Bab 177: Lotus Shadows, Dreaming Waves
Bai Ao gazed at Xuan Yue, neither confirming nor denying his awareness. Over twenty years ago, he had indeed heard that the renowned leader of Xue Yu Palace had arrived in their state of Chu, yet he was uncertain of the specifics regarding his whereabouts.
"Old Bai, I've heard that Lian City in Chu is a place of great talent and natural beauty, where lotuses bloom throughout the year. Is that true?"
This time, Bai Ao responded promptly: "Indeed, it is true."
Xuan Yue chose not to pursue the topic further; she had already instructed Lv Yi to investigate this matter. There were no conditions in Lian City conducive to the flourishing of lotuses, leading her to believe that such extraordinary phenomena did not exist. However, since Gong Shaohua had made such claims, they must be grounded in some truth. While there may be elements of exaggeration, it certainly wasn't pure fabrication.
"The reason Lian City is named as such is indeed due to the perpetual blooming of its lotuses, thanks to the Lian River. The waters of the Lian River are warm year-round, allowing the lotuses to flourish earlier and more robustly than in other regions. Many locals make their livelihoods from this. During the blooming season, the sight is breathtaking, with vast expanses of red, white, and pink lotuses standing elegantly in the water. I witnessed it once in my youth, and it was truly beautiful."
Perhaps the memory of those lotus fields was indeed enchanting, as Bai Ao's expression revealed a hint of longing.
"Every year at this time, numerous scholars and poets from afar visit that place. However, over twenty years ago, the river's flow was obstructed. At that time, there were thirty thousand Bai family troops in Lian City, and this issue was reported up the chain. Just then, a sudden plague struck Chu, causing the matter to be delayed. By the time I recalled it, the issue had already been resolved, but I did not inquire into the specifics."
Xuan Yue did not press further; perhaps the delegation of power to subordinates, combined with a degree of centralized management, was why the Bai family had remained unassailable. According to Old Bai's account, if that person could divert the river's flow and subsequently handle all matters effectively, he must possess considerable skill. Lv Yi had also investigated this, and the timeline coincided perfectly with Xue Lan Luo's disappearance. She had reason to suspect that this individual was, in fact, Xue Lan Luo.
"Do you know where he currently resides, Old Bai?"
It had been over a decade; the details of that incident had likely faded from most people's memories, and perhaps other factors were at play. The individuals she had sent to investigate had yielded nothing thus far, which was why she sought assistance from the Bai family. After all, they had dwelled in this land for centuries, earning the love and support of the people, making any endeavor considerably easier.
"I am not certain of that."
Bai Ao, unwilling to see Xuan Yue disappointed, continued, "I have entrusted all matters of the Bai family to Feng Er; you may seek him regarding this issue."
Although he claimed not to worry about Bai family's affairs, this anxiety had long become a habit over the years. Presently, Bai Chu had become a mere extension of the combined states of Feng and Lan. Xuan Yue was a woman of deep loyalty; if she could assist them in any way, it would be beneficial for the Bai family. Furthermore, he knew that Feng Er had always wanted to do something for her. The love, guilt, and other struggles within him outweighed his own concerns, and being able to do something for Xuan Yue would bring him some solace.
Xuan Yue nodded: "It seems Bai Zhan Feng went back to the military camp early this morning. I'll ask him when he returns."
This matter was urgent for her; resolving it would relieve a great weight from her heart.
Bai Ao said nothing more and did not leave immediately. He sat beside Xuan Yue, quietly sipping tea as sunlight streamed in after the rain. Glancing at the elderly man beside her, Xuan Yue remained silent, contemplating what he might wish to discuss that kept him from departing.
He remained reticent, and Xuan Yue did not press him.
"Miss Xuan Yue."
After a considerable time, Bai Ao finally set down his tea and faced her. His stern countenance appeared somewhat awkward, and after a deep breath, he said, "I am here today to humbly seek your forgiveness."
Bai Ao sighed; initially, he had vehemently opposed Feng Er's association with Xuan Yue, believing they were ill-suited. Feng Er had grown up in Qiu Tian Mountain Manor and was a straightforward person. A wise woman like Xuan Yue could compensate for his shortcomings, and her strategic mind was precisely what the Bai family needed in these turbulent times. However, her intellect was so formidable that it incited concern. There was nothing wrong with a woman being clever, but excessive cleverness could be alarming, especially given her sensitive status as a princess of Feng. How could she be content to remain subordinate? Most importantly, her heart was not truly with Feng Er. He feared she might exploit the Bai family, leading them into ruin. In retrospect, all of this was unfounded worry. His suspicions were unfounded, based on a narrow perspective. Furthermore, regarding the incident in the Valley of Death and the request for assistance, he felt guilt-ridden, suspecting ulterior motives behind his actions.
Both were intelligent individuals; Bai Ao did not state the obvious, but Xuan Yue understood his unspoken words.
"Old Bai, I have said before that you need not feel guilty towards me. If it had been Bai Zhan Feng who had fallen off the cliff, even without anyone intervening, I could not have acted recklessly. You are not at fault, and Bai Zhan Feng is even less so. Life is precious and must be cherished. Sacrificing oneself for someone like me is not right."
Xuan Yue playfully blinked: "Besides, you have graciously entertained me for so long, even offering me your treasured vintage wine. Even if you had committed a grave sin, I would have forgiven you. Moreover—"
Xuan Yue's smile vanished, and her expression turned serious: "You have not done anything wrong, so do not dwell on such matters. If you continue to speak of it, I might feel embarrassed."
Bai Ao nodded approvingly; he marveled at her magnanimity and resolve, feeling somewhat inadequate in comparison.
"Are you still accustomed to living here? If you have any requests, feel free to give orders to the servants as if it were your own home; do not hesitate or feel constrained."
Xuan Yue rose, stretched lazily, and twisted her limbs. Gazing at the sunlit doorway, she squinted slightly, "Back in the royal palace of the Feng Kingdom, I never dared to drink so much wine, as I had to rise early for morning court sessions. Here, however, I feel much more at ease."
Xuan Yue joked with a smile, but her words held truth. In Feng Kingdom, fearing Feng Jiulan's concern, she, as a young woman, dared not indulge in excesses of wine. This place was indeed pleasant, yet the hidden eyes observing her made her somewhat uncomfortable; it felt like she was being watched like a thief. After so many days, if they were so curious about her, why not come to the Rose Courtyard for a direct and candid meeting? Perhaps they would have a greater admiration for the young lady of the Chen family. Such secretive behavior was distasteful to her, and her initial impression of Chen Ruoxi had been poor. That was why, despite the passing days, neither had visited the other; it was no wonder Bai Zhanfeng felt averse to such a woman. Yet, Xuan Yue did not harbor resentment. While she may not have experienced such emotions, women in love could often understand many unspoken sentiments. After all, she was Bai Zhanfeng's wife; as long as it didn't go too far, she could turn a blind eye.
"Miss Xuan Yue, as long as you are comfortable, that is enough."
Bai Ao chuckled, "Stay a few more days and keep an old man like me company with some good conversation."
Ever since Xuan Yue arrived, Bai Ao had longed to seek her out the morning after his drunken stupor, yet he hesitated, fearing he would lose face before his juniors. The thought that Feng'er still wouldn't sit down with him for an earnest conversation made him feel even more disheartened. Now, having finally released a heavy burden from his heart, he felt lighter.
"I may not be able to stay for long; within a day or two, Cheng Qiang and the Lan army should arrive in Chu. Once he comes, I'll have to return to my post."
Xuan Yue smiled, realizing that if not for the recent poor weather, Cheng Qiang would have arrived days ago. After such a long rest, it was time to return to work. The attack at Heifeng Ridge would surely raise questions, and she needed to give her troops and her Feng army an account.
"Old Master Bai, your hospitality is greatly appreciated."
Leaning against the door, backlit by sunlight, she yawned. Bai Ao stood up, moving towards the door to bid her farewell when he suddenly spotted a familiar face peeking stealthily around the entrance to the Rose Courtyard.
Upon noticing Old Master Bai, Chun Tao quickly withdrew her head and turned to flee, but Bai Ao's sharp voice halted her, "Stop!"
Chun Tao pressed herself against the wall, too frightened to run.
"Come here!"
Bai Ao glared at the trembling Chun Tao, his face flushed with anger as he pointed at her, "What are you doing here?"
It turned out to be Ruoxi's personal maid, no wonder he found her face familiar.
"Please spare me, Old Master! I swear I won't do it again!"
Caught red-handed, Chun Tao panicked, dropping to her knees and begging for mercy without further explanation.
Bai Ao glanced at the kneeling Chun Tao, then turned away, feeling embarrassed in front of Xuan Yue. Such a disgraceful incident left him at a loss for words and made him feel unworthy to face her.
"On a rainy day, having someone to keep me company in idle contemplation is quite nice."
Xuan Yue smiled, turning to retreat into her room, not wishing to get involved in this matter.
This was not the first time such a situation had arisen, and Xuan Yue had long been aware of it; she simply hadn't exposed it.
Bai Ao's expression darkened; how could the granddaughter-in-law he chose engage in such conduct behind his back? His pride was wounded, and his glare at Chun Tao was sharp as a knife. Striding toward her, he seethed, "Bring the young mistress to my study at once."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone