章 115: Marriage Alliance
On the morning of May 22nd in the sixteenth year of Emperor Hui's reign, the Phoenix King received envoys from the Lan Kingdom seeking a marriage alliance at the Qianying Hall. The Lan Kingdom proposed a marriage between their heir, Lan Yixuan, and the Queen of the Phoenix Kingdom, citing the regions of Yunzhou, Lingnan, and Yingzhou as part of the betrothal. As the Phoenix King perused the list of gifts presented by the Lan envoys, he remarked with a smile, "Fengcheng has a temperate climate and picturesque landscapes; my brother holds it in high regard." After a brief hesitation, the Lan envoy readily agreed to include Fengcheng as part of the bride price.
The two kingdoms agreed to formalize the treaty in Lan City during the harvest season in September.
The Qianying Hall, analogous to the royal study of the Zhou Dynasty, served as the venue where the monarch of the Phoenix Kingdom convened with ministers to deliberate crucial military affairs.
Xianyue sat regally upon the central throne, with Feng Jiulan beside her. In front stood Bai Shou, a seasoned statesman of three reigns, and the seasoned General Wang Jing, known for his prowess on the battlefield.
Behind her, Bai Peiting stood with her head bowed, her eyes inevitably darting towards Feng Jiulan, as if she had a multitude of words to express yet found herself at a loss. Yun Qinghen lingered like a shadow beside Feng Jiulan.
Although lamps flickered in the study, the dim lighting rendered the atmosphere heavy. Xianyue remained silent, and so did the others; the room was enveloped in a stillness where even breaths could be heard, the mood slightly tense.
"Lord Bai, General Wang," Xianyue's clear voice broke the silence. She regarded the two venerable ministers with a serious expression, devoid of her usual levity.
"Old minister is here," they responded in unison, bowing deeply. Unlike the late king, who had been contentious, these old ministers held a profound respect for this young ruler.
The late king had often clashed with court officials over the deceased queen, ignoring their counsel, which left them disheartened. However, as loyal subjects of the Phoenix Kingdom, they were bound to serve the throne, regardless of the king's faults. The late king had passed shortly after the birth of the current ruler, who, although having taken consorts, refused to let them bear his heir. Consequently, their royal family had become diminished in numbers, coupled with the Crown Prince's frail health, which had long caused them concern. Yet now, witnessing the spirited Xianyue on the dragon throne, they felt reassured.
Bai Shou, without a doubt, held admiration for Xianyue, while General Wang Jing shared a similar sentiment. For a military officer, to find a ruler capable of both strategic planning and battlefield leadership was rare. Coupled with her youth and decisiveness, he had long found Li Wei'an's conduct unsatisfactory. Despite being a minister, Li had been corrupt and oppressive towards the common people. Wang Jing, although silent about the inaction surrounding Feng Xuanling and Feng Jiulan, was pleased with Xianyue's assertive approach. Such decisive leadership was precisely what the Phoenix Kingdom needed to maintain its footing in tumultuous times and avoid being subjugated by others.
"In a short while, I shall set out for the Lan Kingdom, and henceforth, I will entrust the matters of the court to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. My brother's health is fragile and he should not be overburdened, so I must rely on you both for the governance of our kingdom," Xianyue declared, rising suddenly from her seat to stand before Bai Shou and Wang Jing, bowing respectfully.
Taken aback, Bai Shou and Wang Jing hurried to assist her up. Xianyue grasped their arms tightly, her eyes filled with hope. For her, this gesture was a mere token of respect for these esteemed ministers of the Phoenix Kingdom, yet for them, her bow was enough to inspire unwavering loyalty.
Despite being long-serving ministers, none had ever received such acknowledgment, let alone a bow of this nature. For Xianyue, still young, to possess such magnanimity and spirit only deepened their admiration for her.
It is said that a scholar would give his life for one who understands him. As old ministers, having one foot in the grave, they felt honored to receive such treatment at this juncture, knowing they had found their worthy ruler.
"This is our duty, and we will serve diligently, without a hint of negligence," Bai Shou and Wang Jing vowed, eager to kneel, but Xianyue stopped them. "Please, rise."
As Bai Shou stood, his eyes welled with tears, and Wang Jing, noticing, patted his shoulder. "Old Bai, why are you crying? The Phoenix Kingdom is blessed with such an enlightened ruler. In our lifetimes, we can be loyal to her; you should rejoice. You must be overjoyed!"
Wang Jing, too, felt a swell of emotion, his blood surging with vigor. "Your Majesty, when you take to the battlefield, be sure to bring me along. Don't let my age fool you; I'm still in fine form!"
Xianyue smiled, patting his shoulder. "There will be opportunities ahead."
Bai Shou, a man of integrity, and Wang Jing, a spirited warrior, had always shared a good rapport, their strengths complementing one another. With the kingdom now at peace, a supportive brother, and these two loyal old ministers by her side, Xianyue felt little to worry about.
Wang Jing laughed heartily, a childlike glee upon his face. Meanwhile, Bai Shou looked at Xianyue, tears streaming down his face as he knelt. "Your Majesty, I owe you an apology."
Xianyue understood his words. "Lord Bai, like General Wang, you are a venerable elder, known for your integrity and unwavering principles. The entire populace of the Phoenix Kingdom recognizes your worth, and they admire you greatly. You have not wronged me. I am aware of all you have done for the kingdom, for its people, for me, and for my brother over the years. It is my faith in you that allows me to entrust court affairs to you and General Wang. You must take great care moving forward."
Xianyue helped Bai Shou to his feet and seated him, but Bai Peiting suddenly stepped forward and knelt before Bai Shou. "Grandfather, I wish to accompany the Princess to the Lan Kingdom."
Bai Shou regarded his granddaughter kneeling before him, then cast a glance at Feng Jiulan, sighing internally. He had watched this granddaughter grow up; she was wise and considerate, always by his side, and had endeared herself to him. He knew of her feelings for the prince. While the late king was still alive, he had wished to arrange a marriage for her, only to be refused. He was uncertain of her current thoughts.
As a child, she had been well-behaved and fond of adornments, but at one point, he learned she had pawned all her jewelry. It was only through intense questioning that he discovered she had been serving the king's interests. After careful consideration, he had accepted the bribes the king had received, understanding they served the greater good of the kingdom.
He had not expected her to voice such a request at this moment. He had thought she was deeply in love with the prince and would never leave his side. Yet now, she wanted to accompany the princess to the Lan Kingdom. He was not without regret; among his many grandchildren, Peiting was the most thoughtful. He had been contemplating that Peiting was now of an appropriate age and if she could not be with the prince, it would be wise for her to marry a good man and live a quiet life. However, he knew her heart belonged solely to the prince. At the time of the prince's departure, how could a man instill such courage in a woman? Peiting had already fallen hopelessly in love with the prince.
"Have you made your decision?"
In truth, he felt comforted by her decision to accompany the ruler. With the king far away in the Lan Kingdom, having someone reliable by his side would be immensely helpful. He only worried she might come to regret it; he had always been aware of her feelings for the prince. The Bai family, while not comparable to the Bai family of the Chu Kingdom, were nonetheless unwavering in their loyalty to the throne.
Bai Peiting lifted her head, her eyes devoid of tears, nodding to affirm her resolve. "Grandfather, I have thought it through. The king will need someone to look after him in the Lan Kingdom, and I will protect his safety on behalf of you and the people of the Phoenix Kingdom. As long as I am by his side, he shall remain safe."
Bai Shou remained silent, feeling a mix of excitement and sorrow, and a swell of pride filled him. Wang Jing clapped Bai Shou on the shoulder. "Why be sad, Lord Bai? Peiting is fortunate to accompany the king to the Lan Kingdom; it's a great opportunity for her to see the world. I only wish I had such a granddaughter, but alas, I have only these disappointing ones!"
Though meant as consolation, the words carried an air of melancholy, tinged with the bittersweetness of parting.
Bai Shou nodded, his eyes misty with tears, and patted Bai Pingting on the shoulder. "Since you have made up your mind, I shall say no more. Remember your words: protect the King well. If he sustains even the slightest harm, I, Bai Shou, will not acknowledge you as my granddaughter."
Xuan Yue felt a pang of emotion as she watched Bai Pingting stifle her tears, a wave of discomfort rising within her. This was the loyalty of this era, a loyalty to the monarch that transcended all else. It was not enough to be loyal oneself; one must also hope that everyone around them protects the safety of that person. Turning around, she noticed Feng Jiulan, who had been sitting silently beside the throne, gazing at Bai Pingting with clear, gentle eyes that held not just sorrow but also a lingering reluctance like wisps of smoke.
Xuan Yue remained silent, merely sighing inwardly. She had already discussed this with her brother, who had made his choice; she had to respect that, just as he respected her decisions. No matter the choice, it was ultimately up to oneself to be accountable for one's actions; others could not bear the burden on their behalf.
Some feelings do not require constant proximity, and some people need not remain by one's side. Perhaps certain things truly can only exist eternally in the heart. Perhaps this was the case for her brother and Sister Pingting. Yet Xuan Yue still felt sorrow; she genuinely felt sadness for Feng Jiulan missing out on such a deeply affectionate woman, and for Sister Pingting's love. Many couples eventually come together, but how many truly do? Just like her, she and Lan Yixuan had clearly agreed to propose marriage upon returning to Feng Kingdom, yet now he did not come. He had once vowed that anything he desired, Gong Shaohua would stop at nothing to destroy, but now she had gone through so much effort to place herself by his side—what was the purpose of it all?
"Lord Bai, General Wang, our journey to the Lan Kingdom is long and uncertain. With my brother and you two ministers supporting Feng Kingdom, I feel reassured. Even when I am in Feng Kingdom, I will always remember my identity. Wherever I am, I will do my utmost to safeguard the peace of Feng Kingdom. I know that the ministers in court view me as young and ruthless, indifferent to their past contributions to Feng Kingdom, yet these individuals have plagued the common people for years and truly deserve their fates."
Bai Shou helped Bai Pingting to her feet, and together with Wang Jing, approached Xuan Yue. "We shall exert ourselves to ensure the integrity of Feng Kingdom," they vowed.
Xuan Yue nodded, provided a few more instructions, and then had them escorted away.
"Brother."
Xuan Yue squatted down in front of Feng Jiulan, gazing up at his pale, emaciated face. "Lord Bai and General Wang are always loyal to Feng Kingdom, decisive in action and unyielding in integrity. If there is anything you cannot bear to handle, just let them do it. You are not well and should not overwork yourself. For my sake, please take good care of yourself. Don't work day and night reading memorials as you used to; if you do, I will certainly be worried sick about you in the Lan Kingdom."
Feng Jiulan smiled and nodded, gently caressing Xuan Yue's face, filled with reluctance. "Qinghen will take good care of me. I have endured all these years without you by my side; I can wait for the day when peace reigns, and then watch my Yue'er return to share in the tranquility of the world, seeing my nephews grow up."
Though that day was not within reach, it was not beyond the horizon either. He believed in his Yue'er and seemed to envision that day clearly, where she and Lan Yixuan stood side by side, while around him gathered a swarm of children, their faces beaming with smiles. Behind them stood Bai Pingting, who had silently accompanied him all these years.
Xuan Yue nodded, noticing Feng Jiulan's gaze drift toward Bai Pingting standing nearby. She patted his hand and stood up, pointing at Yun Qinghen behind Feng Jiulan. "Qinghen, I have something to say to you."
Xuan Yue took a few steps forward, and Yun Qinghen followed closely. Suddenly, Feng Jiulan called out, "What dowry does Yue'er desire?" Xuan Yue turned and shook her finger. "I desire nothing. I, Feng Xuan Yue, the newly crowned queen supported by all of Feng Kingdom, am the best dowry."
With a smile, Xuan Yue finished her words, grasping Yun Qinghen's hand as they headed outside, turning back just before leaving to shut the door behind them.
"Your Majesty, is there something you need from me?"
Xuan Yue pressed her lips together, smiling lightly. "It's nothing; just accompany me for a walk."
"Your Highness, this will be Pingting's last time serving you."
Feng Jiulan looked at Bai Pingting, recalling her as a gentle and attentive woman. Much of his ability to recover from the impact of Xuan Yue's departure was due to her. She spoke little, always silently accompanying him for over a decade.
In the mornings, she would have prepared warm water and towels to serve him as soon as he awoke, the table set with pastries that both he and Yue'er loved. Regardless of how the palace cooks changed, the taste of those pastries remained the same, still warm from the oven. In the evenings, she would lay out his bed and say, "Your Highness, as long as you are well, the princess will be well." Her eyes, like flowing water, would be wide open, earnest and sincere, inspiring undeniable trust. The table would always have a pair of empty bowls and chopsticks; she had done so much, and if he couldn't recognize her efforts, he would be too dull.
He stood up, arms outstretched. Bai Pingting stepped forward, helping him to undress. As always, their movements were natural and harmonious.
Bai Pingting gently dried Feng Jiulan's hair, tears pooling in her eyes. She desperately wanted to throw down the towel, embrace the man before her, and ask him to promise her a lifetime of devotion. Even if he took another woman in the future, it wouldn't matter, as long as he treated her well. But she knew she could not. Love was a matter for two, and some love, like a fragile bubble, vanished with a single prick. Yet she was far too greedy; once she possessed this man, she couldn't help but wish for him to be entirely hers. Even the princess would provoke her jealousy, a jealousy that Feng Jiulan would surely find intolerable.
Her love was not selfless; she understood that without such thoughts, she would gain nothing and might even endanger the entire Bai family.
This truly was the last time. When she returned to Feng Kingdom with the princess next time, everything would have changed. A different woman would stand by Feng Jiulan's side, and she would no longer have the right to serve him as she did now.
"Pingting."
Feng Jiulan spoke softly, his voice gentle, his familiar gaze as pure and clear as March's pear blossoms, untainted by any blemish. Bai Pingting's heart skipped a beat, her hand trembling with the towel.
"You have worked hard all these years."
Feng Jiulan truly wished to express his gratitude. He owed this woman far too much; she had desired love, even a lifetime of happiness. Yue'er often said he was kind-hearted, but that was because those matters had never touched her life. His feelings for Yue'er were intricate; from the first moment he laid eyes on her, he vowed to protect her well. After their mother passed and their father neglected her, he had taken it upon himself to be her only family, nurturing and caring for her.
He knew Bai Pingting's feelings for him; he had never considered them closely. After realizing what she had done for Yue'er over the years, it became even more apparent. Regardless of who had initially engaged with Yue'er, one thing was undeniable: she would be a great help to Yue'er in that entirely unfamiliar place.
It wasn't that he felt entirely unfeeling; after over a decade, he had grown accustomed to her presence. But if he were to choose again, his decision would remain unchanged.
"Your Highness."
Bai Pingting could no longer restrain herself, looking at Feng Jiulan's profile, and burst into tears.
Feng Jiulan turned, gently wiping her tears, just as he did with Xuan Yue. "I have wronged you."
Facing Bai Pingting, Feng Jiulan truly felt guilt. He could give everything for Xuan Yue, yet to this woman who had given him everything, he had given nothing, did not wish to give, and could not give.
Bai Pingting vigorously shook her head, hot tears splattering onto Feng Jiulan's hand. "I am willing; the princess has shown me kindness."
In truth, she ought to feel content with her current situation. Without the princess, she would not have spent the past decade by the prince's side, nor would she possess so many treasured memories. If it weren't for the princess, she would be no different from other noblewomen in Feng Kingdom, confined within her home, engaged in embroidery and poetry, destined to marry a man of equal status and share a cold, superficial love. The princess was right; a person's life should encompass more than just love and romance; it must also include responsibilities. As a citizen of Feng Kingdom, protecting the king was her duty, and the princess was worthy of such devotion, just as the prince was. Even if she could not possess him, her heart still felt it worthwhile.
Bai Pingting gazed at Feng Jiulan, crying more fiercely. Sniffling, she took a few steps back, and in the midst of Feng Jiulan's slightly astonished gaze, she began to unfasten her garments.
"Pingting."
Feng Jiulan exclaimed in surprise, yet Bai Pingting continued her actions, her snow-white skin glowing faintly in the candlelight, her delicate curves radiating the unique beauty of youth. Wiping away her tears, she stood at a distance, smiling gently at Feng Jiulan before suddenly embracing him: "If I can return with the princess in the future, regardless of whether there are other women by your side, even if I must serve as a maid, I will continue to attend to you."
"Why do this to yourself?"
Feng Jiulan sighed inwardly, feeling a bittersweet ache. However, Bai Pingting remained undeterred, her wide eyes shimmering as she leaned in and pressed her lips against his.
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