As the two walked to the palace gates, Lei Yun and Lei An were already waiting beside the carriage. Upon seeing Xianyue standing next to Lan Yixuan, a flicker of surprise crossed their eyes. They exchanged glances, each detecting a glimmer of delight in the other's gaze, and approached. Xianyue, unaware of the circumstances, noted Lan Yixuan's resolute demeanor. Though Lei An felt a surge of irritation, he dared not express it, fearing that it might displease Xianyue and provoke her to bring up her departure.
"Oh, you all are here waiting for me!" Xianyue exclaimed, stepping between the two. A smile graced her lips, bright and unaffected, and her voice carried a lightheartedness that immediately eased Lei Yun's concerns. Like Lei An, he had worried that Xianyue might broach the topic of packing her belongings. Now, seeing her cheerful demeanor, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, despite not knowing her thoughts.
Xianyue leaped into the carriage and, noticing Lan Yixuan and the others still standing in place, called out playfully, "If you don't hurry up, I'll drive off without you!"
Unsure of what transpired between Xianyue and Lan Yixuan, both Lei An and Lei Yun felt a sense of bewilderment. Instinctively, they glanced at Lan Yixuan, who was already making his way toward the carriage. Lei An hurried forward, retrieving a stool from the carriage's storage and placing it at Lan Yixuan's feet, raising an eyebrow in exasperation. "Lei An, next time, just pick up your master and put him in the carriage."
Xianyue chuckled, lifting the carriage curtain only to quickly toss it aside again, eyeing the smiling Lan Yixuan. "Just like a groom carrying his bride."
Lan Yixuan's smile faltered, for here he was, a dignified gentleman, reduced to the role of a bashful bride in Xianyue's jest. Upon hearing this, Lei An's expression turned an ashen hue, and he quickly lowered his head, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. Xianyue playfully tapped his head. "Your master is a man of great virtue; he won't mind your teasing."
Lei An looked up and, indeed, let out a laugh. His head throbbed as if struck by a bolt, but he swiftly suppressed his mirth, knowing that under normal circumstances, he wouldn't dare to laugh if his master were in a different mood.
"Xianyue, with your strength akin to an ox, next time, I shall trouble you to carry our master into the carriage."
Lei An stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at her intently, as if this task were solely hers. "Otherwise, why don't we have our master carry you while you pull him into the carriage?"
Xianyue furrowed her brow, resting her chin on her hand as if contemplating. Sitting at the entrance of the carriage, she tilted her head, scrutinizing Lan Yixuan. "Lord Lan, which option do you prefer?"
Her expression was earnest, as if she were genuinely weighing Lei An's suggestion.
Sitting upright, Xianyue leaned against the carriage, then suddenly jumped down, landing gracefully beside Lan Yixuan. With a powerful kick, she aimed at the three steps he stood on, simultaneously reaching to grasp his back. However, Lan Yixuan seemed to possess a sixth sense, deftly evading her assault. With the step beneath him kicked loose, his tall frame glided gracefully through the air, landing on the carriage with ease. He turned to face Xianyue, his gaze akin to the first rays of dawn piercing through the perpetual fog, radiating a gentle warmth. He arched an eyebrow at Lei An, as if to say, "This method is quite effective."
Then, with a playful jab to Lan Yixuan's calf, he indicated for him to make space.
"Xianyue, aren't you a woman anymore?"
What kind of woman would poke a man's leg?
Xianyue leapt lightly, plopping onto the carriage with her right leg bent in a relaxed manner. "I am not a woman."
Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Then why do you call me 'miss'? Why not 'young master'?"
She turned, dropping the curtain, leaning against the carriage, her arms crossed. They sat facing each other, and noticing Lan Yixuan's silence, Xianyue closed her eyes in boredom, finding a comfortable position, and soon drifted into slumber.
The journey continued in silence. Lan Yixuan refrained from addressing Xianyue's inquiries regarding the Jingyang Palace, choosing instead to safeguard his secrets. Perhaps it was due to his deep reverence for familial bonds. Xianyue didn't press him; everyone has their own secrets, and sometimes, honesty only burdens the heart.
Upon returning home, the sky had begun to lighten. The carriage came to a halt, and as Lan Yixuan shifted in his seat, Xianyue awoke with a large yawn, stretching her arms. Her eyes widened as she turned to Lan Yixuan, then swung open the curtain. The world outside appeared shrouded in a thin mist, blanketing everything in white, obscuring visibility. Yet, the grand estate before them stood clear. "We've arrived."
She barely acknowledged Lan Yixuan, flinging open the curtain and hopping down from the carriage. With a playful pat on Lei Yun's shoulder and a yawn that stretched her mouth wide, she declared, "I'm heading back to sleep."
Her eyes remained closed as she spoke, exuding an air of overwhelming fatigue.
As Lei Yun watched Xianyue's drowsy figure retreat, he approached the door, greeted warmly by the household servants. Since the New Year's celebration when she had distributed red envelopes, her popularity had soared throughout the estate.
"Master, wasn't Xianyue just asleep?"
The streets at night were profoundly silent. He and Lei An were driving the carriage ahead, still able to hear her soft snoring. Yet, the moment the carriage came to a halt, she awoke, which was remarkable since she typically remained undisturbed even in a thunderstorm.
Lan Yixuan cast a fleeting glance at Lei An before turning to Lei Yun. "Keep a close watch on her," he instructed.
Given her agility, she was more alert than most; not only could she detect the commotion of the carriage halting, but even the rustling of leaves would not escape her notice. She had already placed him on her list of potential threats, so there was little chance of her growing close to him. Even without moving out, she had already made significant concessions.
Through the dense fog, Xianyue's figure was obscured. Lei An looked at Lan Yixuan's back and inquired, "What do you mean, young master?"
"It means we must keep an eye on Miss Xianyue and ensure nothing happens to her," he replied.
Lei An raised his head, visibly dissatisfied. Wasn't this stating the obvious? Did he think him a fool who couldn't comprehend such a simple directive? However, watching over Xianyue would certainly lead to detection.
"Don't you find it strange how both the young master and Miss Xianyue are behaving? She was so resolute in Qinghuan Palace, openly demanding you pack your belongings in front of so many people. Now, she won't even mention it. What do you think the young master did to change her mind?"
Lei Yun remained silent, moving toward the door to instruct the night guards to stow the carriage. Lei An persisted, following closely behind him, chattering incessantly, "We've been by the young master's side for so long, yet he's never been this kind to us. Miss Xianyue truly is oblivious to her good fortune; countless women would gladly serve our young master."
Suddenly, Lei Yun turned around, and Lei An, following closely, nearly collided with him. "If Miss Xianyue were like every other woman, would the young master still have affection for her?"
If Xianyue were not Xianyue, would so many be enamored with her?
After a moment of reflection, Lei An conceded that there was some truth to that. The women who had pursued the young master in the past had always annoyed him. Although he sometimes harbored resentment toward Xianyue, it was only after she had hurt the young master; at other times, he found her tolerable, especially since the young master adored her.
"Go prepare hot water."
Lei An was about to protest, feeling exhausted after a long day, and now he was being tasked with preparing hot water. Lei Yun, seemingly accustomed to Lei An's lack of attentiveness, stated, "The young master is injured."
With a mind as keen as a razor and a strategic genius, how could Lei An have spent so many years by the young master's side and learned so little? Perhaps he wasn't careless, just unfamiliar with Xianyue's temperament. When she was angry, no matter what the young master said, she would refuse to return with him, never mentioning her departure. As she had laughed with Lei An moments earlier, Lan Yixuan had stood aside, observing her, particularly the pronounced bruise on his right arm, starkly illuminated by the lantern light.
"Why didn't you say the young master was injured sooner?"
Lei An exclaimed softly, hastily preparing to fetch hot water, but was stopped by Lei Yun. "Do not seek out Miss Xianyue."
The young master had his reasons for not speaking, and Lei Yun worried that Lei An's impulsiveness might lead him to confront Xianyue, stirring up trouble.
In the distance, the sky blazed crimson, akin to the blood of a beaten egg. The bright clouds resembled roaring flames, igniting a fervor within the heart. The entire expanse was shrouded in a bright golden hue; yet, despite its warm tones, it did not evoke a sense of comfort.
Seated at the table, Lan Yixuan welcomed the sea of radiant gold streaming through the open doorway. Behind him, Lei An stood holding a teapot, while in front, Lei Yun leaned respectfully.
"Miss Xianyue has just stepped out."
During this time, his master had transformed from Lan Yixuan to Feng Xianyue. He had been vigilantly guarding her day and night, and at this hour, she should have just finished her long afternoon rest. Seeing her delay in reappearing, Lei Yun pushed the door open. The bed, arranged in Xianyue's style, was a chaotic mess, but she was nowhere to be found. Frantically, he returned to inform Lan Yixuan.
Upon hearing this, Lan Yixuan was momentarily taken aback. Lei Yun cautiously looked up; Lan Yixuan, cup in hand, was savoring his tea. After a gentle acknowledgment, he set down the cup, rising to his feet. As he passed Lei Yun, he said, "You should rest now. Lei An, let me know when she returns."
Lan Yixuan reached the door, resting one hand against the frame. The resplendent red light bathed his face, mildly blinding him. He raised his hand, allowing the vibrant rays to pierce through his fingers and spill over his features. His gentle gaze narrowed, radiating a sharp intensity that contrasted with his softness.
"Change is coming to the State of Chu."
His softly murmured words were scarcely audible, heard only by himself.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and night gradually descended, the imposing structure at the heart of the camp rivaled the grandeur of the Upper Sun Palace of the Chu Kingdom. This ancient edifice, majestic in its presence, bore the two characters of "Bai Fu" prominently displayed above the entrance, exuding an air of strength.
Flanking the entrance of Bai Fu were not fearsome lions but two towering trees, each over a century old, their trunks thick enough to require five men to encircle. Originally standing apart, their branches had grown so dense and expansive, resembling large discs, that they intertwined and leaned upon one another. Due to their extensive age, the roots had gradually merged, making it appear as though the two trees had nearly become one, save for the space between them where two people might stand.
Xianyue perched atop one of the trees, observing the comings and goings of several young servants who wandered about. The scene was no different from that of other residences; the area was bustling with activity, and one figure, clad in gray but wearing fine fabric, appeared to be of similar stature to Bai Ao. With a friendly demeanor, he welcomed guests, laughing and chatting as he assisted them back to their carriages. Given the respectful attitudes of those around him, it was evident that this individual was the steward of Bai Fu.
As the lights began to twinkle, the vibrant red lanterns exuded a festive cheer, welcoming distinguished guests. A white silhouette leapt down with the swiftness of lightning.
"It seems someone just glided past me," remarked one of the gatekeepers to a passing individual, his voice laced with confusion, barely believing his own words.
"You must have seen a ghost," replied the other, jesting but lacking any hint of derision. This man had guarded the gates of Bai Fu for forty years; a decade ago, the old master had offered him a handsome sum to retire, yet he had chosen to remain, claiming he would only leave upon death or illness. He saw nothing; his aging eyes were too dim to discern much.
Xianyue stood atop the wall of Bai Fu, resembling a mischievous spirit of the night, her bright eyes sparkling with luminous brilliance as she surveyed her surroundings.
Large was her first impression of Bai Fu. She had expected the two ancient trees at the entrance to herald a verdant courtyard, yet the reality was starkly different. Within the estate, there were no towering trees; even if there were any, they would be mere shrubs. The eaves were adorned with hanging red lanterns that illuminated the surroundings with a brilliant glow. Standing on the wall, aided by the flickering lights, she could see everything clearly: no patrolling guards, no imposing palace defenses, and the air was devoid of any sense of danger. It was this very absence of security that stirred an unsettling tension within her.
Devoid of trees or even boulders to conceal oneself, should one intrude at that moment, they would be exposed to the glaring eyes of onlookers, with nowhere to hide.
Xianyue smiled, lightly tapping the wall with one hand, akin to a nimble swallow. With an air of nonchalance, she strolled out from the corner. Throughout her passage, busy servants bustled past her; their respectful demeanor recognized her noble presence, and none dared to impede her. Upon her approach, they would bow and remain still until she had departed, resuming their duties only after she was gone.
Bai Fu was expansive yet lacked the winding paths of a palace; the straight avenues seemed endless. While Xianyue appeared leisurely, her keen eyes discreetly observed her surroundings, each structure resembling the next.
"Where is the old master?"
Noticing a servant passing by, Xianyue quickly stepped forward, pointing to an elderly maid and inquiring.
"I am a friend of your young master. He has been confined to the Cangji Tower day and night without rest. If this continues, even the strongest of bodies will succumb. I wish for the old master to accompany me to the palace to persuade him."
Upon hearing that it concerned Bai Zhanfeng, the servant's expression immediately darkened. The old master had already attempted to persuade the young master several times recently, but it seemed he would not heed the elder's words. Despite her confidence and serene demeanor, the servant couldn't help but glance at Xianyue, perhaps believing she might succeed where others had failed.
"At this hour, the old master should be in the study at the back courtyard," replied the older servant, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"I just saw the old master heading to the former eldest master's courtyard."
Another young maid continued to speak to Xianyue, "That place is accessible only to the master and the young master; no one else in the estate may enter."
Xianyue smiled lightly and nodded, "Then take me to the entrance, and I shall wait for your master there."
The eldest son of the Bai family, Bai Zhantang, is well-versed in both literature and martial arts and was the most cherished son of Bai Ao. He was once a source of pride, and his engagement to the daughter of the Murong family was sensational. However, the couple mysteriously disappeared without a trace, leaving no one to know their fate to this day.
Winding through a series of corridors, the two walked in a straight line for about fifteen minutes. The maid halted, gesturing towards a cluster of buildings concealed by lush greenery. "Up ahead lies the residence of the eldest master."
Xianyue nodded and casually found a spot to sit. After waiting for what felt like an incense stick's worth of time, and still no sign of Bai Ao, she stood up, brushing off the dew from her bottom, and stretched, "Why hasn't he come out yet?"
Feigning drowsiness, she turned to the maid beside her, "It's too late; I can't wait any longer."
The maid, whose eyelids seemed to droop, suggested, "Perhaps the young lady should return tomorrow; maybe the young master will come to his senses by then."
Her naïveté matched her thoughts perfectly.
After they both left, Xianyue didn't actually depart; instead, she found a corner to hide until the guiding maid was gone and the area was deserted. Then she stepped out, retracing her path into the estate.
As she ventured deeper, the trees grew denser, their greenery reminiscent of spring buds, lush and vibrant. Xianyue gazed at the imposing stones standing two meters tall, arranged in perfect alignment with barely a meter of space between each. They formed a circle, surrounded by trees of varying heights and thicknesses—some tall, some short, and others as slender as fingers—swaying gracefully in the gentle night breeze. Their brilliant green shimmered under the moonlight, casting dazzling flashes.
Leaning against the great stone, Xianyue squinted, appearing leisurely; yet, her gaze radiated a sharp, icy brilliance. With a soft smile, she crouched down, her eyes focused on the towering stone, circling it once. Returning, she found a stone the size of her palm, which she weighed thoughtfully before hurling it into the heart of the stone circle. It arced gracefully through the air, landing with a series of sharp, explosive sounds that echoed through the night. One by one, the low bushes succumbed, and Xianyue clapped her hands in satisfaction, stepping lightly over the fallen branches. As she moved to the other side, her eyes widened in astonishment. She felt as though she had entered a paradise untouched by winter or the impending turmoil of war in the Zhou dynasty.
Everywhere she looked, roses bloomed—purple, white, and deep red—yet the most vibrant among them were the blue ones, dominating the area before a door. The trees, only waist-high, complemented the vibrant colors, highlighting the delicate beauty of the flowers. Directly ahead lay a vast lake, flanked on three sides by artificially arranged rocks. These stones formed a perfect blooming rose when viewed from Xianyue's perspective. When she shifted positions, it still resembled a rose in full bloom—an exquisite creation. On the opposite side stood a long stone bridge leading to a two-story bamboo house.
Could this truly be Bai Zhantang's residence? Had she stumbled into the wrong place? Was Bai Zhantang truly the father of Bai Zhantang?
It was hard to reconcile such a man, who could adorn his small courtyard to resemble a paradise, with the single-minded and tedious Bai Zhantang.
Xianyue pulled back her astonished gaze. Under every eave hung large red lanterns, decorated with roses of various colors. In front of the flowers stood a great tree, and the main house had its lights ablaze, with windows facing the courtyard wide open.
As Xianyue approached the entrance, the steps were adorned with blue roses—deep in color, resembling a vortex that seemed unfathomable, symbolizing despairing love.
Crouching down, she reached out towards a petal, intending to pluck a flower, when the door in front of her suddenly swung open with a creak. Bai Ao, dressed in blue, stepped out, his piercing gaze sharp as a dagger, locking onto Xianyue. Under the light, the lingering traces of sorrow were unmistakable.
Xianyue smiled, pausing her actions as she plucked the flower, bringing it to her nose to inhale its fragrance. She turned to Bai Ao, grinning, "It smells delightful."
Bai Ao pushed the door open and approached Xianyue, surveying the sea of flowers in the courtyard. Upon noticing the sparse trees, his stern gaze softened, ultimately landing on the blue rose in Xianyue's hand. "That is Wanan's favorite flower."
Murong Wanan, Bai Zhantang's wife and Bai Zhantang's mother, was a paragon of both beauty and talent, renowned as a legendary heroine. After marrying Bai Zhantang, she vanished from the martial world, her whereabouts unknown.
Xianyue bypassed the usual pleasantries and approached Bai Ao, bowing deeply, her demeanor entirely respectful, her expression tinged with flattery and deference. "Master Bai."
Bai Ao entirely disregarded Xianyue's smiling face, gazing out into the pitch-black night sky, his face taut and his wrinkles furrowed in deep lines.
Xianyue stepped behind him, following his gaze into the impenetrable darkness, as if waiting for something.
After a prolonged silence, Bai Ao suddenly turned around, his eyes, sharp as blades, fixed on Xianyue's face. His voice, tinged with resignation, echoed, "Is it absolutely necessary?"
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