Capítulo 49: Selecting a Suitor
Lan Yixuan and the others turned in unison, their gazes fixated on Xuan Yue as she approached through the corridor. Her smile radiated with warmth and ease, as sunlight filtered through the verdant vines entwined along the corridor, illuminating her flawless, delicate skin. Her flowing black hair danced lightly in the breeze, and her eyes sparkled like gems, pure and brilliant, glistening with a captivating light.
She confidently positioned herself between Lan Yixuan and Xuanyuan Hao, crouching down to examine the chessboard laid out on the table, her brow furrowed in contemplation. "Xuanyuan Hao, be wary when playing chess with Lan Yixuan," she advised.
On the surface, it appeared that Lan Yixuan was completely ensnared by Xuanyuan Hao's strategy, with defeat seemingly imminent, yet the reality held deeper intricacies.
Xuanyuan Hao lifted his gaze, studying Xuan Yue as she rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought. His own eyes, dark and deep, reflected a growing admiration as he finally turned his attention back to her radiant face.
The noblemen seated across the table, taken aback by Xuan Yue's sudden appearance, were momentarily speechless. Seeing her casual demeanor as she squatted between Lan Yixuan and Xuanyuan Hao, they assumed an acquaintance existed and remained silent.
Xuan Yue straightened up, offering a gentle smile to Lan Yixuan. Just as she was about to speak, a group of men dressed in gray suddenly emerged from outside the pavilion. They appeared to be in their forties, exuding a reserved but intense aura, their eyes sharp as daggers, fixed intently on Xuan Yue.
From their imposing demeanor, it was clear these men were the renowned martial artists hired by King Hui of Zhou at great expense; their arrival had been swift.
"Miss, please," the foremost man said, brandishing a gleaming scythe, its silver sheen poised to claim lives. He approached Xuan Yue with utmost respect, gesturing for her to step outside.
With her arms crossed, Xuan Yue remained unfazed, allowing him to bow before her. She tilted her chin up defiantly, her eyes narrowing slightly, showing no intention of complying.
"It was Master Lan who invited me," she stated.
The gray-clad man glanced up, his icy gaze landing on her, sending a chill through her that felt as biting as a winter morning breeze.
Following her finger, he looked toward Lan Yixuan, who remained absorbed in the game, holding a white piece in one hand and showing no sign of recognition toward Xuan Yue.
"Miss, do not refuse hospitality or you will face consequences," he warned, raising the scythe-like weapon and glaring threateningly.
Xuan Yue showed no hint of fear, turning to Lan Yixuan with an expression of realization. "I truly do not know this Master Lan."
Lan Yixuan placed the white piece down, glancing at Xuan Yue with a subtle smile, yet still refrained from speaking.
The gray-clad man pondered Lan Yixuan's smile, confused about whether the two truly knew each other or not.
"I know him," Xuan Yue declared, pointing at Jun Pinyu, who stood behind Lan Yixuan. "We've spent time together; he sacrificed so much to help me. Didn't Uncle Fu tell you to treat me well and not to bully me? If he knew you were standing idly by while others harassed me, he would be very displeased."
Beneath the sun, the jade bracelet on her left wrist shimmered with a brilliant green hue, radiating a brightness that outshone the midday sun.
Lan Yixuan looked up, his gaze drifting to the verdant jade on her wrist. His calm eyes rippled with a subtle tension as his brow furrowed for a fleeting moment before reverting to its usual serenity.
Fate would allow their paths to cross again, yet Jun Pinyu, gazing at her radiant smile, knew that no matter his actions, she would never belong to him. Despite convincing himself over time, he still felt an ache in his heart, a lingering sense of loss. However, his expression remained placid, like still waters, devoid of turbulence.
"Jun Pinyu, is this how you treat me?" Xuan Yue lamented, her tone increasingly sorrowful, portraying a scene of heartbreak.
"Assassin! Capture the assassin!" The moment her words fell, hurried footsteps echoed, and the elite Feathered Guards surged toward them, surrounding Xuan Yue with their sharp spears pointed directly at her.
Ning Yunyan lay concealed on the rooftop, pushing aside the dense foliage. Unable to discern Xuan Yue's words from such a distance, she could not see the relaxed smile on her face. First, a group of martial artists appeared, followed by an overwhelming contingent of guards. All she knew was that Xuan Yue was ensnared in the center of the chaos.
One hand clung tightly to the rooftop tiles, her eyes wide with fear, her heart knotted with anxiety.
Having rushed out in a hurry, she had not brought the golden seal for fear of revealing her identity. Even if she claimed to be a princess, no one would believe her. What if something went wrong? Who would escort her back to the palace?
With mounting worry, Ning Yunyan felt like an ant on a hot stove, powerless against the unfolding events.
"Drive that spear into her heart!" Xuan Yue pointed at the sharp, silver spear, closing her eyes as she indicated her chest.
"She is here to see me," she insisted.
Deep down, everyone understood she was putting on an act; perhaps she wasn't even pretending to be vulnerable. She aimed to protect someone, and with the martial arts tournament approaching, there was no way she would allow herself to be harmed. This was merely a game for her, yet even so, with those sharp, cold gleaming spears aimed at her, ready to pierce her, she could not contain her impulse to speak out.
"Hero Liu, this is my friend," she declared.
Liu Ming, the former martial arts alliance leader's disciple, was elusive and wielded a crescent blade, always ensuring his strikes were lethal.
Jun Pinyu pushed through the throng of Feathered Guards, and indeed, he found her wearing a satisfied expression. With a resigned sigh, he took her hand and led her away.
"I've told you, I know people," he said firmly.
Xuan Yue approached the man in gray, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow in a manner full of provocation.
"The Tianfu is a vital area of the capital; without the Emperor's permission, no one is allowed to enter freely."
Evidently, even though Jun Pinyu was her friend, her act of climbing over the wall was unauthorized, so she should leave.
"Vital area of the capital?"
The man in the blue robe chuckled mockingly, "I suspect it is not out of concern for protocol but rather that he fears the repercussions if something were to occur."
As his words hung in the air, the others joined in laughter.
Xuan Yue shot a sidelong glance at Ning Yunyan on the roof, realizing that in the eyes of some, the status of the Zhou Dynasty was eclipsed by that of Jun Pinyu, a wandering physician.
"I merely came to visit a friend. Now that I have seen him, I shall take my leave."
They wished to chase her away, yet she had no intention of departing this place. Had it not been for Ning Yunyan's ruckus, she wouldn't have come down at all.
She did not believe she could keep the events of earlier concealed from everyone present. Lan Yixuan, the first to doubt, would certainly see through her pretense. Under the bright daylight, with her remarkable skills, it was impossible to feign inebriation—neither could Lei Yun deceive anyone, but since they were all intelligent people, it was best not to expose the truth.
"Lei An, bring forth the Baihua Liquor from Yanjing for the gentlemen to taste."
Baihua Liquor? Xuan Yue had just stepped out of the pavilion when she halted abruptly, her back straightening at the mention of the liquor.
Baihua Liquor alone would be inadequate; there was no turning back to the Qiuyang Inn. After she returned Ning Yunyan to the palace this evening, she would settle in her own quarters and sample all the exquisite wines from within the imperial palace.
"Oh, and bring out the Rose Essence, Snow Mulberry Brew, and Drunken Clouds as well."
Xuan Yue swallowed hard, realizing her craving for alcohol had surged. She had only heard of these drinks by name and had never tasted them; Lan Yixuan possessed such an impressive collection.
"Lei Yun, prepare some snacks as well."
It had been ages since she had savored Lei Yun's culinary skills; she felt nostalgic.
Xuan Yue suddenly pivoted, her petite frame resembling a nimble swallow as she darted past the Feathered Guards, directly confronting Lan Yixuan. Bending slightly, she met his gaze, "Master Lan, I hadn't anticipated you to be an aficionado of fine wine."
This was nothing less than an overt temptation.
Lan Yixuan pursed his lips, seemingly oblivious to her almost flattering smile. "Aren't you leaving?"
Xuan Yue rose, shielding her forehead with her hand, squinting slightly as she turned back to Lan Yixuan with a smile, "The sun is rather intense; I fear I might get sunburned."
Finally, her gaze swiftly scanned the surrounding individuals, nodding slightly. "A girl shouldn't be too tanned."
Her eyes rested on Jun Pinyu. "Jun Pinyu, wouldn't you agree?"
The name "Jun Pinyu" resonated with familiarity and warmth.
"Lei An, bring forth the Baihua Liquor, Rose Essence, Drunken Clouds, and Snow Mulberry Brew—retrieve all of your master's secret stash for me."
She stood on her tiptoes, leaning close to his ear, whispering, "Remember to save me a bit on the side."
She regarded Lei An with the satisfaction of a cat that had successfully snatched a fish, her every move brimming with delight.
Lei An frowned at the playful woman before him, shaking his head and sighing inwardly: What exactly is so special about her?
Though their time together had been brief, he quickly grew accustomed to her presence; since her departure, he felt something was amiss.
"You, woman, are nothing but a glutton who sleeps all the time. Be careful; you may never find a husband."
Lei An exclaimed, believing such a woman should remain unmarried, yet why did the men around her all seem extraordinary? Bai Zhanfeng was one, and Jun Pinyu was another, not to mention Master Lan.
"Quickly fetch the wine."
Xuan Yue was already used to Lei An's attitude towards her; her smile remained unwavering. Turning, she saw Lei Yun preparing the pastries as instructed by his master. She hurriedly caught hold of Lei Yun's hand, who, startled, quickly recoiled as if Xuan Yue were a ghost.
"Lei Yun."
She laughed and said, "I rose early this morning and have yet to partake of lunch."
The implication was clear: she was counting on Lei Yun's culinary skills for her meal.
"What would Miss Xuan Yue like to eat?"
Xuan Yue beamed with delight, her laughter ringing out like a melodic chime as she straightened up and released Lei Yun's hand. "I adore everything you make, Lei Yun."
Instantly, Lei Yun's face flushed crimson, as though blood might drip from him in the sunlight.
Xuan Yue's words were sincere and heartfelt; Lan Yixuan was an exceedingly discerning individual. The fact that Lei Yun had served him for so many years as his personal chef spoke volumes. His cooking surpassed that of many renowned chefs, and he often infused his dishes with delightful innovations. Xuan Yue felt that her palate had been spoiled by him.
Everyone observed the interaction between her and the two men, Lei Yun and Lei An. Even a blind person could discern their past acquaintance. Many shifted their gaze to Lan Yixuan, whose serene and graceful smile revealed no hint of disquiet. Such an aristocrat seemed unlikely to associate with someone like her.
That woman, with her every move, exuded a certain vulgarity. While she might not be stunningly beautiful, there was something pleasing about her presence; everything she did felt effortless, as if all were perfectly natural.
Today, Master Lan appeared somewhat peculiar. They had stayed at the Tianfu for several days, yet this noble gentleman had never once suggested sharing a drink or allowed his personal guard to prepare delectable pastries for them.
The chessboard had already been cleared, and Xuan Yue casually chose a seat, conveniently situated between Xuanyuan Hao and Lan Yixuan.
Lan Yixuan tilted his head to observe Xuan Yue, suddenly leaning closer, his gaze tracing from her forehead to her eyebrows, eyelashes, eyes, nose, and lips, finally settling on the jade bracelet adorning her left wrist. "Xuan Yue seems to have lost weight lately."
Xuan Yue thought that regardless of what Lan Yixuan said or did, even his most frivolous remarks carried an air of superiority that brooked no infringement. At that moment, his lips nearly brushed her chin, his warm breath fanning against her face. To others, it appeared that he was taking liberties, his disdainful gaze aimed squarely at her, as if he were merely reaping the rewards of his past efforts.
Could she help but lose weight? When she accompanied Lan Yixuan, Lei Yun and Lei An ensured her meals and accommodations were always impeccable, leaving her no need to worry or labor. Since parting ways with Jun Pinyu, she had journeyed through dust and fatigue to reach Pansheng, only to face new dilemmas.
It had been nearly half a year since she escaped from Pear Blossom Mountain, and she knew Liu Xinyou would inevitably arrive in Pansheng, perhaps even before her, lying in wait like a hunter. The Qiuyang Inn was a far cry from Lei Yun's culinary prowess.
"Have you been cast aside, or offered as a gift to someone?"
Lan Yixuan's gaze fixed on Jun Pinyu, his smile radiating effortless elegance. What kind of eyes did Jun Pinyu possess, locking onto his mirthful gaze? They resembled mirrors reflecting sunlight, illuminating every dark corner of the human heart. His hands clenched into fists beneath his sleeves, Jun Pinyu's handsome visage turned as pale as parchment.
Was this his retribution, a reflection of his own deeds?
"Are you preparing to be a heartless scoundrel, abandoning me?"
The atmosphere at the table grew increasingly tense, the air thickening with unspoken words. Xuan Yue smiled, "Have you perhaps found someone better, Master Lan? Otherwise, why pretend not to know me when we are so familiar?"
She placed her hands on the cool marble table, tapping out a rhythm that resonated with a distinct melody.
Lan Yixuan pursed his lips, gazing deeply at Xuan Yue. His expression was profound, shimmering with an otherworldly light—not dazzling, but akin to a hidden black hole beneath the ocean, gradually drawing one into its depths. In the end, he chose silence, but the onlookers interpreted his quietude as heartache, believing Xuan Yue to be the one cast aside.
Following Lan Yixuan's orders, Lei An brought forth the Baihua Liquor and Rose Essence, along with an array of fine wines, while servants prepared drinking vessels. Since parting ways with Lan Yixuan, Xuan Yue had rarely enjoyed such high-quality liquor. Those petite cups seemed inadequate for her thirst; moreover, she was eager to expedite matters and return to the palace, swiftly seizing the wine jar from Lei An's grasp, using her stomach as a reservoir.
Xuanyuan Hao, a man of hearty spirit, mimicked Xuan Yue's indulgence, draining his cup, wiping his mouth, and letting out a satisfied belch. "Thanks to Miss Xuan Yue, I can savor such exquisite wine."
Xuan Yue smiled at Xuanyuan Hao, then turned to Lan Yixuan. "I told you, Master Lan is the most generous person I've ever met, so gracious and unselfish."
Lei An, standing behind Lan Yixuan, cast a discontented glance at Xuan Yue. "You only say that now, but when you left Yanjing, you showed no hint of regret."
Xuan Yue held the wine jar, her cheeks slightly flushed as she licked her glistening lips. "I bid farewell to your master in person; you should ask him. I was genuinely saddened at the time."
Then, she began to drown her sorrows in drink.
A woman intoxicated exuded a distinct allure; everyone gazed at the blush on Xuan Yue's cheeks, reminiscent of blooming peach blossoms, her rosy lips tempting them to steal a kiss.
Lan Yixuan's mirth dimmed in his eyes. "If the valiant Bai knew you were drinking with a group of men, I wonder what his reaction would be?"
Lan Yixuan quickly surveyed the enthralled gazes, casually mentioning Bai Zhanfeng.
"Without a doubt, he would first chastise Miss Xuan Yue, then furiously challenge those men to a duel."
These people stood no chance against Bai Zhanfeng; his Iron Sand Palm was not to be trifled with.
"Oh, my stomach feels a bit unsettled."
"My stomach too."
"It's time for my afternoon rest."
…
One by one, they found excuses to leave, and only Lan Yixuan, Bai Zhanfeng, Jun Pinyu, and Lei An, standing behind Lan Yixuan, remained in the pavilion.
Thinking of Bai Zhanfeng made Xuan Yue's head throb; aside from the ever-looming threat of Liu Xinyou's return to Pear Blossom Lodge, there was also Bai Zhanfeng, who was even more loquacious than an old man.
"Hey, that so-called hero, if you're so bored, find another place to daydream."
Xuan Yue pointed at Liu Ming, who leaned against a pillar.
"Your long face is rather bothersome."
"Hero Liu, please take your leave; nothing will happen here."
Lan Yixuan remarked casually, glancing at Liu Ming.
Liu Ming frowned, clearly displeased as he looked at Xuan Yue. Nodding to Lan Yixuan, he turned and departed.
"You really do listen to her," Xuan Yue murmured, pointing at Lan Yixuan.
"Lei An, have Lei Yun pack up some food for me to take away."
Xuan Yue set down the wine jar and spoke to Lei An, her dismissal unmistakable. Seeing Lan Yixuan nod slightly, Lei An complied and left.
"Indeed, everyone seems to heed your words."
Lan Yixuan chuckled and looked up at Ning Yunyao, who was resting on her elbows. "Having lain there for so long, aren't you tired?"
Xuan Yue followed Lan Yixuan's gaze and, with a glance at him, knew that secrets were futile.
"Princess Yunyao must be eager to see her future husband."
Xuan Yue took a sip of her wine, observing the three men at the table, and blinked.
"Lan Yixuan, I actually think you and she are quite well-matched."
As she gazed in Ning Yunyao's direction, she swallowed the spicy wine, feeling a slight bitterness.
"She is noble and dignified, while you are poised and elegant, both embodying an air of superiority as if everyone around you ought to kneel at your feet."
She smiled at Lan Yixuan, her bright eyes tinged with a hint of intoxication, sparkling like the stars. She extended a finger and waved it playfully before Lan Yixuan. "However, her skills fall somewhat short of yours."
"Xuanyuan Hao—"
Xuan Yue turned to face Xuanyuan Hao on the other side. "The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was destined to be an empress, the perfect match for you."
Xuanyuan Hao regarded Xuan Yue, whose seriousness was palpable, and chose to say nothing, pouring himself another drink.
"However…"
She pointed at Jun Pinyu, laughing aloud. "The one she truly desires is you."
Jun Pinyu pressed his lips together, looking at Xuan Yue with a smile, yet remained silent.
"If Brother Bai were to see you like this, he would surely regret not following you closely back then."
Lan Yixuan raised his cup, brushing aside the loose strands of hair at Xuan Yue's forehead. She chuckled and swatted his hand away. "If he knew I had arrived in Tianfu today and shared drinks with you all, he would surely regret it to the depths of his soul."
Xuan Yue stood up just as Lei Yun and Lei An approached, each carrying small bags. She walked over, casually pointed to a couple of items, and sniffed them. "Lei Yun, I wish you could accompany me."
Turning to the three men behind her, she waved goodbye. "I must take my leave."
"How about becoming my woman?"
A loud crash resonated as Xuanyuan Hao dropped the wine jug, shattering it into pieces.
"Can you truly defeat Bai Zhanfeng?"
Xuan Yue smiled at Xuanyuan Hao and left with an air of nonchalance.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder