Capítulo 57: Siblings Reunited
As Feng Jiulan and Xianyue departed, the group of gray-clad men who had been kneeling rose and left in an orderly manner, quickly vanishing from sight.
They did not pay their respects to King Zhou Hui, nor did they glance at Ning Yunyans, moving with a mechanical yet swift precision. They passed by like clouds obscuring the night sky, silent and unseen; in the darkness, their presence would be entirely imperceptible, as though they had never been there at all.
"Young gentlemen, do not squander the emperor's goodwill."
With Xianyue and the others gone, the VIP section felt markedly emptier. Standing beside King Zhou Hui, Ning Yunyans maintained her gentle smile, exuding an air of dignified grace that rivaled a blooming peony—an extraordinary blend of charm and composure.
Her smile narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, her exquisite palace attire making her the focal point of the crowd, inviting their scrutiny without a hint of deference or arrogance.
Through the throng, she cast her gaze upon Jun Pinyu, Xuanyuan Hao, and Lan Yixuan, who stood in a row across from her. Jun Pinyu and Xuanyuan Hao stood very close together; both were exemplary figures among the people of Zhou. She admired Jun Pinyu's gentle elegance and found herself desiring far more than she could have, but for the sake of what she could not relinquish, she was destined to forsake her heart's true love.
Even though her suppressed resentment roiled within her, crashing like tumultuous waves, and despite the wounds she had inflicted upon herself in her anguish, she still managed to smile. As a princess of Zhou, she upheld the dignity of the entire dynasty, harboring her own pride and self-respect that would not permit anyone to transgress, not now nor at any time; she could not afford to show a single moment of weakness.
"Third Brother."
Ning Yunyans knelt beside the Third Prince of Zhou, gently patting his shoulder. She turned to a nearby eunuch and instructed, "Fetch the best imperial physician to treat him; his hand must be healed."
Such words should have been spoken by King Zhou Hui, a father and sovereign, but since he had not, Ning Yunyans spoke on his behalf.
"Young Master Lan."
Bai Zhanfeng approached Lan Yixuan, his demeanor radiant and relaxed, as though a burden had been lifted. "Let us go."
He watched as the Third Prince of Zhou was carried away on a stretcher by several eunuchs, his gaze settling intently on Lan Yixuan.
Though the latter was the eldest son of the most prestigious family in Chu, he held little affection for such imperial banquets. The Third Prince had been injured yet had compelled Feng Jiulan to announce Xianyue's identity, which untied the knots in Bai Zhanfeng's heart. With the resolution of matters concerning Nian Xiaoyu today, he felt a sense of relief and longed to celebrate.
However, he harbored some unease about Lan Yixuan. In his view, Lan Yixuan represented his rival in love, the greatest obstacle in his pursuit of Xianyue.
The last time in Yanjing, he had been deceived into returning to another residence while he sought out Xianyue. This time, he could not afford to grant him such an opportunity.
"Won't Bai Xiong escort Miss Nian?"
Lan Yixuan pointed toward the direction where Nian Xiaoyu had vanished, lowering his eyes with a sigh. "Your indifference may surely chill Xianyue's heart."
In response to Lan Yixuan's well-intentioned reminder, Bai Zhanfeng merely snorted dismissively; it was always the same. He presented himself as a good person, offering kind suggestions, yet he was the one who invariably suffered in the end.
"She is my woman; I will certainly treat her well. Someone like you, with your intelligence, Xianyue would never choose."
This kind of person could thrive in open confrontation, but when it came to wits, none could match him. Moreover, Xianyue, being a princess, would never marry someone of humble origins like Lan Yixuan; in this regard, Lan Yixuan held no advantage whatsoever.
Lan Yixuan raised an eyebrow, a glimmer flashing through his dark, thick lashes. The corners of his lips curled upward as he glanced at the frowning Xuanyuan Hao and offered a slight smile to Jun Pinyu. "My lord, please."
**
After Xianyue and Feng Jiulan left Qiuyang Villa, they headed directly to Feng Jiulan's residence, the Haitang Courtyard in Tianfu.
As dusk fell, the golden sun was enveloped by vibrant crimson clouds, resembling an explosive fireball, radiating with shimmering light.
The Haitang Courtyard was utterly tranquil, devoid of any passersby; the bare branches loomed overhead, and the ground was strewn with dry, yellowed leaves, which crunched underfoot, creating a faint rustling sound. A soft golden hue blanketed the courtyard, exuding a warmth rarely found in winter, rather than a sense of desolation.
Xianyue walked ahead, pushed open Feng Jiulan's door, released his hand, dashed to the table, poured two cups of tea, and smiled as she handed one to Feng Jiulan. She sat beside him, gulped down the remaining tea in her cup, refilled it several times, and then contentedly licked her lips.
Placing her cup down, she leaned closer to Feng Jiulan, her long lashes fluttering as her bright eyes sparkled like water droplets, filled with laughter.
"Brother, what would you like to eat?"
Rising from her seat, she crouched in front of Feng Jiulan, her smile infectious.
Feng Jiulan set his cup down and tenderly brushed her forehead, taking her hand resting on her lap. "You must be hungry."
Xianyue nodded obediently. These past few days, she had been occupied with that woman, Liu Xinyou, and after much persuasion, she had finally agreed to let her attend the Martial Arts Conference. However, Liu Xinyou remained unyielding, setting up an intricate array that rivaled the Pear Blossom Array, trapping her for a full day. After breaking free, she hurriedly changed her clothes and made her way to Qiuyang Villa; all in all, she had gone nearly two days without eating, so it was no wonder she was starving.
"Qinghen."
Feng Jiulan turned to call gently. "Yue'er is hungry."
Yun Qinghen bowed respectfully and retreated. Soon, maidens entered in a procession, each carrying trays piled high with steaming dishes, the enticing aroma wafting through the air, making one's mouth water.
Xianyue gazed at the dishes laid out before her, eyeing Feng Jiulan with narrowed eyes.
Feng Jiulan smiled at her playful demeanor, feeling a pang of affection and heartache. He turned to the maid who had placed the dishes down and said, "You may leave; we need no further assistance."
He smiled at Xianyue and lifted the cover off the steaming dish.
Honey-glazed chicken legs, clam and shrimp soup, mushroom-stewed chicken, duck feet with flower mushrooms, embroidered ball scallops, and red date cakes...
Xianyue's mouth watered, and Feng Jiulan looked at her without a hint of reproach for her uncharacteristic behavior. "Go ahead and eat."
While speaking, he handed a pair of chopsticks to Xuan Yue, who looked at Feng Jiu Lan and grinned foolishly, "When did you prepare this, Brother?"
Feng Jiu Lan settled back into his seat, "Qing Hen returned first and had the kitchen prepare it."
Ah, indeed, it was the most authentic Huagu mushroom duck feet from Feng Kingdom; she hadn't tasted it in ages, and it was just as she remembered.
And the honey-glazed chicken legs, her absolute favorite—the aroma of the chicken braised with mushrooms was simply irresistible.
At first, Xuan Yue tried using the chopsticks, but the duck feet were too slippery and cumbersome to eat. Looking at Feng Jiu Lan, her eyes narrowed in satisfaction as she set down the silver chopsticks and opted to use her hands instead.
Feng Jiu Lan didn't touch his chopsticks; he merely observed Xuan Yue as she ate. Her mannerisms were decidedly unrefined, yet he found immense satisfaction in it—an unparalleled joy he had not experienced in ten years.
This was his Yue'er, so vividly real. He kept blinking and then widening his eyes, noticing Xuan Yue still sitting across from him, her smile growing more radiant.
In the royal palace of Feng Kingdom, there were always two sets of bowls and chopsticks at his dining table. Whenever he took a bite, he would instinctively glance at the empty seat beside him, sometimes catching a glimpse of that sweet smile, only for it to vanish in the blink of an eye.
"Brother, why aren't you eating?"
Xuan Yue's mouth was stuffed to the brim, clutching a honey-glazed chicken leg, her lips greasy. Looking at Feng Jiu Lan, she spoke clearly, perhaps accustomed to talking with her mouth full.
"Eat slowly; no one is competing with you."
Feng Jiu Lan, fearing she might choke, poured her a cup of water and slid it toward her.
Xuan Yue accepted it and set it on the table. She was used to devouring meat heartily and was never in danger of choking; what she truly desired was for her brother to replace the water with fine wine, which she would undoubtedly down in a single gulp.
Although she could cook, the Pear Blossom Mountain offered nothing but swift creatures, and back when she first ascended the mountain, she knew nothing. A few times, she almost starved. Her speed had developed in competition with the wild rabbits and other animals.
Later on, she learned to catch fish in the water, and in the woods, she easily caught wild chickens. However, every time she finished roasting her catch, Liu Xinyou would appear to snatch it away. With her superior skills, Xinyou always outmatched her, leaving Xuan Yue to prepare extra portions just to finish her share before Xinyou could finish what she had.
"Qing Hen."
Xuan Yue called out toward the door, "Have the kitchen prepare some appetizers."
These dishes were far too greasy for her liking.
Yun Qing Hen received the command, and soon several platters of appetizers and steaming bowls of white rice porridge were brought in, clearly prepared well in advance.
"Your Highness."
Yun Qing Hen personally delivered the items to Feng Jiu Lan, noting the color return to his pale face due to his excitement and joy, which relieved him.
Having accompanied His Highness for so many years, he was keenly aware of how he had fared.
When the princess had just left, Feng Jiu Lan locked himself away in his room, consumed by guilt, avoiding all company for an entire month. When he finally emerged, he hoped His Highness had come to terms with it, only to find him still tormenting himself.
Though the former Feng Jiu Lan had been stern, he always wore a smile in the presence of the princess. Since her departure, however, he had not witnessed a single smile grace his face.
It was evident that visiting the Xuesang Hall would only stir painful memories, yet he insisted on retreating to that place alone.
His health had never been robust; he ought to rest well. Yet he knew that since the princess's departure, His Highness hadn't enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep. He often consumed only half a bowl of porridge daily. Without the princess, he likely would not have endured to this day.
Xuan Yue devoured her food, thoroughly satiated. Habitually, she leaned back in her chair, stroking her round belly and sighing in contentment.
Seeing Xuan Yue in good spirits, Feng Jiu Lan finished the entire bowl of rice porridge that Yun Qing Hen had brought him. The sight of the empty bowl brought a surge of delight to Yun Qing Hen, making Xuan Yue shudder with surprise.
"Look at you, your face is smeared with grease."
Feng Jiu Lan stood, retrieved a handkerchief, and knelt down to gently wipe the grease from the corner of Xuan Yue's mouth.
Xuan Yue closed her eyes, her delicate face adorned with eyelashes resembling butterfly wings, quivering softly. Her lips curled upward as the warm glow of the setting sun filtered through the open doors and windows, bathing her in light. It felt as if time had turned back, returning everything to the past.
Back in the royal palace of Feng Kingdom, after every meal, the palace maids would come to serve her, but she always refused their assistance. During those times, her brother would carefully wipe the grease from her mouth and the grains of rice from her face. Occasionally, in playful mischief, she would smear the grease from her face onto her brother.
Feng Jiu Lan lowered his head, a smile on his face, focused and gentle. Xuan Yue raised her chin, revealing a vivid red mark on her collarbone. Though it wasn't very deep, it stood out starkly against her fair skin, causing Feng Jiu Lan's expression to darken slightly, his movements momentarily halting.
Xuan Yue was always sensitive to such changes. Suddenly recalling something, she quickly opened her eyes. Feng Jiu Lan had already returned to his usual gentle and indulgent demeanor. She chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around his waist as she used to, nuzzling against him before sitting upright, adjusting her attire and bringing it to her nose to sniff. "Brother, does it smell awful?"
She stood, leaning closer to Feng Jiu Lan, "I just worked up a sweat; I must smell terrible."
Having been trapped in the formation for a day, she had sweat profusely in her desperation. She had also worked up quite a sweat during the tussle with Bai Zhan Feng earlier in the day, and now she felt a bit sticky and uncomfortable.
"Find a few people to assist Yue'er with her bath and change of clothes."
"Brother, I got your clothes dirty too."
Xuan Yue pointed at the large grease stain on Feng Jiu Lan's chest, her laughter filled with genuine amusement.
After her bath, Xianyue changed into a fresh outfit, feeling instantly rejuvenated.
Her black hair fell loosely over her shoulders, droplets of water clinging to the tips, trickling onto the smooth floor tiles with a rhythmic sound.
Over the years on the mountain, she had developed a habit of allowing her hair to air dry naturally. Previously, after each bath, she would rush to find her brother to dry her hair for her.
She cherished his warmth and had always longed to live under his protection, indulging in her whims and being exceptionally picky. Had it not been for the incident that occurred when she was four, perhaps she would have truly spent her life beneath his wing.
Upon returning to her room, Feng Jiulan was already dressed and waiting for her. Seeing Xianyue with her disheveled hair, he smiled faintly, stood up, and waved her over: "Come here."
Xianyue beamed as she withdrew the towel draped over her shoulder, rushing to sit before Feng Jiulan and handing him the towel, which he accepted seamlessly.
"You're still the same, unable to take care of yourself at all."
Feng Jiulan sighed helplessly, crouching slightly to wipe the moisture from her hair.
"After all, my brother will take good care of me."
Xianyue turned her back to him, speaking without a second thought.
Her face radiated certainty, conviction, and inevitability.
The soft yellow light in the room illuminated her pale face, and Xianyue did not notice the flicker of gentle concern in Feng Jiulan's eyes.
He remained silent; after a decade apart, he undoubtedly had a myriad of words to say, yet he refrained from speaking.
His clever little sister surely understood his unspoken thoughts; she knew she didn't wish to hear them, and he, too, did not want to shatter this tranquil warmth.
"Does Xianyue not like Princess Yunyun?"
Feng Jiulan broke the silence after a long pause, suddenly inquiring.
With her eyes closed, Xianyue was so comfortable she nearly dozed off. She shook her head lightly, resting her head on her arm, her speech somewhat muffled.
"It's not that I don't like her."
Xianyue paused, opening her eyes to take the towel from Feng Jiulan's hand and placing it on the chair. She moved another stool closer, sitting face-to-face with him: "Brother, she is an exceptionally wise and astute woman—graceful and dignified, exuding the poise of a mother to a nation. However, brother—"
Behind her stood the Zhou dynasty, which had unified the realm for over five hundred years. To the people, she represented legitimacy. If a rebellion were to arise, her status would serve as the best rallying point, significantly stronger than the empty shell that was the Zhou dynasty.
Moreover, she was quite vain; to maintain her vanity, she would surely do everything in her power to support her husband. In that regard, she was truly impeccable.
"What I desire is not the queen of Feng country, but a sister-in-law."
Xianyue leaned forward, grasping Feng Jiulan's hand, tilting her head slightly. Her bright eyes sparkled with the dancing flames as she fixed her gaze on him: "She doesn't care for you, brother, and you don't like her either."
Her brother had truly done so much for her; she did not want him to face a woman he did not love day in and day out, living like polite strangers.
She was no fool; how could she not see that Ning Yunyun was jealous? After sending her back to the palace last time, she realized that the princess of Zhou, famed for her noble birth, must have felt overshadowed by her.
Jun Pinyu, Lan Yixuan, Bai Zhanfeng, Xuanyuan Hao—if they were ordinary men, it wouldn't matter, but they were the four most outstanding young masters of Zhou, and this was a sensitive time for her in choosing a husband. Her heart was unsettled; perhaps at that time, she could still find solace in the knowledge that she was a high-born princess while she was merely a commoner in the martial world. She had some grounds for pride. But now, all of that had become a joke.
She had eyes and could see that the person she cared about most was her brother. In a bid to assert herself, she might abandon her previous choices.
Feng Jiulan tightened his grip, spreading Xianyue's palm open. The freshly soaked, snow-white skin bore numerous scars that pained his heart.
"Xianyue."
Feng Jiulan called her name softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
"You have suffered these past years."
The guilt in his eyes surged like a flood, threatening to drown Xianyue. She withdrew her hand in a panic, her normally agile mind failing to conjure a suitable excuse. She smiled faintly, silently cursing Liu Xinyou for her cruelty: "It's just a small injury."
After saying that, she regretted it and nearly slapped herself.
"It is I who have wronged you."
Feng Jiulan's heart was tumultuous; the emotion of guilt swelled within him, overwhelming both him and Xianyue.
Xianyue had no idea how Feng Jiulan had fared over the years, but his pale and haggard face, resembling a fragile figure easily toppled by the wind, stirred her heart with a pain that nearly brought her to tears.
"Brother."
Xianyue called out softly, her voice tender, like a plea: "I am your sister."
She nestled against Feng Jiulan, breathing in the familiar scent that warmed her heart to the brink of tears.
"You have not wronged me. We need not discuss such things; at the heart of the matter, it is not your fault."
Over the course of ten years, her brother had changed. The sunshine boy she remembered, with his pure and gentle eyes, was now perpetually shrouded in an almost imperceptible sadness. He had always thought it to be the mark of longing; only now did he understand it was guilt.
"It was because of me that you fell into the water. If you hadn't fallen, you wouldn't have tripped over the Fusang grass, nor would you have fainted."
Your health would not be so poor.
As usual, Feng Jiulan gently patted her back. He understood well what Xianyue was saying, but ultimately, he felt he had failed to care for her. Thankfully, she was well now.
"Xianyue, do not think that way."
Feng Jiulan's voice grew urgent, almost commanding as he interrupted.
He understood that the burden of guilt he carried was the heaviest of all, nearly suffocating him over the years.
Xianyue sniffed, smiled, and nodded, pointing at Feng Jiulan. "Then you mustn't dwell on this matter any longer, brother."
Feng Jiulan grasped her fingers, stood up, and helped Xianyue sit on the edge of the bed. He then crouched down, and Xianyue couldn't help but burst into laughter as she watched him retrieve something from beneath the bed, tears of joy springing forth like a fountain.
"You troublemaker."
Feng Jiulan opened the box, revealing pristine white gauze, scissors, and a row of jars with faded labels.
Indeed, she was a troublemaker, a title bestowed upon her by Feng Xuanling.
The women in the harem, having nothing better to do, mimicked Consort Li, scheming to bully her simply because she was out of favor. However, she was far from an easy target, often sneaking into their chambers to engage in what she deemed amusing antics, much to their astonishment, and frequently emerging with numerous injuries.
Every night before bed, Feng Jiulan would inspect the Xuesang Palace, finding wounds on her nine out of ten visits. Unable to let others know, he kept a medicine box hidden beneath her bed to tend to her injuries each night.
"Has anyone bullied you while you've been away?"
Feng Jiulan asked casually, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his concern.
Xianyue kicked off her shoes, crossed her legs, and raised her chin defiantly. "Am I the sort to let others trample over me?"
With a hearty slap on her chest, she provoked a soft laugh from Feng Jiulan. Xianyue joined in, looking earnestly at him. "Do you know why Bai Zhufeng is so persistent with me? It's because he loses every time we bicker. And then there's that third prince of Zhou—"
Xianyue snorted disdainfully. "If people don't provoke me, I won't retaliate. But if they do, no matter who they are, I won't let them off lightly."
Feng Jiulan, hearing her mention the third prince whose hand he had broken, thought her actions were hardly excessive; in fact, he felt she had been too lenient. Nonetheless, it was clear that Xianyue was not one to be easily bullied.
These siblings' boundaries were not defined by themselves, but rather by each other.
Thus, the third prince was unfortunate; had Feng Jiulan not been present, even if the prince screamed his lungs out, Xianyue would have ignored him. Her actions were twofold: to ease Feng Jiulan's worries and to decisively thwart Ning Yunyan's ambitions.
Between them, one of their happinesses would inevitably be sacrificed for the sake of Feng Country. She longed for a lifetime with her beloved, dreaming of growing old together, but she had long since relinquished such fantasies. Fate had already been unjust to her brother, who had endured more hardship than herself over the years. Henceforth, with her by his side, she hoped for his happiness each day, rather than enduring a cold coexistence with an unloving partner.
"And what of your master? Has she mistreated you?"
After all these years, he still moved with the same gentle, careful grace, adeptly avoiding any injury she had sustained, unlike other men who were often clumsy.
Liu Xinyou, Liu Xinyou, Xianyue stared fixedly at the top of Feng Jiulan's head, closing her eyes and absorbing the familiar warmth that comforted her. It took considerable effort to suppress the deep-seated loathing within her, and after taking a few deep breaths, she managed to restore her usual smile.
"You mean Liu Xinyou?"
She replied, grinning with a nonchalant tone.
As Feng Jiulan bandaged her wounds, he glanced up and nodded. "Are there any other injuries?"
Xianyue held her breath, a playful blush creeping onto her cheeks as she lowered her head shyly. "Brother, I'm not a child anymore."
Only she knew that her shyness was feigned; her body bore too many wounds, and she feared that if her brother saw them, he would feel overwhelming guilt and sadness.
Feng Jiulan gazed at her, charmed by her innocent demeanor, and patted her head, nearly forgetting that his little moon was now grown. Yet his memories lingered in the year she left at the age of four, when she barely reached his waist.
He remembered the night she had made her own birthday noodles, standing on a stool to open the food box, and now she stood tall and graceful.
Indeed, she had matured; he had just contemplated finding a suitable husband to care for her for a lifetime.
"What of Liu Xinyou?"
The things Liu Xinyou had done to her could only be described with four words: beyond reproach. However, those grievances would never escape her lips.
"Do you know why I eat so rudely?"
Xianyue chose her lightest offense. "She's lazy and inept, incapable of cooking, leaving all of it to me. Every time I prepare a meal, she nearly finishes all the dishes before I can eat, forcing me to settle for plain rice."
There were times she felt she might starve because of her.
She would endure the man's rage, using the whip to strike herself.
She would secretly study medical texts only to see them tossed into the fire.
She wielded her brother's safety as a constant threat against herself, and to this day, she was unable to escape her nightmares.
"Xianyue, do not hide anything from me."
Xianyue pressed her lips together and vigorously shook her head, swearing, "I'm not!"
She chuckled, wrapping her arms around Feng Jiulan's, resting in his embrace. "Later, I learned to be clever; every time I cooked, I would add plenty of salt. Liu Xinyou then stopped forcing me to cook. I don't care who she is; if she dares to bully me, I'll show her no mercy. Brother, you saw it last time, didn't you? If I got fierce, I could easily pin her down and give her a good beating."
Yet that had truly been her first time; without help from Lan Yixuan and others, she would never have had the strength to overpower her, unleashing years of pent-up fury.
Feng Jiulan chose not to press further, gently patting Xianyue's back and softly caressing her hair. His fingers were cool and carried the scent of medicine, refreshing and not unpleasant at all.
As Xianyue nestled against him, she gazed at the flickering light on the table, feeling a wave of drowsiness wash over her. A yawn escaped her lips, and her eyelids began to droop.
Having barely slept for three days and nights, now in her brother's embrace, she truly felt exhausted. "If you're tired, then sleep."
In a haze, she recognized the voice as familiar, like the birthmark at her waist, etched into her mind, instilling an inexplicable sense of comfort.
She smiled softly, her eyes slowly drifting shut as she nestled against Feng Jiulan, her lips curling upward. The warmth enveloping her made her feel as if she were dreaming, astonished to find herself lying in her brother's embrace.
"Brother," she called gently, surrendering to sleep in his arms.
Feng Jiulan looked down, illuminated by the soft glow of the room, cradling Xianyue as if she were the entire world, overwhelmed by a profound sense of fulfillment. "Sleep well; your brother will watch over you."
He had intended for Xianyue to rest against him, worried she might catch a chill. Just then, Yun Qinghen entered, carrying medicine, placing it on the table before approaching him. "Your Highness."
"Please, set down the pillow."
Such tenderness and meticulous care caused Yun Qinghen to sigh inwardly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Bai Pingting. She was indeed a wonderful girl who had waited for the prince all these years, yet—
He gazed at Xianyue in Feng Jiulan's arms, realizing the prince had bestowed all his warmth upon the princess.
Following orders, Yun Qinghen set down the pillow. Feng Jiulan carefully transferred Xianyue from his arms to the cushion, straightening her legs before covering her with a blanket.
"Your Highness, it's time for your medicine."
Yun Qinghen's voice was barely above a whisper, his own lips moving as he pointed to the jade bowl placed outside.
"Shall I bring it in?"
Feng Jiulan shook his head, stepping gingerly outside to lift the bowl from the table and downing its contents in one go. "You may leave."
Yun Qinghen carried the medicine bowl, "The princess is well; the crown prince can rest easy. Your Highness should take care of your health and rest early."
Yun Qinghen exited, carefully shutting the door behind him, leaving only Xianyue and Feng Jiulan in the room.
Haitang Garden was inherently quiet, as envoys and noble sons from various nations had gathered at Qingning Palace, casting a serene stillness over the entire Tianfu.
Feng Jiulan pulled a stool closer, settling beside the bed. It was as though he could never gaze at Xianyue enough, his eyes delicately studying her features as he lowered his head to gently smooth back the strands of hair from her forehead, softly caressing her face.
His moon, how she had grown. He could now seek someone to care for her throughout her life. She was intelligent, strong-willed, and agile, especially unwilling to be trifled with; she was not a delicate flower sheltered in the palace, incapable of weathering the storms of life. This reassured Feng Jiulan, yet it also filled him with bittersweet sorrow.
He was uncertain how much longer he would live; perhaps the next illness would strike hard enough that he could no longer guard her. Those lost ten years—could he ever make amends for them?
He held Xianyue's hand against his cheek; her delicate touch was warm despite her scant clothing. His own face was cold, yet he felt a hint of warmth creeping in. He noticed her brow furrowing in distress, and he reached out to smooth it away.
"Xianyue."
He looked at her, sleeping peacefully, releasing a sigh filled with both helplessness and hope. "All I desire is for you to lead an ordinary life, free from the burdens I have imposed upon you."
He had often wished for a time of peace and prosperity, devoid of grand ambitions or dreams of conquest. He merely wished for the people of the Feng Kingdom to live peacefully, untouched by the ravages of war. In such a world, his Xianyue could marry a man she cherished, living a life of simple happiness.
That man would cherish her as a precious gem, shielding her from all the tempests life could bring.
She desired a husband, not a mother to the nation; their union would inevitably be a political one—if not he, then certainly she. What a foolish girl she was, truly.
The night wind howled, causing the candles on the table to flicker and sway. Feng Jiulan sat there, shivering yet feeling warm within his heart.
Xianyue felt a heavy weight pressing upon her chest, stirring her discomfort. She frowned, not waking naturally; her mind was clouded, her head heavy as if filled with lead.
Squinting, she attempted to push aside the weight upon her chest when suddenly a thought struck her. Her eyes flew open to find Feng Jiulan resting against her, and her furrowed brow began to smooth out, revealing a gentle smile. She closed her eyes again, lying back down, but quickly opened them to watch the flickering candlelight on the table, reaching out to touch Feng Jiulan's hand, confirming its icy chill.
She cautiously shifted her body, inching towards the bed's inner side. Feng Jiulan lay there, and she carefully extricated herself from the bed, tiptoeing around the room. Finding no blanket or covering, she draped the very quilt she had used earlier over his shoulders and sat beside him, her gaze fixed on his deep-set, dark eyes and pale face, extinguishing any thought of moving him back to bed.
These years, her brother, like herself, must have had few restful nights.
After all her movements, Xianyue's drowsiness dissipated, leaving her wide awake. She gazed out the open window, where the moonlight shone brightly, casting silvery light across the floor. Tonight's moon was particularly beautiful.
She slipped on her shoes, quietly making her way to the window to close it. Turning around to glance at Feng Jiulan, she carefully opened the door, placing her shoes on the ground. Just as she finished, she noticed Yun Qinghen approaching.
"Princess."
Xianyue gestured towards the room, signaling for silence. "Be quiet; brother is sleeping."
Yun Qinghen smiled, nodding in agreement.
"Captain Yun, has my brother fared well these past years?"
Xianyue looked up at the moon in the sky, while Yun Qinghen observed her profile, bathed in the soft moonlight, increasingly radiant and sacred. He pressed his lips together, bowing his head, silent.
How could he possibly say otherwise?
"I know he has not."
Her voice, gentle and drifting with the breeze, reached Yun Qinghen's ears. Raising her gaze, she wore her customary smile, moving her hands and feet. "I'm going for a stroll."
Yun Qinghen hurried to catch up, calling out, "Princess."
Xianyue turned, and Yun Qinghen opened his mouth to speak, ultimately settling on, "Just don't wander too far."
If the prince awoke and couldn't find her, he would surely worry; yet, he refrained from voicing that concern.
The princess was astute; he suspected the prince would prefer she remain oblivious to such matters.
Unlike other courtyards, Haitang Garden was rather modest. The founder of the Feng Kingdom was a valiant woman who adored the begonia flower, and thus the garden was named after it. She preferred solitude, which was why Haitang Garden was situated in such a secluded location.
In November, the begonia blooms had long since wilted, leaving the trees bare and desolate. With no patrolling soldiers, only the hidden shadow guards lingered in the dark, rendering the entire garden eerily silent.
The sky above Pan City was cold, particularly at night. The wind sliced across her face, chilling her to the bone. Were it not for her profound inner strength, Xianyue feared she would be shivering uncontrollably.
As she traversed Haitang Pavilion, branches loomed over her, and in boredom, she pushed aside the limbs above her. Suddenly, she caught sight of a purple figure leaning against an arched doorway, and her eyes widened in surprise. Blinking, she confirmed it was not a mere illusion.
Facing away from her, Xianyue felt uncertain yet could not deny the sensation was unmistakable.
"Master Lan, is the moon in this begonia courtyard fuller than that in Lan Xuanyuan?"
Xianyue approached Lan Yixuan, following his gaze over the tall walls to the luminous moon hanging in the night sky.
Xianyue approached Lan Yixuan, following his gaze as she looked over the tall walls to behold the luminous moon hanging in the night sky.
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