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28.63% The Phoenix Overwhelms the World / Chapter 67: "Lan Yixuan, why do you linger like a ghost?"

Capítulo 67: "Lan Yixuan, why do you linger like a ghost?"

The state of Chu is nestled against the majestic Xieluo Mountain, surrounded by water on three sides, making it the only coastal nation among the Five Kingdoms. The climate here is temperate, providing an ideal environment for habitation. Expanses of phoenix trees flourish, while evergreens blanket the hills, ensuring that even in the frigid grip of winter, one can still sense the breath of spring.

Xianyue rode at a leisurely pace, taking nearly a month and a half to reach the capital city of Chu. 

Yingcheng lacks the bustling opulence of Yanjing or the majestic gravitas of Panshi, which has accumulated over centuries. It's not to say the city is devoid of life; the streets are teeming with vehicles and pedestrians, filled with the constant sounds of lively merchants hawking their wares. Yet, there is a tranquility to this place—a sense that standing here allows one's heart to be as serene as still water. Even in this biting winter season, Yingcheng exudes a vibrant energy.

Holding the reins of her steed, Xianyue was not in a hurry. As usual, she took breaks along the journey. The magnificent horse she led was the gift her brother had prepared for her before she departed Panshi, though its once-gleaming white coat was now dust-laden. 

The sun poured warmth onto her face, enveloping her in a comforting embrace, just as noon arrived. Most people were at home or dining in inns, resulting in a sparsely populated street. The roads were wide, even broader than those in Panshi, lined with a variety of trees. Some had shed their leaves, standing bare and casting flickering shadows that danced with the wind, while others remained lush and green. Every so often, there were flower beds still in bloom, vibrant hues brightening the atmosphere and lifting her spirits considerably.

Bright red lanterns hung from tree branches, and the inns and shops alike radiated a festive cheer. It suddenly dawned on Xianyue that the year-end celebrations were fast approaching.

Turning her gaze toward the direction of Fengguo, she wondered if her brother had yet arrived there. If they could return together, they would celebrate the New Year side by side.

As she watched the golden sunlight, her heart ached with nostalgia. Without Liu Xinyou by her side, she would face the New Year alone. But then she reconsidered; solitude might offer her a certain freedom.

Scanning her surroundings, she prepared to find an inn to rest. Though she had not rushed, the days spent on horseback had left her feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and her stomach rumbled, reminding her of her hunger. She longed for a hearty dinner, a warm bath, and a good night's sleep.

As she approached an inn and handed the reins to the young attendant at the door, patting her horse's back, a cloud of dust rose into the air. "Make sure my steed is well-fed, then give her a bath and find a comfortable spot for her to rest," she instructed.

While speaking, she produced a small silver coin from her pocket. The attendant smiled as he accepted it, and Xianyue noted that his grin was considerably brighter than before.

Just as she was about to step through the inn's entrance, she heard a familiar neigh behind her. Turning, she was surprised to see Lei An, who had not been seen for quite some time. He generously pulled out a sum of silver that was at least ten times greater than what she had just given, tossing it into the attendant's palm, then swiftly commandeered her steed. The attendant looked bewildered, glancing between Xianyue and the silver.

Standing next to Lei An was someone she recognized all too well—Lei Yun, known for her culinary skills and understanding nature.

"What brings you both here?" Xianyue asked, moving closer to Lei Yun and glancing around, searching for the familiar figure she had expected to see.

"Where's Lan Gongzi? I don't see him," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of Lan Yixuan, not a hint of anticipation in her gaze, only mild curiosity. She knew that Lei Yun and Lei An were typically inseparable from him, so if they were present, he should be nearby as well.

"Our master isn't here," Lei An replied, raising an eyebrow at Xianyue, a hint of pride in his demeanor. "Are you missing him?"

As he asked, his gaze bore into her, eager for a confirmation of his suspicion.

"Then perhaps you should accompany us," Xianyue suggested, her mind wandering to the notion of Lei An using Lan Yixuan's name to lure innocent girls. She couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"What are you laughing at?" Lei An demanded, quickly handing his horse over to Lei Yun before rushing up to Xianyue, his dark eyes shimmering with a hint of irritation.

Xianyue stifled her laughter but couldn't quite conceal the amusement in her eyes. "Why would I miss your master? Why would I want to go with you? What if your master sells me off? I definitely wouldn't want to find myself counting coins after being sold by him," she quipped, nodding in agreement with her own conclusion.

"He would never sell you; he simply couldn't bear to do so," Lei An insisted, his eyes wide with certainty as he stared at her.

Even if their master were to sell both Lei Yun and himself, he would never part with her. Besides, did their master ever need to resort to selling anyone?

"Every woman in the world adores our master, yet you seem oblivious to that. You spend your days eating and sleeping, while Lei Yun treats you like a lady. What's wrong with that? Just come with us," he urged, his expression suggesting that she was simply unaware of her own fortune.

"It seems you have a personal grudge against me," Xianyue retorted, raising an eyebrow at Lei An.

He fell silent, though his feelings toward her were not entirely negative; it was just her indifferent attitude toward Lan Yixuan that irked him. Which woman wouldn't eagerly seek closeness to their master? Yet Xianyue remained aloof.

"If you can't stand me, how can we coexist?" he countered, recalling the times they had managed to get along quite well, always at his expense.

"I'm not going anywhere; I'll stay at the inn," Xianyue stated firmly, gesturing to the inn ahead—Sailing Wind Inn. She hadn't paid much attention to the name earlier, but now—

She laughed softly, retracting her hand and saying to Lei Yun, "Please hand my horse over to the attendant; she's exhausted and hungry after days of travel."

In referring to her horse, she was subtly speaking of herself.

Lan Yixuan truly possessed remarkable resources; she had only just arrived in Chu and hadn't found a place to rest, yet he had already located her. What business did he have in Chu?

"Xianyue, given that it's a festive season, staying at an inn may not be convenient. I've prepared a meal in advance," Lei An said.

Being away from home during the holidays often evokes feelings of nostalgia. Though she had grown accustomed to it, there was an unavoidable sense of sadness. It was precisely for this reason that she was more reluctant to spend time with Lan Yixuan.

If, in the future, she were coerced into choosing him, as long as her heart remained her own, she could still be the free-spirited Feng Xianyue. Otherwise, finding herself caught in the middle, perhaps even reduced to his pawn, would be deeply lamentable.

Ah, women tend to become fools and madwomen in the face of love. Though she had no personal experience, maintaining a safe distance was undoubtedly wise.

"In just a cup of tea's time."

Xian Yue waved her fingers in front of Lei Yun, her chin slightly raised. "If your young master can appear before me within the span of a teacup, I shall accompany you."

Though Lan Yixuan did not despise commotion, he had a preference for tranquility. His retreat was situated in the eastern suburbs, an area bustling with inns and shops. Xian Yue was certain he would not reside in such a lively locale; even with his astute foresight, he could not have anticipated her proposal.

With her arms crossed, Xian Yue stood confidently, while the innkeeper watched the scene with mild curiosity. Fortunately, it was winter; the sun, though bright, did not scorch as it would in summer, casting a warm and comfortable glow.

Xian Yue closed her eyes, her skin pale and delicate, akin to fine goose-down silk. The innkeeper, originally positioned to observe the unfolding drama, found his gaze inexplicably drawn to Xian Yue.

The natural beauty of Chu's landscapes nurtured many lovely women, yet Xian Yue's appearance, though pleasing, was merely above average. At first glance, she did not elicit any sense of awe. However, a second look revealed a quality that set her apart from ordinary women. Yet now, he found himself captivated, unable to divert his eyes from her. Growing up in Chu, he had once been fortunate enough to see the Snow Princess, a beauty one could not help but cradle in their palms, yet he now felt that the notion of the world's most beautiful woman paled in comparison to Xian Yue.

As she opened her eyes just a fraction, a smile graced her lips. "Lei Yun, time is fleeting—"

Before she could finish, her arms fell from their crossed position, her eyes widening as they fixed on a point behind Lei Yun, her previously carefree expression cracking momentarily.

"Let's go." 

Lan Yixuan approached Xian Yue, unperturbed by the dirt on her hands, and grasped her wrist, his face adorned with his usual smile—proud and sly, like a cunning fox.

The innkeeper could not help but gawk at Lan Yixuan beside Xian Yue. Draped in purple attire, his every move exuded an air of refined grace, noble and regal, as though he had just stepped out of a royal court.

Suppressing the urge to swallow hard, Xian Yue gripped her other wrist, resisting the impulse to punch that handsome face. Yet, when Lan Yixuan took her hand, her body tensed for a fleeting moment as he appeared entirely unbothered by her discomfort. She withdrew one hand and playfully patted his arm, her smile brighter than the flowers blooming in nearby gardens. "Young Master Lan, what a coincidence."

Lan Yixuan frowned, and one could easily imagine how heavy her touch must have been.

Each word she spoke seemed to be tinged with a biting edge. Despite her meticulous calculations, she had erred, assuming that someone like him would lower his pride. Yet, how could she have overlooked the fact that, perhaps in his eyes, she was no longer merely Xian Yue, but Feng Xian Yue—the beloved princess of the Feng Kingdom.

"What brings you here?" she inquired, a smile playing on her lips. Meanwhile, Lei An could not suppress his laughter at Xian Yue's discomfort, reveling in the moment.

"Didn't you ask me to appear before you within a teacup's time?" Lan Yixuan replied, his tone gentle and his voice as smooth as polished jade, without so much as glancing at her.

Xian Yue yanked her hand free from his grasp, refusing to move forward. "If you truly possess so much time, you might as well seek out another woman; I'm certain they would welcome you."

Lan Yixuan reached for the burden slung over her shoulder, his smile still present, though Xian Yue could distinctly sense its chill. "I'm not inclined to do so."

His tone and expression left no room for negotiation.

Xian Yue swatted away his attempt to hold her again, her face devoid of humor. "Lan Yixuan, I believe I have made myself quite clear. If you wish to claim me, keep your distance. Upon my return to the Feng Kingdom, you may send someone to propose; I shall consider it with due seriousness."

This was her greatest concession. Truthfully, she perceived no flaw in marrying Lan Yixuan. He could restore stability to the Feng Kingdom, and if he wished, he would be a far greater comfort to her brother than Bai Zhanfeng. He was considerate, and if devoid of emotion, they could maintain a respectful distance, and life would pass quickly.

"Who desires a soulless shell without feelings?" 

"Better than having nothing at all." 

Xian Yue responded calmly, entirely disregarding Lan Yixuan's displeasure.

Lan Yixuan chuckled, and in the next instant, when he turned to face her, he was the embodiment of tranquility, as if every outcome was already within his grasp. "In that case—"

He paused, fixing his gaze on Xian Yue, who was slightly taken aback, then turned to Lei An behind him. "We shall take up residence in the inn."

But wouldn't they still be living together? What difference did it make? 

"No need." 

Xian Yue glared fiercely at Lan Yixuan. Watching the retreating figures of Lei Yun and Lei An, she called out loudly, "I will return with you!"

Lan Yixuan was known for his fastidious nature, and his residence would undoubtedly be cleaner and more comfortable than any inn. Since they would be living together, why not stay in his retreat?

Fuming, she turned to the dazed innkeeper and snatched the silver he had resting in his palm. He had intended to close his fist around it, but Xian Yue's movements were swifter. By the time he formed a fist, the silver was already hers.

Shaking the coins in her hand, she reveled in the innkeeper's dismay, his eyes trailing after her newfound wealth as she let out a triumphant laugh. He attempted to snatch it back, but he could never match her speed. In the end, he could only hang his head in frustration, while Xian Yue laughed heartily, feeling considerably lighter in spirit.

Indeed, playing tricks was her longstanding delight. Although she had been bested by Lan Yixuan, she knew Lei Yun and Lei An would treat her well in the future, which brought her a sense of balance.

"Let's go." 

Xian Yue approached Lan Yixuan, tossing the silver into the air before catching it deftly. 

"Lei Yun, hand the horse over to Lei An. Remember to feed it well first, then give it a bath, and be sure to find a comfortable place for it to rest." 

Xian Yue instructed Lei An, who bristled with indignation. Why must she specify him? Was he the only option? He felt she was retaliating against him. Casting a pitiful glance at Lan Yixuan, he received only a slight nod of acknowledgment, as if she were asking him to leap into a fire pit without hesitation. 

"Are you really in such need of money?"

Lan Yixuan watched as Xianyue delightedly played with the coins that Lei An had given to the young waiter, smiling as he inquired, "What are you doing with that?" 

Xianyue scoffed, "I'm merely helping him; there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. I cannot encourage a mentality of unearned gain." 

Lan Yixuan responded with an "oh," then suddenly approached the waiter. Xianyue turned around, remaining in place. She couldn't hear what Lan Yixuan said to the young man, but soon saw him reluctantly hand over the small piece of silver that she had just given him. 

Xianyue blinked, certain she must be imagining things. 

When Lan Yixuan returned to her side, he seemed quite pleased with her astonished expression. She gazed at the piece of silver in his palm, then lifted her gaze to meet his before returning her attention to the coin. Pressing her finger against it, she confirmed its cold hardness—it was indeed silver. 

A smile crossed her lips as she snatched the piece of silver from Lan Yixuan's hand, stuffing it into her embrace alongside the larger amount given by Lei An. "Young Master Lan, regardless of what happens in the future, I'm confident he will no longer entertain thoughts of unearned wealth. You've done a good deed." 

For, in the end, she realized it would only serve to benefit others. Yet, why did she feel that Lan Yixuan had transformed into someone entirely different? 

Lan Yixuan merely acknowledged her with a nod and took her hand. "Let's go." 

Xianyue hesitated slightly, but he wouldn't relent. "You will be my woman one day." 

His tone was so certain, as if holding Xianyue's hand was simply an inevitable part of their shared journey. 

"Lan Yixuan." 

He turned to face her, his golden gaze softened by a tenderness that sparkled like stars. Xianyue opened her mouth to speak but faltered, stammering out a dry chuckle. "It's nothing, just wondering why you seem to haunt me relentlessly." 

And how unfortunate it was that he had chosen to entangle himself with her, she thought, a sense of melancholy washing over her. 

Then she felt the warmth emanating from him, a heat that was both intense and fervent, entirely unlike her brother's. 

Lan Yixuan's estate was located in the western outskirts, not far from the center of the military camp. He took a shortcut that allowed them to arrive in about half an hour. The entrance was flanked by lush trees, backed by a verdant mountain, with a small stream running between them. Xianyue naturally preferred this place over the inn, feeling relieved about not having to stay there. 

Lei Yun and Lei An had returned early and were waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Lan Yixuan holding Xianyue's hand, they showed no surprise. They approached Xianyue and said, "Miss Xianyue, the hot water has been prepared." 

Xianyue glanced at Lan Yixuan and immediately understood. She was covered in dust from the journey and felt indifferent about it, but this man had a serious aversion to dirt. While she could overlook her own appearance, his exacting standards for those around him made her feel a disdain for his obsession with cleanliness comparable to her annoyance with Bai Zhanfeng's incessant chatter. 

"Lan Yixuan, your cleanliness is a sort of affliction." 

She huffed and shook off his hand. Immediately, a maid approached her, and though she followed Lan Yixuan, she couldn't help but shoot him a sharp glare. "Living with you must be quite the ordeal." 

Lei Yun cautiously glanced at Lan Yixuan, relieved to see no sign of displeasure on his face. In fact, the young master's cleanliness had improved significantly; previously, he had never allowed himself to touch any woman, let alone hold hands with one, especially one covered in dirt. 

"Let's go inside and wait for her." 

A bath could be a delightful experience, but it was far less enjoyable when one was hungry while soaking in hot water. Xianyue quickly shooed away all the onlookers around the bathtub, swiftly washed herself clean, and changed into a set of clothes that Lan Yixuan had prepared for her. 

"Miss, your hair is still dripping wet!" 

Xianyue waved her hand, snatching the towel from the maid's grasp and wringing out the droplets from the tips of her hair. "Where's the dining area?" 

The maid, caught off guard by Xianyue's question, hesitated before guiding her, "Please follow me." 

Lan Yixuan observed the sudden appearance of the delicate figure before him, hair still damp and slightly disheveled. He furrowed his brow slightly but showed no hint of surprise. 

By the time they reached the dining room, her hair had nearly dried, although it remained untamed. 

Xianyue intended to sit across from Lan Yixuan, preferring a bit of distance, but to her surprise, he commanded Lei Yun to pull out a chair for her, leaving her no choice but to sit beside him. 

The location was irrelevant; Xianyue's attention was drawn to the table filled with dishes prepared by Lei Yun himself. 

She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat heartily, relishing the familiar flavors and fine wine. 

"Lei Yun, your culinary skills remain as exquisite as ever." 

Xianyue tilted her head back to look at Lei Yun, her mouth greasy with food, her eyes bright and joyful. 

Lan Yixuan set down his chopsticks and leaned closer to Xianyue. "When will you cook for me?" 

Xianyue turned her head to look at him, her movement momentarily stilled before she faced Lei Yun. "Isn't there Lei Yun? His skills surpass mine by far; you should count your blessings." 

Lan Yixuan chuckled softly, sitting up straight, leaning back in his chair. He said nothing more; she couldn't possibly misunderstand his words—intent mattered more than the food itself. 

"Make a list of what you wish to buy for the New Year and give it to Lei Yun." 

"Lei Yun, are you going to shop for the New Year's goods?" 

Lei Yun nodded. In the past, the young master had never shown interest, but this year, having Xianyue by his side, he intended to handle the preparations meticulously. 

"I want to join you when you go." 

Xianyue wiped her mouth, her face brimming with excitement. She had never been able to shop for New Year's goods before, and she was sure the streets would be bustling with activity. 

"Invite Lei An along; let's go to the night market together tonight." 

After Lan Yixuan finished speaking, he pushed back his chair and stood up, leaving no room for Xianyue's reaction as he strode toward the door. 

And thus, the plan was set in motion.


next chapter

Capítulo 68: Preparing for the New Year

After finishing her lunch, Xianyue slept the entire afternoon. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the soft orange hue suddenly burst forth, casting a dazzling radiance into the room through the window lattice. Xianyue's eyelashes fluttered, and without a moment's hesitation, she opened her eyes, her clear gaze reflecting the brilliant golden light, a hint of joy still gracing her lips.

Turning to her side, she found herself face to face with a pair of gentle, hazy eyes. Xianyue's smile froze, her heart racing in shock as she abruptly sat up. How long had he been standing there?

Lowering her gaze instinctively, she glanced at her attire—everything was in order. Dismayed, she raised her head, cursing herself for being foolish. No matter how reckless Lan Yixuan might be, he would never take advantage of her slumber. Such a man was incapable of such actions. Moreover, although she had fallen into a deep sleep, it was impossible for her to be completely unaware.

Leaning against the bedside, Lan Yixuan glanced at Xianyue, his voice soft and tinged with amusement as he said, "It's getting late."

His low voice carried a clear hint of laughter.

Xianyue reached up to smooth her hair, tucking the strands that had fallen over her forehead behind her ears. The stiffness in her smile faded as she jumped off the bed, facing Lan Yixuan. "I never expected you to have such a peculiar habit."

Her bright eyes held a hint of teasing as they fixed on him. Suddenly leaning closer, she laughed lightly, the sound ringing out like a melodious bell, accompanied by her unique fragrance.

Lan Yixuan was momentarily taken aback. Having weathered numerous encounters, he had gradually grown accustomed to Xianyue's spontaneous outbursts. A flicker of something unusual crossed his gaze, and he reached out as if to push her face, which was nearly touching his chin, away. However, he hesitated and lowered his head slightly. Quick to react, Xianyue retreated several steps, warily observing him. She sensed that the current Lan Yixuan could no longer be judged by past standards.

With a huff, she pointed to the open door, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Out. I need to change."

Lan Yixuan regarded her for a moment, pausing as he noted the expression on her face. "I'll wait for you outside."

Watching Lan Yixuan's back as he stepped out, Xianyue felt a surge of irritation and slammed the door shut behind him.

---

As the New Year approached, the capital of Chu, where the camp city lay, was particularly lively. Amidst the chaos of war and shifting power, it remained a hub of activity, especially during the morning market and night market. Lei An and Lei Yun described the scene as a veritable sea of humanity; from a distance, all one could see was a throng of heads, and from above, they resembled ants scurrying about.

After centuries of development, commerce in the Zhou Dynasty had flourished. In addition to the small stalls lining the streets, nearly every major city had designated trading areas for border trade, morning markets, and night markets.

As dusk fell, the streets and alleys were adorned with colorful lights. The usually quiet silk shops and jade stores were bustling with business, while those less fortunate spent their money cautiously, meticulously selecting necessary items for the New Year and haggling with vendors. The lively atmosphere was thick with the scent of celebration, stirring joy in the hearts of all who beheld it.

Children appeared especially cheerful, holding firecrackers bought by adults, chasing each other with laughter. The lush landscapes of Chu nurtured vibrant, rosy-cheeked children, while the women passing by were all stunningly beautiful, their skin fair and flushed, seemingly glowing with health.

Although the night market in Chu could not compare to that of Yanjing, it was still quite lively. Xianyue was particularly focused on the street food; she had intentionally come with an empty stomach, determined to sample every local delicacy before she would be satisfied.

Though Lei Yun and Lei An may have exaggerated somewhat, there were indeed many pedestrians on the streets. Xianyue walked ahead, occasionally glancing back. Lan Yixuan, having been bumped into, furrowed his brow, his expression not particularly joyful. Lei Yun and Lei An had positioned themselves beside him, forming a protective barrier.

Xianyue clicked her tongue, finding Lan Yixuan's behavior rather unseemly. A grown man, obsessively particular about cleanliness to such a degree! She noticed that while being bumped by an elderly person was tolerable, if it were a young, beautiful woman, a fleeting glimmer of ferocity would flash in his gentle eyes.

She turned back, contemplating the numerous women in the world who admired Lan Yixuan. Yet, she had never heard of him growing close to any of them. Even during their last encounter at Yingjiang Tower, he had maintained his distance from the women.

Did he dislike women? Stealing a glance at him, she felt something was amiss. After all, he had taken her hand willingly at Shunfeng Inn.

"Lei Yun, what do you think of this?" 

Xianyue casually approached a stall and picked up a bright red character for "good fortune." Walking over to Lei Yun, she accidentally bumped into him. His instinctive reaction was to steady her, but at that moment, a young woman approached from behind. As Lei Yun's arm encircled Xianyue's waist, she quickly pivoted, placing her foot across the young woman's leg to trip her, then tugged on Lei Yun's hand, retreating to the side. She fell into Lei Yun's embrace, her gaze fixed intently on the woman tumbling toward Lan Yixuan.

"Sir." 

"Sir." 

Both Lei An and Lei Yun exclaimed simultaneously. Lei Yun, being pulled back by Xianyue, could not step forward. She had gauged Lei An's position perfectly, knowing that crossing in front of Lan Yixuan meant the woman could not be intercepted.

To Xianyue's surprise, Lan Yixuan did not dodge; rather, this was the normal reaction she would expect from him. Yet, it felt unusual as he steadied the startled woman, his demeanor devoid of disdain. Once she regained her balance, he quickly released her, showing no sign of lingering attachment. He approached Xianyue and snatched the character for "good fortune" from her hand, tossing it to Lei Yun. "Since Xianyue likes it, let's buy it."

His demeanor seemed irritable, yet Xianyue could not comprehend the reason for his anger.

With an awkward smile, she turned to leave, but her hand was suddenly seized by Lan Yixuan.

"Sir." 

The young woman whom Lan Yixuan had steadied rushed over, looking delicate and pitiable. Her spring-like starry eyes still held traces of fear, and when they turned toward Lan Yixuan, there was a glimmer of affection in them, like a frightened little bird—such a girl evoked a sense of tenderness.

Xianyue raised an eyebrow at Lan Yixuan, feeling amused at how swiftly events had unfolded. The clichéd hero saving the damsel in distress had indeed captured the heart of the young woman in no time.

"Sir, she's calling for you." 

With her head lowered and a demeanor of utmost respect, Xianyue had lost the aggressive edge she once had. Addressing him as "Sir" felt utterly foreign.

Lan Yixuan glanced at Xianyue before releasing her hand, nodding politely at the young woman. His courteous demeanor made her cheeks flush crimson.

"Thank you so much, Sir." 

Her voice was soft, and amidst the crowd, even with Xianyue's keen hearing, she struggled to catch what was said. However, she noticed the woman repeatedly glancing at her through Lan Yixuan's tall figure.

Xianyue pouted in annoyance and walked over to Lei Yun, who was still thoughtfully selecting the characters. "Why are you buying so many?" 

Xianyue placed the character in front of the stall, then casually selected three more to hand to Lei Yun.

"Didn't you like them, Xianyue?" 

Xianyue met Lei Yun's gaze, her expression utterly unfazed. She understood that Lei Yun was different from Lei An; he rarely spoke and only did so when necessary, resembling Lan Yixuan's shadow, easily overlooked. However, due to his exceptional culinary skills, Xianyue could not ignore him. His attentiveness and keen observation surpassed that of any woman; how could he have failed to notice earlier?

"No need."

The crescent moon smiled, extending three fingers as she shook her head, "Three will suffice. Two can be affixed to the main entrance, and the other one or two can be placed at the door of your young master's chamber, or—" 

Casually selecting another, she pressed it into Lei Yun's hand. "Then let's add two more for the entrance of Lan Yixuan's courtyard."

Turning around, she spotted Lan Yixuan, who was lowering his head. If the women of Xuanyuan were as fierce as men, the women of Chu were the polar opposite—delicate and petite, seemingly frail and unable to carry a burden. When they spoke, their voices were soft, and in moments of charm, they resembled tender birds, evoking a strong desire to cradle them gently. Xian Yue began to understand why men were so eager to marry women from Chu: they were beautiful, presentable, and could satisfy a man's ego. Curiously, she pondered what the renowned beauty Hua Chuxue must look like.

Lan Yixuan's tall figure entirely shielded the petite woman from view. Standing at that angle, Xian Yue could only see Lan Yixuan's back, his purple attire striking against the bustling crowd.

As she prepared to turn away, the earlier woman suddenly leaned forward, her gaze reminiscent of a past familiarity. Xian Yue felt a twinge of recognition; it mirrored the longing gaze of Nian Xiaoyu when she looked at her—filled with a mix of sorrow and envy, though far less intense.

The woman navigated around Lan Yixuan and approached Xian Yue, grasping her hand. Her starry eyes sparkled like spring, and Xian Yue felt a chilling touch on her hand. She glanced up, her vision misty, droplets forming and falling onto her palm.

"Miss Xian Yue," the woman spoke, her voice slightly choked with emotion. Xian Yue mused whether the women of Chu were truly made of water or if this was merely an instance of clichéd heroics that had unexpectedly struck her heart. Furthermore, why had Lan Yixuan revealed her name?

"May you find happiness with Young Master Lan." 

Xian Yue found the words ambiguous. Happiness? She silently echoed the thought, feeling an urge to laugh. Relying on Lan Yixuan for happiness seemed an excessively risky proposition.

"Do you have feelings for him?" 

Xian Yue pointed toward Lan Yixuan, and the woman's fair skin flushed crimson in response to the blunt inquiry. "Miss Xian Yue," she called out, her tone a mix of shyness and irritation.

Xian Yue opened her hand and laughed, "If the person who had caught you earlier hadn't been Young Master Lan, but rather an elderly man with a balding head and gleaming teeth, or a beggar who took pleasure in helping others, would you have felt the same? If it were a man of your age, but of mediocre appearance, would you react this way?"

Xian Yue was convinced that at least eighty percent of that fleeting attraction was due to Lan Yixuan's looks.

The woman gazed at Xian Yue, rendered speechless by her certainty.

The crowd remained dense, and just then, Lan Yixuan approached, having overheard Xian Yue's words. A faint smile graced his lips as he moved closer to her, taking her hand in his. He turned to Lei Yun beside them and asked, "Have you made the purchases?"

Lei Yun nodded, glancing at the large red character in his hands, looking slightly troubled, furrowing his brow. If Miss Xian Yue were to affix them personally, perhaps Young Master would consider allowing them to stay at the entrance and the door of his courtyard for a few days.

"Where to next?" 

Despite her lingering confusion, Xian Yue did not resist and glanced up at Lan Yixuan, resignedly inquiring.

"Isn't it customary to wear new clothes for the New Year?" 

Lan Yixuan did not meet her gaze, focusing ahead with an air of inevitability.

New clothes? Xian Yue looked up and only saw the strong line of Lan Yixuan's jaw, devoid of any roughness that other men might possess, not even a trace of stubble. He appeared impeccably clean, the distant light casting a halo on his chin, radiating purity that felt untouchable.

She smiled, warmth flooding her heart. Indeed, it was fitting to don new garments for the New Year, but for her, the past decade had been indistinguishable from one day to the next.

The pair ventured to the most renowned silk shop in the Chu kingdom. Xian Yue was unsure how Lan Yixuan accomplished this, but upon entering, they were immediately greeted, despite the crowd. He instructed the oldest craftsman in the shop to measure her dimensions, provided a few directives, and then led her away. Xian Yue sensed that perhaps there were simply too many women in the silk shop, and the expressions they wore as they looked at him spoke volumes.

Once they left the silk shop, they proceeded to a jade store. Although Xian Yue initially had no intention of visiting, it wasn't due to a lack of appreciation for the finer things; in her previous life, Su Zhilan had mingled among the elite and was no stranger to such matters. It was just that after years spent atop Lihua Mountain, surrounded only by flowers and plants, with daily worries over sustenance, she lacked the inclination to consider such luxuries. Thus, unlike other women, she held no particular preference for the quality of metal or jade.

The jade shop was equally bustling, as fine jade made for the best gifts during the festive season. Entering alongside Lan Yixuan, it was no surprise that upon crossing the threshold, the men and women selecting jade turned to look at them. Xian Yue had never considered herself the type to captivate others at first glance, and such reactions could only imply one thing.

As she contemplated breaking free from Lan Yixuan's grasp, he had already released her hand, saying, "Choose for yourself."

Xian Yue cast a doubtful glance at him. From the moment they had met, he had never forced her to do anything against her will. Even when she had wished to stay at the Shunfeng Inn instead of returning with him, he had merely compelled her to compromise in another manner, while still considering her feelings. Had it not been for his intent, Lei Yun would not have served her as a grandmaster would.

Upon entering the shop, a busy attendant approached her directly. "Miss, what can I assist you with?"

Without a barrage of explanations, his demeanor was incredibly respectful. He followed her lead, only explaining about the jade she lingered upon after she had studied it intently.

Xian Yue allowed him to remain behind her, merely listening as her eyes swiftly scanned each display. She pointed to a pair of jade ruyi prominently displayed in the center. "Please take it out for me."

Seeing her interest, the attendant hurriedly retrieved it and handed it to her with care. "Miss, you have a discerning eye; this is—"

Xian Yue raised a hand, signaling him to remain silent. Her fingers gently traced the patterns on the jade ruyi, a satisfied smile blooming on her face. The smooth texture indicated it was of high quality, yet it was the lily motif that caught her eye—lilies symbolize everlasting love. It had been over a month since she had departed from Panshi City; Nian Xiaoyu and Luo Cheng must be on the verge of their wedding now.

"Do you like it?" 

Lan Yixuan stepped closer, observing the jade ruyi in her hands.

Xian Yue turned, glancing at Lan Yixuan before handing the ruyi to the attendant who had been following her. "Wrap it up."

"Who is it for?" 

Lan Yixuan inquired, watching the joy on Xian Yue's face.

"Nian Xiaoyu and Luo Cheng are to be wed soon. Without my intervention, how could they have come together so swiftly? I consider myself their matchmaker and must bestow them with something as a token of my goodwill." 

Lan Yixuan said nothing in response, moving to the counter. "Wrap them separately."

The attendant complied obediently, his attitude towards Lan Yixuan radiating utmost respect; he treated him not as a customer but as a master.

"Lei Yun, inform them it is a joint gift from me and Xian Yue, wishing them mutual respect and everlasting harmony." 

"Why must it be from both of us?" 

Xian Yue interrupted, perplexed. Given the status of Nian Xiaoyu and Luo Cheng's wedding, wouldn't this lead to misconceptions?

"Master." 

Lei Yun hesitated, cradling the boxes in his arms.

"Do as Xian Yue suggested; let different people deliver them separately." 

Xian Yue had intended to protest further, but Lei Yun had already departed, presumably to fulfill the task. Frustrated, Xian Yue felt irked; sending them separately was essentially the same, as they were all jade ruyi with identical designs—wouldn't that still lead to misunderstandings?

Glaring at Lan Yixuan, she swept past him like a whirlwind. He chuckled, trailing behind her, his expression markedly brighter than her own.

Of late, she seemed to grow increasingly irritable.

By the time they exited the jade store, it was late in the day, and the streets were far less crowded, though the vendors remained plentiful.

For reasons unknown, Xian Yue felt a surge of irritation and lost the enthusiasm she once possessed. She tossed a long list of food items to Lei An, indifferent to whether they were available in the Chu kingdom or if he could procure them, and simply returned home.

Along the way, she ignored everything Lan Yixuan said, moving with swift determination, completely disregarding him. She slammed the door, shutting Lan Yixuan out, then collapsed onto her bed, pulling the covers over herself, and swiftly fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, upon awakening and glancing at the fruits and candied delicacies laid out on her table, the heaviness in her heart dissipated.

Mulberries, cranberries, and snow peaches—most of the items she had mentioned in her irritation were exclusive to the Phoenix kingdom. To her surprise, they appeared overnight on her table. Regardless of whether it was genuine sentiment or mere pretense, the thoughtfulness was what truly mattered. Whether they could be together in the future was uncertain, but having memories was undeniably precious. In her bout of anger, it seemed that the only one truly suffering was herself.

The more Xian Yue pondered, the more reasonable it seemed, and she felt an instant clarity wash over her. Stepping outside, she found the sun high in the sky, its winter rays casting warmth upon her—how delightful it felt!

Turning around, she spotted Lei Yun standing at the doorway. She smiled softly at him and asked, "Lei Yun, what brings you here?"

Seeing Xian Yue, Lei Yun approached and handed her a small booklet. She accepted it, noting, "The young master asked me to show this to Miss Xian Yue and first inquire about your culinary preferences."

A quick glance revealed that this was likely the menu for the eve of the New Year, spanning several pages filled with dishes she had both heard of and tasted, along with those she had yet to try. "As long as it's prepared by Lei Yun, I shall enjoy it."

A fleeting smile graced Lei Yun's otherwise stoic face. "If Miss Xian Yue wishes, Lei Yun could devote his life to cooking for you."

Xian Yue returned the booklet to Lei Yun with a smile, saying nothing further. She understood his implication—if she were to marry Lan Yixuan, he would indeed provide her with lifelong culinary delights.

Xian Yue was unaware of Lan Yixuan's whereabouts; in the days that followed, she did not catch a glimpse of him. She relished her newfound freedom and, on occasions of boredom, accompanied Lei Yun and Lei An on shopping excursions. Life was quite pleasant, and before she knew it, the New Year approached.

The weather in the Chu kingdom was delightful, and she was outside soaking up the sun with a few maids, exchanging lighthearted jokes. Suddenly, a servant approached, bowing as he addressed her, "Miss, Young Master Bai seeks an audience."

Upon hearing this, Xian Yue rose, contemplating where she might hide to avoid an encounter with Bai Zhanfeng. She could easily imagine the unfolding scenario. Just as she stood and took a few steps forward, a thunderous voice rang out from behind her: "Xian Yue."

Then came the sound of hurried footsteps as Bai Zhanfeng reached her, seizing her hand. "Come to my house for the New Year."

His tone left no room for negotiation.

Indeed, it was as she feared, and Xian Yue couldn't help but let out a silent lament within her heart.


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