Chapitre 112: A Beaded Hairpin as a Token of Love
In the Snow Mulberry Hall, Xianyue, dressed in her usual white attire, reclined gracefully on the chaise. Across from her, separated by a small table, Feng Jiulan sat nearby, while Yun Qinghen and Bai Pingting stood behind them.
Xianyue rested her head on her hand, her gaze fixed on the woman in pink standing respectfully in the distance. The woman was undoubtedly beautiful, though not as mesmerizing as Hua Chuxue, yet her appearance was striking in its own right, with a red mark between her brows. When she smiled, there was a surprising resemblance to Xianyue.
"Lan Ying greets Your Majesty and His Highness."
Xianyue glanced at Feng Jiulan, who had been frowning ever since this woman, Lan Ying, had arrived. Understanding his discomfort, Xianyue gently grasped Feng Jiulan's hand, smiling softly at him. Feng Jiulan turned, wanting to speak, but Xianyue silenced him with a look—it wasn't the time to discuss such matters.
Bai Pingting, standing behind Xianyue, eyed the woman in front of them with hostility. Although this woman bore a resemblance to their king, especially when she smiled, those familiar with Xianyue could discern the difference from afar.
When the princess smiled, it carried a sense of carefree ease, like a spring breeze brushing one's face, evoking comfort and pleasure. Her features, though not flawless, had a sharpness to them that struck deeply. Even if placed beside the most beautiful woman in the world, they would make others seem dull and ordinary.
Upon first seeing the woman before her, Xianyue had been startled. She could understand why Lanyi Xuan, upon his return to his homeland, hadn't come personally to propose, knowing his busy schedule. Yet, she had not expected a woman she'd never met, someone who looked so much like her. No wonder her brother was upset. To the unknowing eye, one might think she was merely a substitute.
"Rise."
Xianyue straightened, her expression as composed as ever. She smiled faintly, extending her hand as Bai Pingting knelt to pass her a freshly brewed cup of tea. Xianyue accepted it gracefully, sipping slowly without speaking, awaiting the woman's explanation.
"This is what His Highness asked me to present to Your Majesty."
Bai Pingting walked over to Lan Ying, taking the item and handing it to Xianyue. Wrapped in white silk, the upper corner embroidered with an exquisite orchid, it was identical to the handkerchief Lanyi Xuan had previously given her. Even the faint scent was the same.
Xianyue unfolded the silk to reveal a beautiful pearl flower, black and white beads arranged in the shape of a butterfly, its wings tinged with a light pink hue. Holding it in her hand, a slight movement caused the wings to flutter as if the butterfly were about to take flight.
Looking at the delicate ornament resting quietly in her palm, Xianyue's lips curved upward. It was the first gift he had given her, though she had returned it later. She remembered strolling through Lin'an City when the butterfly caught her eye. In jest, she had tried to take it from him, but he had dodged and placed it near her ear instead, remarking to Lei Yunlei, "If your lord were a woman, even the famed Hua Chuxue would pale in comparison."
He had taken the butterfly from her and worn it himself, refusing to let her take it back. After the coup in Yanjing, she returned it to him. In his eyes, she had always lacked that elusive feminine charm, a trait she never understood, for she was filled with a distinct essence of Feng Xianyue, something no one else could replicate.
Raising her brow, Xianyue twirled the pearl flower in her fingers. In the sunlight, the black and white butterfly seemed almost ready to take flight.
"King Feng is a wise and courageous ruler, a rare heroine among women. Our prince wishes to form an alliance with Feng Kingdom, to support and aid one another."
Xianyue tilted her head, twirling the pearl flower in her hand. Her movements froze mid-air, the smile on her lips fading as her eyes narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing in them. She closed her eyes briefly, concealing the glint, and carefully rewrapped the butterfly ornament in its silk covering. Smiling broadly, she handed it to Bai Pingting behind her.
Bai Pingting hesitated slightly, but quickly lowered her gaze and took the package, replying softly, "Yes."
"And which prince of Lan Kingdom are you representing in this marriage proposal?"
Lan Ying was about to respond, but Xianyue cut her off, "In Feng Kingdom, even a minor official's marriage requires the proper rituals: betrothal gifts, name inquiries, auspicious dates, and so on. You are here on behalf of a prince, a figure far more esteemed than a mere official. Moreover, I am the queen of Feng Kingdom. And yet, you present me with a mere trinket as a token of proposal? What do you take me for? What do you take Feng Kingdom for?"
Xianyue's voice was soft, but her regal authority was unmistakable.
Lan Ying, confused, didn't understand. Everything had been fine moments ago. Xianyue had clearly been pleased when she saw the pearl flower. Before leaving, the queen consort had assured her that the proposal would be accepted once the gift was presented. But now, not only had Xianyue refused, she seemed angry. What had gone wrong?
Lan Ying bowed her head, not daring to meet Xianyue's gaze. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. His Highness believed that once you saw this, you would understand his feelings. He thought someone as wise as you would not care for gold or jewels. We failed to consider the finer details. This was our oversight."
Xianyue nodded, though her anger had not subsided. "Lan Ying, is it?"
With a soft laugh, Xianyue rose from her chair and approached Lan Ying. She stood beside her, lifting her chin so they both faced Feng Jiulan. "Brother, do we not look alike?"
Pointing to the vermilion mark between her brows, Xianyue continued, "Even the cinnabar mark is in the exact same place."
Lan Ying, though uneasy, didn't dare resist as Xianyue held her chin. Anxiety gnawed at her, but she forced herself to remain still, eyes fixed on Feng Jiulan.
Feng Jiulan's gaze flickered between them briefly, a serene smile blossoming on his face like a pear blossom in spring. Without sparing Lan Ying another glance, his eyes softened as he looked at Xianyue. "No one can replace my Yue'er."
His words, spoken with gentle sincerity, left no room for doubt. In his eyes, Yue'er was truly irreplaceable. No matter how similar another person might be, his affection and tenderness were reserved solely for her.
Xianyue smiled, releasing Lan Ying's chin. She gave her a brief, indifferent glance before nodding slightly. Though her face was still adorned with a smile, it filled Lan Ying with dread. Her clear, mirror-like eyes seemed to see through everything, revealing all hidden filth in an instant. Under such a gaze, Lan Ying unconsciously lowered her head. By the time she realized, she was already kneeling before Xianyue.
Xianyue's smile deepened with satisfaction. Turning to Feng Jiulan, she laughed like a playful, innocent girl, "Brother, I feel the same."
She ran over to Feng Jiulan, clinging to his arm, while Lan Ying remained kneeling.
Lan Ying clenched her fists, frustration simmering. She couldn't understand what had gone wrong. Didn't Feng Kingdom's queen love their prince deeply? Shouldn't she have been overjoyed to see this token of love? Their prince was exceptional, destined to inherit the grand legacy of Lan Kingdom and possibly rule all under heaven. Surely Feng Kingdom would one day fall within their realm.
"Even if two people look the same, those with heart can always tell the difference."
Feng Jiulan's voice was soft, like a tender whisper. Bai Pingting gazed at him in admiration, her smile tinged with envy. No matter how Xianyue changed, Feng Jiulan would always be able to recognize her at a glance. What kind of love was this? Bai Pingting could only stand by and watch, silently envious. Yet, she harbored no resentment, for simply standing by his side, watching, was its own kind of happiness.
Xianyue looked up at Feng Jiulan and chuckled before turning her attention to Lan Ying, who was still kneeling. "You may rise."
She then sat down with Feng Jiulan, glancing at Lan Ying as she stood. "In Lan Kingdom, only your crown prince is worthy of me. Tell him that if he wishes to marry me, he must show his sincerity."
Lan Ying raised her head, but Xianyue had already turned away, engaged in conversation with Feng Jiulan, paying her no further mind. Helpless, Lan Ying could only reply, "Understood."
"You've traveled far from Lan Kingdom, and the journey must have been exhausting. Pingting, take her to Luoying Palace for some rest."
Bai Pingting replied affirmatively and promptly led Lan Ying away.
Lan Ying, along with her companions from the Lan Kingdom, departed as well. Feng Jiulan waved his hand, signaling the eunuchs and palace maids on both sides to follow suit. Soon, only Xianyue, Feng Jiulan, and Yun Qinghen remained in the Snow Mulberry Palace.
Feng Jiulan gazed at the retreating figures of Lan Ying and the others, then turned his head to look at Xianyue beside him, suddenly asking, "Yue'er, has something happened?"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone