Chapitre 154: Setting Out for Battle
On the second day of the first lunar month in the twenty-first year of Qianning, a biting wind whipped across the faces of those standing outside, the cold so sharp it seemed capable of carving ice from the very air they breathed.
The New Year celebrations had only just passed, and the citizens, still clad in the newly tailored clothes of the previous year, wore smiles of joy. Red silk decorations still hung from the eaves, casting a festive atmosphere over the entire imperial capital.
This day, however, the people of Lan should have been visiting family and friends. Yet, at the crack of dawn, they all gathered on Anhua Street.
Today was the day Xuan Yue would lead the armies of both Feng and Lan kingdoms into battle. As the mighty procession emerged from the Eastern Gate, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. At the head of the column, Xuan Yue gazed at the people lining the streets. In their eyes, she saw a reverence that was impossible to describe.
It wasn't the first time she had encountered such a scene. During her journey from Feng to Lan, she had been greeted by cheering citizens along the way, especially in Ying City. But today was different. Then, she had ridden in a carriage, brimming with excitement and anticipation. Now, astride a warhorse, there was only heartache—no more expectations. Her life had already been marked by misfortune, all thanks to Liu Xinyou.
"Long live the Empress!"
"Long live the Queen, may she live a thousand years!"
Wherever Xuan Yue passed, the people knelt in reverence.
"Young master, why don't you bid farewell to Lady Xuan Yue?"
From atop the city wall, Lei An, standing behind Lan Yi Xuan, looked at the straight-backed figure on the white horse below.
No one knew how long this war with Xuan Yuan would last, or when Xuan Yue would reunite with the young master. Why, when they were a married couple deeply in love, would he not bid her a proper farewell?
"This is how it should be," Lan Yi Xuan replied. His eyes, though restrained, couldn't hide the glimmers of longing and regret as he watched her.
Her white battle robes stood in stark contrast to the gleaming silver plates of her armor, which shimmered with a cold, sword-like gleam in the winter sunlight. Her posture was as straight as a drawn blade, her black hair tucked beneath her helmet. This was a side of her he had never seen before—a sight of majestic authority that made it hard for anyone to meet her gaze directly. Yet all he had was her departing silhouette.
He could sense her love, mixed with deep helplessness. When she kissed him, her tears fell involuntarily—tears that tasted bitter. She was still so young, but the burdens on her shoulders were far greater than his. She didn't owe him any guilt or regret; her pain was heavier than his. The glorious empire was merely a part of his grand vision, but without her, it would only be a lonely summit.
If only she could be a little selfish, just a little, how much easier it would be—for both him and Feng Jiulan. A touch more selfishness, and she wouldn't have to endure such sorrow.
"Princess, your husband stands upon the city walls."
Bai Pingting turned around and saw Lan Yi Xuan in the distance. She spurred her horse forward, riding up to Xuan Yue's side.
A flicker of sadness passed through Xuan Yue's eyes. Her finger twitched slightly on the reins, a motion so subtle that even the attentive Bai Pingting didn't notice. Then, Xuan Yue turned and waved to the kneeling citizens on both sides of the street with a smile.
"Won't you say goodbye to him?"
Her thoughts echoed Lei An's. Who knew when they might meet again? Shouldn't a pair of lovers, bound in marriage, cherish these moments?
Bai Pingting had some knowledge of the events of that fateful night, though the full story eluded her. She envied Xuan Yue for marrying the man she loved, but she couldn't comprehend the anguish Xuan Yue harbored.
"No," Xuan Yue whispered softly, nudging her horse to move past Bai Pingting.
Should she look back? Or not? Her heart was in turmoil, as though a blade sliced through it, causing her pain with every beat. Her face paled as she wrestled with her emotions, but in the end, she didn't turn around.
Even if she looked back now, what could it change? She had summoned all her courage to make this decision today. She couldn't afford to falter. Turning back would only make their parting harder, the sorrow deeper.
So, this was how it had to be.
Lan Yi Xuan, everything I, Feng Xuan Yue, could do for you—I have done.
Lan Yi Xuan watched her familiar figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance, shrinking from his sight amidst the crowd until it faded into obscurity. A crushing wave of helplessness crashed over him, as overwhelming as the surge of a mighty tide, threatening to drown him.
He had always thought he had everything in hand, but those things he wanted most, those he wished to hold on to—he could never attain.
"Your Majesty,"
Lei Yun stepped forward, resting his hands on the city wall as he shouted toward Xuan Yue's retreating figure.
Lei An followed suit, raising his voice to call after her, "Lady Xuan Yue!"
Xuan Yue's back straightened abruptly, and her horse halted. Lan Yi Xuan clenched his fists beneath his sleeves, yearning to see her once more, to glimpse her in her battle attire, regal and heroic.
Since waking in He Village, he had known he would become the king of Lan, and Xuan Yue would be his queen—the one and only queen. After marrying her, he had never considered taking another woman as a consort. Feng Xuan Yue alone was enough for him. So when Zhou Yun and the others made their requests, he never entertained them. By then, he already had a thousand reasons why he needed no one else but her. He had even devised a plan: once she achieved military merit and won the people's favor, her influence would be so great that even the most venerable ministers would dare not challenge her wishes.
He had envisioned them riding together into battle, conquering lands, and building an empire. Never did he imagine this would be the outcome.
"People of Lan!"
Xuan Yue did not turn back. Instead, she drew her sword from its sheath. The blade glimmered under the morning sun, its light softened by the winter air. It was Snow Soul—the sword Lan Yi Xuan had gifted her on the day she arrived in Lan City. The people of Lan recognized it well.
"Long live the king! Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live Her Majesty the Queen, may she live for a thousand years!"
Xuan Yue smiled with satisfaction. "Those who dare to disrupt the peace, I will strike down without mercy. Those who seek to invade the lands of Lan Kingdom will meet their end beneath my blade."
"I will stand alongside your king to safeguard your happiness and peace!"
Her clear, ringing voice, like the call of a battle horn, ignited a fire deep within, making hearts race with fervor. Despite her slender figure, the words she spoke commanded undeniable faith. This was the Queen of Feng Kingdom, and now the Queen of Lan Kingdom—the Queen who had vowed to protect their joy and safety.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers once again, crying out their praise for the queen and bowing in reverence to the figure on horseback.
"Long live the princess!"
Beside Xuan Yue, Yilan, dressed in green, glanced at the kneeling citizens, her face glowing with excitement. This was their princess—no matter where she went, she inspired unwavering trust in all who beheld her.
The soldiers of Lan Kingdom, standing behind her, gazed up at the sword Snow Soul in Xuan Yue's hand, their hearts swelling with indescribable emotion. This was their queen, the one who would lead them to victory over Xuan Yuan and protect their families.
"We shall return victorious!"
This was her pledge of triumph, not only to the people, but to the one standing upon the city wall. It was a promise she would honor—to gift him the world, no matter how arduous the task. She had spoken, and so she would deliver.
Xuan Yue raised Snow Soul high, feeling the burning gaze from behind her that tore at her heart, filling her with a pain that almost brought tears to her eyes.
Lowering her gaze, she took a deep breath, straightening her back so rigidly it nearly hurt. She gazed up at the clear blue sky. The day she left Lan Kingdom, the weather was perfect. She bit her lip, stubbornly refusing to let herself cry.
She had no regrets about her decision. Even though two hearts would suffer for it, she remained unrepentant. She had never asked for much.
Now, she no longer dared to hope for happiness. As long as they remained safe, even if worlds apart, that would be enough. As long as they still remembered each other, that would be enough.
Bai Pingting, walking behind Xuan Yue, looked at her figure, sensing a deep loneliness that had never been there before. A faint sadness hung around her, born of stubbornness and determination, stirring an inexplicable ache in her heart.
What had happened to the princess? If His Highness could see her now, surely he would feel the same pain she felt.
"My lord…"
As the distant figure faded into a mere speck, disappearing from sight, Lei Yun and Lei An turned in unison, gazing at Lan Yi Xuan, who still stared after Xuan Yue, and softly called out to him.
He did not turn around. As always, once she had walked away, she never looked back, a resolve so firm it left a painful ache in those who saw it.
"My lord, Xuan Yue has already gone far."
Not only had she gone far, but the grand army of Feng and Lan she led was vanishing into the horizon, and Xuan Yue, at the front, was no longer visible.
Lei An retreated back behind Lan Yi Xuan, casting a worried glance at him.
After following him for over a decade, Lei An had never seen him so lost in thought, a sight that filled him with concern.
"Have you found anything about the matter I asked you to investigate?"
Lei An looked at Lei Yun. Important matters like this were always entrusted to Lei Yun by Lan Yi Xuan.
"Our spies reported that Senior Ye was last seen a few days ago in Fengdu. I have already informed him of your request. He should be arriving within the next day or two," Lei Yun responded respectfully.
Lan Yi Xuan said nothing. Even amidst the vast army, he could still envision her figure etched into his mind, growing ever more distant.
"Let's go back."
Lan Yi Xuan withdrew his gaze and turned to leave.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone