Capítulo 40: A Turmoil at the Longevity Feast (2)
The Kingdom of Yan is affluent, and as the favored son of the King, the Prince of the Tower is graced with a palace that boasts intricately carved beams and painted rafters, adorned with golden embellishments. Every detail is meticulously crafted, as if they sought to transport the finest treasures of the Zhou dynasty into this abode.
Within the corridors of the palace, vibrant streamers and lanterns illuminate the space, creating an ambiance akin to broad daylight. On either side, trees are draped in brilliant red silk, exuding opulence, while lanterns hang from each tree, casting a warm glow that accentuates the rich colors. The jagged rocks of the artificial mountain glisten with moisture, refracting light into dazzling displays that captivate the eye.
In the serene Water Pavilion, surrounded by red lanterns, eight luminous pearls hang prominently, arching over the pagoda's peak. It is the season of blooming lotus flowers, and the pond is adorned with pristine white blooms. Various fruits and delicacies are artfully arranged on the tables, their vibrant hues tempting all who gaze upon them.
When Xianyue and her companions arrive, they find the princes already gathered at the Water Pavilion. The crown prince, Yan Rongxu, has yet to arrive, while Yan Yulou stands at the center, surrounded by a throng of ministers. The atmosphere is vibrant; a group of noble young ladies, adorned in exquisite attire, gathers in a corner, exchanging laughter and engaging in spirited conversation, their faces glowing with poised smiles that radiate warmth.
As Xianyue pauses at the entrance, she cannot discern who initiates it, but all the noble ladies turn their gazes toward her. She smiles slyly and glances at Lan Yixuan and Bai Zhanfeng standing beside her, meeting their sharp looks with an arched brow that exudes a clear challenge.
For many years, the mother and son of Yan Yulou have been favored by the court. Fearing the exposure of personal proclivities, he has only one legitimate wife, while the position of concubine remains unfilled. Each of these ladies eagerly seeks to send their daughters to the Prince's residence; even if they cannot secure a place within the palace, attending this birthday banquet affords them a valuable opportunity to connect with the kingdom's esteemed officials.
A servant stationed nearby notices Bai Zhanfeng and his companions have arrived. He weaves through the crowd to Yan Yulou and exchanges a few words. Yan Yulou smiles as he interacts with the dignitaries and quickly strides toward Xianyue.
"Mr. Bai, Mr. Lan, Miss Nian, Miss Xianyue," he greets, but when he reaches Xianyue's name, his eyes flicker with discomfort.
Xianyue steps forward, and upon seeing her approach, Yan Yulou's snow-like visage pales, and he instinctively retreats a few steps. Realizing that Bai Zhanfeng and Nian Xiaoyu are regarding him with curiosity, he halts abruptly.
As Xianyue draws closer, she can distinctly sense his anxious, rapid breathing. Smiling, she teases, "Are you afraid of me, Third Prince?"
Her tone is laced with curiosity yet filled with assurance.
Pursing his lips, she gazes up at the eight dazzling pearls above the pavilion, pondering, "Is it my appearance that frightens you, Third Prince?"
Her bright, clear eyes narrow, reflecting a mirror-like quality, as if they could reveal the world's hidden blemishes.
Yan Yulou gazes at her smiling face, recalling that night, and finds her presence more terrifying than any specter. Flustered, he shakes his head vigorously, stuttering, "N—no—"
"You, woman," Bai Zhanfeng interjects, unable to contain himself. He steps forward, gripping Xianyue's arm, adopting a lecturing tone. "Do you not understand the propriety of distance between men and women?"
Xianyue turns to him, earnestly shaking her head. "I do not understand."
As she speaks, she points at his hand resting on her arm. "Mr. Bai, do you comprehend the significance of refraining from physical contact in public?"
Bai Zhanfeng pauses, and in that moment, Xianyue frees herself from his grasp.
Yan Yulou regains his composure, realizing he has lost his poise. Suppressing the turmoil within, he steals a glance at Xianyue, noting her raised brow and faint smile—a chilling mockery. His heart sinks; this woman must not remain.
"Mr. Bai, given the circumstances, Xianyue's actions are indeed alarming," he states, feigning cordiality while concealing his disdain.
"Oh—" Xianyue crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes and studying Yan Yulou intently, her tone laden with implication.
Lan Yixuan and Bai Zhanfeng, both exceptional in their own right, are personally welcomed by Yan Yulou. Coupled with Xianyue's recent commotion, all eyes within the pavilion converge upon them.
"Who might these esteemed individuals be—"
A few elderly ministers, accompanied by their families, approach.
"Mr. Lan, this is Mr. Bai from the Kingdom of Chu, and this young lady is Miss Nian, the daughter of the former Wulin Alliance Leader. This is Miss Xianyue," Yan Yulou introduces.
Upon hearing this, the ministers' expressions blossom into smiles, their wrinkles smoothing as they gaze approvingly at Bai Zhanfeng and Lan Yixuan, as though a father were inspecting his future sons-in-law. Their looks toward Nian Xiaoyu are somewhat peculiar, while their glances at Xianyue are tinged with disdain.
Nian Xiaoyu steps forward, her large eyes scrutinizing the crowd, positioning herself protectively in front of Bai Zhanfeng. A whip, golden and sturdy, slips into her hand, suggesting it would inflict considerable pain if wielded against an opponent.
The daughter of the former Wulin Alliance Leader, Nian Xiaoyu is as renowned in the martial world as her father. Her tactics for dealing with rivals are even more infamous than the Iron Sand Palm techniques passed down from her father to Bai Zhanfeng. Quick, fierce, and precise, her strikes leave no escape.
"Ah!" Xianyue claps her hands, suddenly exclaiming, pointing at those who have been casting sidelong glances at her. Her fingers twirl in front of their eyes, rendering them dizzy, and she bursts into laughter. "Why are your eyes askew?"
Nearby, Nian Xiaoyu pauses, momentarily taken aback, before laughing heartily, her laughter as bright and forthright as her spirit. She gestures at the officials Xianyue had previously mocked. "Blind as a bat!"
Xianyue suppresses her laughter, turning to Nian Xiaoyu, who is laughing uncontrollably behind her. The joyous exchange warms her heart; she finds Nian Xiaoyu quite endearing.
The elderly ministers struggle to maintain their composure, their expressions turning stormy. Bai Zhanfeng suddenly exclaims, pulling Xianyue close. "My woman is not someone you can belittle!"
His fierce gaze and thunderous voice cause a ripple of alarm among them, leaving them to wonder about their misfortune. Yet, a lingering confusion arises—wasn't Mr. Bai's beloved Nian Xiaoyu? How has this strange woman supplanted her? Faced with Bai Zhanfeng's fearsome countenance, they swallow their questions.
"Aren't you hungry?" Lan Yixuan approaches Xianyue from behind, his gentle voice akin to a spring breeze—comforting yet not lacking warmth.
Xianyue does not turn, her gaze fixed on the delectable offerings within the Water Pavilion, her mouth watering. She pushes Bai Zhanfeng's hand away, her excitement evident, resembling a bird released from its cage.
Midway through her dash, she suddenly pivots back, pointing at Yan Yulou. "Third Prince, I wish to drink Xuezhong Shao!"
She darts toward the pavilion, finds a seat, and grabs a generous cluster of grapes, devouring them with gusto—skin and all—unfazed by the astonished and scornful stares around her. Just as she prepares to scoop the platter into her embrace, a shrill announcement pierces the air: "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
The crowd parts, and Yan Yulou turns around. Xianyue pauses, her hand halting over the tray brimming with fresh fruit. She glances at the oddly smiling Yan Yulou, then turns to find Lan Yixuan watching her. Their eyes meet, and they share a smile.
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