reached for the burden slung over her shoulder, his smile still present, though Xian Yue could distinctly sense its chill. "I'm not inclined to do so."
His tone and expression left no room for negotiation.
Xian Yue swatted away his attempt to hold her again, her face devoid of humor. "Lan Yixuan, I believe I have made myself quite clear. If you wish to claim me, keep your distance. Upon my return to the Feng Kingdom, you may send someone to propose; I shall consider it with due seriousness."
This was her greatest concession. Truthfully, she perceived no flaw in marrying Lan Yixuan. He could restore stability to the Feng Kingdom, and if he wished, he would be a far greater comfort to her brother than Bai Zhanfeng. He was considerate, and if devoid of emotion, they could maintain a respectful distance, and life would pass quickly.
"Who desires a soulless shell without feelings?"
"Better than having nothing at all."
Xian Yue responded calmly, entirely disregarding Lan Yixuan's displeasure.
Lan Yixuan chuckled, and in the next instant, when he turned to face her, he was the embodiment of tranquility, as if every outcome was already within his grasp. "In that case—"
He paused, fixing his gaze on Xian Yue, who was slightly taken aback, then turned to Lei An behind him. "We shall take up residence in the inn."
But wouldn't they still be living together? What difference did it make?
"No need."
Xian Yue glared fiercely at Lan Yixuan. Watching the retreating figures of Lei Yun and Lei An, she called out loudly, "I will return with you!"
Lan Yixuan was known for his fastidious nature, and his residence would undoubtedly be cleaner and more comfortable than any inn. Since they would be living together, why not stay in his retreat?
Fuming, she turned to the dazed innkeeper and snatched the silver he had resting in his palm. He had intended to close his fist around it, but Xian Yue's movements were swifter. By the time he formed a fist, the silver was already hers.
Shaking the coins in her hand, she reveled in the innkeeper's dismay, his eyes trailing after her newfound wealth as she let out a triumphant laugh. He attempted to snatch it back, but he could never match her speed. In the end, he could only hang his head in frustration, while Xian Yue laughed heartily, feeling considerably lighter in spirit.
Indeed, playing tricks was her longstanding delight. Although she had been bested by Lan Yixuan, she knew Lei Yun and Lei An would treat her well in the future, which brought her a sense of balance.
"Let's go."
Xian Yue approached Lan Yixuan, tossing the silver into the air before catching it deftly.
"Lei Yun, hand the horse over to Lei An. Remember to feed it well first, then give it a bath, and be sure to find a comfortable place for it to rest."
Xian Yue instructed Lei An, who bristled with indignation. Why must she specify him? Was he the only option? He felt she was retaliating against him. Casting a pitiful glance at Lan Yixuan, he received only a slight nod of acknowledgment, as if she were asking him to leap into a fire pit without hesitation.
"Are you really in such need of money?"
Lan Yixuan watched as Xianyue delightedly played with the coins that Lei An had given to the young waiter, smiling as he inquired, "What are you doing with that?"
Xianyue scoffed, "I'm merely helping him; there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. I cannot encourage a mentality of unearned gain."
Lan Yixuan responded with an "oh," then suddenly approached the waiter. Xianyue turned around, remaining in place. She couldn't hear what Lan Yixuan said to the young man, but soon saw him reluctantly hand over the small piece of silver that she had just given him.
Xianyue blinked, certain she must be imagining things.
When Lan Yixuan returned to her side, he seemed quite pleased with her astonished expression. She gazed at the piece of silver in his palm, then lifted her gaze to meet his before returning her attention to the coin. Pressing her finger against it, she confirmed its cold hardness—it was indeed silver.
A smile crossed her lips as she snatched the piece of silver from Lan Yixuan's hand, stuffing it into her embrace alongside the larger amount given by Lei An. "Young Master Lan, regardless of what happens in the future, I'm confident he will no longer entertain thoughts of unearned wealth. You've done a good deed."
For, in the end, she realized it would only serve to benefit others. Yet, why did she feel that Lan Yixuan had transformed into someone entirely different?
Lan Yixuan merely acknowledged her with a nod and took her hand. "Let's go."
Xianyue hesitated slightly, but he wouldn't relent. "You will be my woman one day."
His tone was so certain, as if holding Xianyue's hand was simply an inevitable part of their shared journey.
"Lan Yixuan."
He turned to face her, his golden gaze softened by a tenderness that sparkled like stars. Xianyue opened her mouth to speak but faltered, stammering out a dry chuckle. "It's nothing, just wondering why you seem to haunt me relentlessly."
And how unfortunate it was that he had chosen to entangle himself with her, she thought, a sense of melancholy washing over her.
Then she felt the warmth emanating from him, a heat that was both intense and fervent, entirely unlike her brother's.
Lan Yixuan's estate was located in the western outskirts, not far from the center of the military camp. He took a shortcut that allowed them to arrive in about half an hour. The entrance was flanked by lush trees, backed by a verdant mountain, with a small stream running between them. Xianyue naturally preferred this place over the inn, feeling relieved about not having to stay there.
Lei Yun and Lei An had returned early and were waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Lan Yixuan holding Xianyue's hand, they showed no surprise. They approached Xianyue and said, "Miss Xianyue, the hot water has been prepared."
Xianyue glanced at Lan Yixuan and immediately understood. She was covered in dust from the journey and felt indifferent about it, but this man had a serious aversion to dirt. While she could overlook her own appearance, his exacting standards for those around him made her feel a disdain for his obsession with cleanliness comparable to her annoyance with Bai Zhanfeng's incessant chatter.
"Lan Yixuan, your cleanliness is a sort of affliction."
She huffed and shook off his hand. Immediately, a maid approached her, and though she followed Lan Yixuan, she couldn't help but shoot him a sharp glare. "Living with you must be quite the ordeal."
Lei Yun cautiously glanced at Lan Yixuan, relieved to see no sign of displeasure on his face. In fact, the young master's cleanliness had improved significantly; previously, he had never allowed himself to touch any woman, let alone hold hands with one, especially one covered in dirt.
"Let's go inside and wait for her."
A bath could be a delightful experience, but it was far less enjoyable when one was hungry while soaking in hot water. Xianyue quickly shooed away all the onlookers around the bathtub, swiftly washed herself clean, and changed into a set of clothes that Lan Yixuan had prepared for her.
"Miss, your hair is still dripping wet!"
Xianyue waved her hand, snatching the towel from the maid's grasp and wringing out the droplets from the tips of her hair. "Where's the dining area?"
The maid, caught off guard by Xianyue's question, hesitated before guiding her, "Please follow me."
Lan Yixuan observed the sudden appearance of the delicate figure before him, hair still damp and slightly disheveled. He furrowed his brow slightly but showed no hint of surprise.
By the time they reached the dining room, her hair had nearly dried, although it remained untamed.
Xianyue intended to sit across from Lan Yixuan, preferring a bit of distance, but to her surprise, he commanded Lei Yun to pull out a chair for her, leaving her no choice but to sit beside him.
The location was irrelevant; Xianyue's attention was drawn to the table filled with dishes prepared by Lei Yun himself.
She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat heartily, relishing the familiar flavors and fine wine.
"Lei Yun, your culinary skills remain as exquisite as ever."
Xianyue tilted her head back to look at Lei Yun, her mouth greasy with food, her eyes bright and joyful.
Lan Yixuan set down his chopsticks and leaned closer to Xianyue. "When will you cook for me?"
Xianyue turned her head to look at him, her movement momentarily stilled before she faced Lei Yun. "Isn't there Lei Yun? His skills surpass mine by far; you should count your blessings."
Lan Yixuan chuckled softly, sitting up straight, leaning back in his chair. He said nothing more; she couldn't possibly misunderstand his words—intent mattered more than the food itself.
"Make a list of what you wish to buy for the New Year and give it to Lei Yun."
"Lei Yun, are you going to shop for the New Year's goods?"
Lei Yun nodded. In the past, the young master had never shown interest, but this year, having Xianyue by his side, he intended to handle the preparations meticulously.
"I want to join you when you go."
Xianyue wiped her mouth, her face brimming with excitement. She had never been able to shop for New Year's goods before, and she was sure the streets would be bustling with activity.
"Invite Lei An along; let's go to the night market together tonight."
After Lan Yixuan finished speaking, he pushed back his chair and stood up, leaving no room for Xianyue's reaction as he strode toward the door.
And thus, the plan was set in motion.
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