Chapitre 39: A Turmoil at the Longevity Feast (1)
Gazing upward, the sun hung low in the western sky, its crimson glow painting the heavens in resplendent hues, casting a delicate, vibrant tint over the bustling and opulent Yanjing. The magnificent, flowing colors were breathtaking, enchanting all who beheld them.
Fortune smiled upon the evening, as a brilliant moon ascended into the inky night, surrounded by a tapestry of stars, which illuminated the three immaculate golden characters of the Wang residence, making them appear even more radiant. The formidable lions flanking the entrance were adorned with red silk, their imposing presence infused with a touch of festive cheer.
The streets teemed with the sound of carriages and the bustling of elegantly dressed patrons, trailed by attendants bearing congratulatory gifts, creating an atmosphere that surpassed the liveliness of the marketplace.
Xianyue stood at the entrance of the Wang residence, flanked by Lan Yixuan and Bai Zhanfeng, with the latter's left side occupied by the vivacious Nian Xiaoyu. Lei An and Lei Yun followed closely behind, their hands filled with gifts.
Xianyue remained clad in her snow-white attire, unadorned by cosmetics, her hair pinned with a butterfly hairpin gifted by Lan Yixuan. In the aftermath of a recent battle, the hairpin bore traces of blood, which, illuminated by the surrounding lights, added a strikingly vivid hue to its simple elegance.
"Who said they would attend His Highness the Third Prince's birthday banquet looking resplendent, eclipsing all those delicate beauties?" Bai Zhanfeng remarked, turning his head, noting that the servants of the Wang residence had yet to arrive to greet them. His gaze fell upon Xianyue, his voice laced with a hint of irritation.
For today's celebration at the Yanyu Building, Bai Zhanfeng found Xianyue's white dress too plain. Out of goodwill, he had prepared a floor-length crimson silk gown for her, with a white pear blossom bodice and a light blue satin sash at the waist, flowing gracefully, complete with a matching bow at the back.
Xianyue closed her eyes and felt the fabric, confirming it to be the finest Yunjin from Chu. Looking at Bai Zhanfeng, she couldn't contain her joy and flashed a beaming smile, all while ignoring Nian Xiaoyu's resentful expression, eager to change into the new attire. It was well-known that she had always been easygoing, more accommodating than the clouds above. White was not her only choice; however, due to the limited options prepared by Liu Xinyou on Pear Blossom Mountain, she had grown accustomed to wearing white, eventually losing the desire to seek out different garments.
However, upon opening the dress, the sight of the bow at the back made her smile falter, halting her dress-changing endeavor. The bow was a delicate, rosy crimson. Stealing a glance at the smug Bai Zhanfeng beside her, she promptly set aside the gown. In the end, with Nian Xiaoyu radiating joy and gratitude, she exchanged a thousand taels of silver for the exquisite gown Bai Zhanfeng had meticulously selected, draping it over Nian Xiaoyu's frame.
This act made Nian Xiaoyu finally believe that Xianyue truly had no intention of competing for Bai Zhanfeng's affection. Her prior hostility towards Xianyue vanished, and her spirits soared with ambition. Yes, in the coming three years, Bai Zhanfeng would surely be hers. Stealing a furtive glance at Bai Zhanfeng, dressed in black, she could only catch a glimpse of his profile, still exuding an air of dignity, causing her cheeks to flush.
Bai Zhanfeng's efforts yielded no favor from Xianyue; instead, Nian Xiaoyu became even more determined in her pursuit. Meanwhile, Xianyue, with her hands empty, had effortlessly acquired a beautiful gown without any cost to herself. Not only did she pocket the thousand taels, but she also managed to turn a foe into a friend. Thus, her spirits soared, and faced with Bai Zhanfeng's rare teasing, she remained more composed than Lan Yixuan.
Turning around, her hair danced in the air, one cheek concealed by strands, while the other glistened under the light, a radiant contrast. Her smile emerged as she brushed aside the hair blocking her face, her features exquisite, the vermilion accentuating her allure. Especially striking were her eyes, bright and clear, seemingly reflecting all the stars in the sky. Even the most casual of gestures exuded a nonchalance that few ordinary women could muster.
Bai Zhanfeng was momentarily taken aback, feeling an irregular flutter in his heart. Xianyue, tilting her head, leaned closer to him with a confident smile: "I, my dear sir, possess a beauty that is simply unmatched by those mere mortals."
After speaking, she turned to the silent Lan Yixuan behind her: "Master Lan."
Lan Yixuan turned to face Xianyue, his expression serene, his gaze steady, his customary warm smile radiating nobility, yet still exuding an aura of unattainability.
Xianyue raised an eyebrow, continuing her inquiry: "What do you think?"
Lan Yixuan pressed his lips together, feigning deep thought, and after a moment, nodded slightly, earnestly stating: "Xianyue's demeanor and conduct surpass those of ordinary folk; how could they ever compare to those common women?"
Xianyue huffed and shot a fierce glare at Lan Yixuan, refusing to look at him further. Internally, she scoffed; how could she expect wisdom from someone whose mouth could not produce pearls? The whole world was deceived by his appearance.
"It is said that like attracts like; those who show concern for me, an unusual individual, must surely be extraordinary in their own right."
Xianyue turned to Lan Yixuan, her smile radiant like a blooming flower, devoid of any trace of anger.
"But what of you, Sir Bai and Master Lan?"
Xianyue took two steps forward, suddenly noticing a middle-aged man inside the door, who, accompanied by two young attendants, approached Bai Zhanfeng with a bow. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be the steward of the Wang residence.
"A messenger has arrived from the palace. His Highness is inside and cannot be disturbed; he has sent Wang Fu to welcome you."
His demeanor was exceedingly respectful without veering into obsequiousness.
"Lei Yun, Lei An," Lan Yixuan spoke indifferently, and the two attendants stepped forward, offering the gifts they bore to the two young servants behind.
"Please, esteemed guests," Wang Fu gestured with a bow. Bai Zhanfeng cast a glance at him, moving to the front, with Nian Xiaoyu hastily following suit. Lan Yixuan looked at Xianyue, only to see her leap toward the steward, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder.
Wang Fu, bending down, did not expect such a sudden touch and nearly stumbled backward, almost falling to the ground before Xianyue caught him. He looked up to meet her eyes, which sparkled with excitement, reminiscent of stars at midnight, brightening his heart and leaving him momentarily dazed.
"Wang Fu, what delectable delights have been prepared for the Third Prince's birthday? What wines shall be served?"
She gazed up at the dark night sky before abruptly turning her head: "Actually, what I most wish to drink is Xuezhong Shao."
Wang Fu looked up, confronted by Xianyue's beaming smile, and was suddenly overcome by a shiver.
Xuezhong Shao, also known as Xuezhong Shao, is a red-hued wine resembling flowing blood. Indeed, it is brewed with blood. Ordinarily, this kind of wine, much like golden tofu, would be the preference of only lowly commoners, while the noble gentry would disdain it. However, the ingredients for this wine are rare, sourced from elusive wild creatures, combined with high-quality medicinal herbs. Only the blood from their foreheads is taken, leaving them unharmed; it is immensely nourishing, potent, and carries a strong bloody aroma, typically favored by rough-and-tumble men of the Jianghu.
"Is there nothing else you can think of aside from eating, drinking, and sleeping?"
Bai Zhanfeng turned abruptly, pulling Xianyue along as they entered.
Xianyue allowed Bai Zhanfeng to lead her, stepping backward, her starry eyes still fixed on Lan Yixuan, pondering: "Master Lan, do you think there is a difference between the blood of animals and that of humans?"
Lan Yixuan slightly nodded to the bewildered Wang Fu, who stood frozen in place, before following behind, meeting Xianyue's piercing, insightful gaze: "You shall find out."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone