บท 116: Wedding Procession
In the sixteenth year of the Qian Ning reign under Emperor Hui, on the first day of June, the once-celebrated Feng Wang embarked on a journey to the Lan Kingdom. The grand procession set out from the Feng capital, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the populace along the way. By the end of June, they finally arrived at the border city of Chaozhou, where the unassuming queen of the Lan Kingdom greeted them.
Throughout the journey, the flourishing young women appeared solemn yet earnest, their bright eyes brimming with joy. From now on, they would be able to stay with the princess daily, and even at the cost of their own lives, they would undoubtedly safeguard her safety, ensuring she remained unharmed. Such was the power of their collective spirit.
This was Xian Yue's first encounter with the legendary woman from the Lan royal court. Compared to women from the other six kingdoms, the Lan Wang had lavished her with affection for decades, and she was embraced by the citizens of the Lan Kingdom. Even in the court, her decisiveness rivaled that of the Lan Wang himself.
Her demeanor exuded elegance and unparalleled nobility. If Ning Yunyun possessed the inherent grace of a dynasty's princess, then this woman embodied the rich accumulation of time, elevated by those around her to the pinnacle of a golden pyramid. Her nobility inspired a sense of reverence; her visage bore an uncanny resemblance to Lan Ruyuan's, nearly identical. She and Lan Ruyuan's mother were twin sisters, making it evident that Lan Ruyuan's appearance was predominantly inherited from the queen.
"Yue'er has traveled from Feng Kingdom, enduring a long and arduous journey. You must be weary," said Gong Shaohua, taking Xian Yue's hand with a familiar touch. When she smiled, her face radiated warmth, reminiscent of Lan Ruyuan. Her smile invited closeness—a closeness one desired to embrace. In contrast, Lan Ruyuan's smile, though seemingly inviting, held an air of indifference and detachment.
Dressed in a deep purple court gown and adorned with a phoenix headdress, she appeared to be a woman who took great care of herself. Her skin was fair and delicate, betraying no sign of her thirty-plus years; her youthful beauty was imbued with the allure of maturity. With every movement, she exuded a captivating charm.
Her hands were warm, and she spoke in gentle whispers. It was difficult to imagine she could possess a venomous heart. If it weren't for Lan Ruyuan's own revelations, Xian Yue would undoubtedly harbor doubts. How could such a woman be capable of malice?
Yet, it was this very suspicion that heightened Xian Yue's wariness. A woman skilled in disguise, astute and shrewd, Lan Ruyuan's life in the Lan Kingdom must not be as easy as she imagined. Nevertheless, he was no fool; the political landscape in Lan was surely far more intriguing than that of Feng.
"Mother."
Xian Yue smiled, her demeanor entirely unpretentious. Her address took Gong Shaohua by surprise, prompting her to pat Xian Yue's hand and respond with laughter.
"What a good child you are."
Gong Shaohua produced a silk handkerchief to gently wipe away the beads of sweat from Xian Yue's forehead.
"Mother, you bear a striking resemblance to my late mother," Xian Yue remarked, smiling as she gazed up at Gong Shaohua, her eyes sparkling with innocence. Gong Shaohua's face retained a gentle smile; when she laughed, she looked truly beautiful—serene and graceful. Her face was habitually adorned with a smile, which likely accounted for the affection she garnered in the Lan Kingdom.
"Impudent."
Behind her stood four palace maids and an elderly matron. Unlike the perpetually warm and welcoming Gong Shaohua, this matron maintained a stern countenance, exuding an aura of gloom that inevitably dampened the mood. However, their contrasting presence only accentuated Gong Shaohua's warmth. If it weren't for Lan Ruyuan's mention, one might have been deceived by her friendly facade.
Xian Yue understood her implication all too well. The queen of Lan had passed away over a decade ago, and now to claim they resembled one another was nothing less than a curse directed at Gong Shaohua.
If you were to ask Xian Yue whether she disliked Gong Shaohua, she would undoubtedly shake her head. Such a woman was hard to dislike, much like Lan Ruyuan; how could any woman remain indifferent to him? Perhaps Lan Ruyuan's mother was indeed a woman as gentle and nurturing as the flowing waters.
To love the house and its crow is to loathe by the same measure; for Lan Ruyuan despised Gong Shaohua, she could not harbor great affection for her either. Aside from Feng Jiulan, it was challenging for her to trust anyone after just a single encounter, as her experience with Jun Pinyu had nearly cost her life.
She had always been protective, first of Feng Jiulan and now of Lan Ruyuan. Those he disdained would eventually be removed from her circle, so she would certainly not invest any emotions there.
"Impudent."
Just as Xian Yue turned, Bai Pingting had already interjected angrily, "If the queen were not present, I would have raised my hand and given that brazen matron a resounding slap."
"Pingting," Xian Yue squinted, her expression darkening. However, her gaze darted toward the matron, who was already bristling with indignation. Adding to the pressure, the matron swallowed hard and lowered her head, falling silent.
Bai Pingting returned to Xian Yue's side, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, you are now the queen of Feng. Even if you marry into Lan, you remain the queen of Feng. First and foremost, you are a sovereign; only afterward are you a daughter-in-law to the Lan Kingdom. Even the king of Lan should treat you with respect; after all, she is just a servant, even if she is close to the queen. Why should she dare to raise her voice to you?"
Bai Pingting spoke all at once, her head bowed.
"Pingting."
Xian Yue called her name emphatically, then smiled at the queen, "This is my dear sister from Feng Kingdom, not a mere servant. She has been spoiled by Lord Bai since childhood, and her words may sometimes lack propriety. I ask for your forgiveness, dear Mother, and hope you won't take offense."
Gong Shaohua retained her polite smile, showing no sign of reproaching Bai Pingting for her rudeness: "Since I entered the palace, Xu Momo has attended to me, remaining my closest companion apart from Xuan'er. During these years while Xuan'er has been away from the Lan Kingdom, I have been greatly aided by her care. She has always protected me, unable to bear the thought of anyone harming me. She means no harm, and now that Yue'er has arrived in Lan, I hope you will show her more tolerance."
Xian Yue smiled lightly; was her intent not to adapt to local customs? If she needed to extend patience to someone like Xu Momo, how much more troublesome would it be with others?
Gazing at Xu Momo, Xian Yue chuckled, "Mother, Xu Momo has truly misunderstood me. You are the mother of the Lan prince. How could I possibly wish you harm? What I said was merely a reflection of my feelings; though my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to me, my brother has shared many stories about her. In my memory, she was a gentle and dignified woman, as serene as water. Seeing you just now, I genuinely felt the resemblance."
"When I was very young, every time my brother mentioned my mother, I believed she must be the best mother in the world. Had she been alive, I would have wanted her to sleep beside me, speaking throughout the night."
Despite her underlying discomfort with Lan Ruyuan's feelings toward Gong Shaohua, Xian Yue displayed no trace of disdain on her face. Instead, she acted as a daughter-in-law should toward a woman who loved her son. As a queen, there was no need for overt flattery; as a daughter-in-law, she needed to be sweet when appropriate. She did not want this woman to realize she was aware of the truth about her identity as not the queen of the Lan Kingdom. After all, they were in Lan, where a strong dragon cannot easily overpower a local snake. Furthermore, in comparing them, she, Feng Xian Yue, might not be the dragon, nor might Gong Shaohua be the snake. She chose to observe and wait, deciding to address everything after she met Lan Ruyuan.
Xian Yue and her entourage accompanied the Lan queen's procession directly to Lan City, a capital always associated with nobility and elegance. Lifting the edge of a curtain, she glanced out the window to see the pale golden rays of the morning sun streaming in. On either side, the jubilant citizens cheered, their expressions filled with uncontainable excitement. How could there be such a warm welcome from so many people for her first visit? Xian Yue understood this was the result of Gong Shaohua's influence; it was less about welcoming her than about celebrating their queen.
A fiery red carpet unfurled endlessly before them, strewn with snowy orchid petals, reminiscent of crimson plums blanketed in snow—clear yet resplendent, lovely yet graceful. The Lan Kingdom, renowned for its orchids, exuded a subtle yet captivating fragrance that was not to her liking, nor did the riot of colors appeal to her.
She was willing to leave her brother and marry into this unfamiliar place because that person was Lan Yixuan. Had it been someone else, perhaps the figure being welcomed by the throngs of citizens on either side would have been another—maybe Hua Chuxue, or perhaps some other noblewoman of high status.
Xianyue glanced at Bai Pingting, seated opposite her. A faint sorrow graced her features, juxtaposed with a resolve more pronounced than ever. For the past month, she had remained steadfast since the moment she parted from her brother. Had she ever regretted it? She was uncertain what transpired between them that day; she hadn't asked either of them. In their final moments together, she wished for this devoted woman, who would sacrifice everything for love, to receive the affection of the man she cherished. Even if she couldn't attain that, let that day become a unique secret for them both, something they could treasure for a lifetime.
"Princess, are you happy?" Bai Pingting suddenly turned to Xianyue and softly inquired. If one day she could marry His Highness, even without such a grand welcoming ceremony, she would feel elated. On that day, she would be the happiest woman in the world.
Happy? At that moment, Xianyue appeared calm, entirely unlike a bride about to meet her groom. Yet Bai Pingting knew that the princess held deep affections for the prince of the Lan Kingdom; otherwise, she would not have willingly left her position to come here. Yet, from her expression, Bai Pingting could discern no trace of excitement.
Xianyue lifted the curtain, her fingertips quivering ever so slightly. If one weren't paying attention, it would be undetectable, but she was aware of her trembling fingers. Was she happy? Certainly! Her happiness stemmed not from the marriage itself, but from the belief that she was marrying the right person at the right time—an incredibly fortunate occurrence. After all, how many couples in this world ultimately find their happily ever after?
The closer she drew, the more exhilarated she became. She hoped that once she lifted the curtain, she would spot his figure amidst the vast sea of people. Perhaps such a wish was naive, yet she genuinely longed for it. Their union, in the eyes of the world, might hold a different significance.
Upon entering Lan City, her heart grew increasingly restless. She endeavored to suppress the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind, focusing instead on Gong Shaohua. Before she heard the enthusiastic cheers, the image that replayed in her mind was of their meeting today, along with Lan Yixuan's words beneath the Valley of Death. She pondered how this wise woman, adept at concealing her emotions, had treated Lan Yixuan over the years, and what means he might employ to dismantle her. A sense of disorder crept into her heart; thoughts of Gong Shaohua's smile gave rise to an unsettling premonition—something beyond her control loomed ahead. She felt joy, excitement, and happiness, yet an overwhelming anxiety surged within her.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt, the gentle jolt snapping Xianyue from her reverie. She turned to Bai Pingting and asked, "Have we arrived?"
Rising, Xianyue approached the carriage door, momentarily stunned, before quickly resuming her seat. Her gaze peered through the thin curtain, uncertain of what she was observing.
Bai Pingting smiled softly, the first smile she had shown in recent days. For a hesitant yet perplexed Xianyue, how could any woman maintain composure while marrying the man she loved?
"I'll disembark first." Bai Pingting stood and lifted the curtain, blocking the doorway, unmoving.
"Have we reached our destination?" Xianyue tilted her head, looking at Bai Pingting, whose figure stood at the carriage entrance. Through the gap in the curtain, her gaze was drawn to the imposing figure of Ziying on horseback. Clad in royal attire, he stood tall and elegant against the wind. Though he appeared slimmer, his beauty remained unaffected. Amidst the cheers and gasps of the crowd, he bore an air of serene nobility, his regal smile unchanged, mirroring the man she had remembered.
At that moment, his eyes were wide open, and the slight upward curve of his lips felt so real, it stirred an impulse within her to weep. She could clearly perceive that arc rising, no longer the dullness she had witnessed in He Village, where her words elicited no response, no matter how long she spoke.
Months apart, and yet it felt as though no time had passed. She could still see the depth of his affection across mountains and rivers. Flanking him were Lei Yun and Lei An, one on each side.
"Move on," he commanded, urging his steed toward her with measured steps. Bai Pingting turned, and in the brilliant sunlight, tears sparkled in her eyes.
"Princess," she softly called. Xianyue turned, looking up at Bai Pingting, suddenly returning to her senses. She inhaled deeply, regaining her usual poise, the innocent shyness of a girl vanishing. This was their princess, the one they would support with their lives and blood.
Bai Pingting leaped down from the carriage, and Xianyue, aided by her, followed suit. As she gazed at Lan Yixuan drawing closer, her unease dissipated significantly. She beheld the tall, majestic white horse, her lips curving into a smile as she suddenly chuckled.
Lan Yixuan dismounted and approached Xianyue directly, softly saying, "You have arrived."
He had known she would come and looked forward to her arrival. Yet, his affectionate gaze harbored a hint of concern. What was troubling him? Instinctively, Xianyue glanced toward Gong Shaohua, who was seated in the sedan chair, observing this scene. Her upward-curved lips conveyed a warm and gentle smile, yet to Xianyue, it felt like a sharpened blade, poised to pierce the hearts of both her and Lan Yixuan.
Lan Yixuan did not want her to arrive. Why was she so intent on pairing him with herself? What were her true intentions?
Xianyue nodded, "I have promised, and I shall see it through."
She directed her gaze toward the splendid horse behind Lan Yixuan and whispered in a voice only they could hear, "My lord, did you ride a white horse to welcome me?"
"The prince on a white horse comes to greet the esteemed princess," he replied, fixing his gaze on the radiant smile adorning Xianyue's face. His hazy eyes narrowed, filled with a multitude of complex emotions. Bowing his head and closing his eyes, soon everything seemed to dissipate like smoke in the wind, leaving no trace behind.
Without speaking further, Lan Yixuan stepped back two paces, unsheathed the sword bound at his waist, and knelt before Xianyue, cradling the weapon in both hands. Then, he lowered his noble head before her.
Having been apart for some time, she noticed little change in him; he still addressed her as "My lord." Despite being a king, he exuded a casual air. Though not otherworldly in beauty, his delicate features seemed chiseled from stone, impossible to ignore. He wished for her not to come but secretly hoped for her presence, ultimately desiring her to be by his side, regardless of what transpired.
The thunderous cheers abruptly ceased, a surprising turn of events for Xianyue. Among the six kingdoms, each held distinct customs. The Lan people valued culture and revered scholars; they were always polite and cultured, resembling learned gentlemen. Yet their true admiration lay not in refined stationery but in swords—gifts of flowers to beauties and swords to heroes. Every individual harbored dreams of heroism. Out of a desire for their sons to achieve greatness, parents in this land would invest heavily in crafting fine swords for their boys at birth, gifting them on their tenth birthday for lifelong wear. For a woman, being courted with a sword was a great honor, for it symbolized much more than a mere weapon in the eyes of the Lan people. And now, their esteemed heir knelt before her, sword in hand, offering her his most treasured possession.
She was familiar with the Snowy Blade, yet she did not comprehend why he would not present it as a gift through Lan Ying but instead chose to offer it before the masses in such a manner.
Directly ahead, Gong Shaohua reclined within the sedan, her smile unsettling Xianyue. Something had undoubtedly transpired that she was unaware of. What could it be?
Xianyue took a few steps forward and grasped the sword from Lan Yixuan's hands, its supple blade dancing in the sunlight. She laughed as she wrapped it around her waist.
Since Lan Yixuan intended to gift it to her, she accepted it. She believed in herself and felt assured that she would not harm herself. Thus, why contemplate further?
"Pingting," she turned, "arrange our people."
She smiled and patted Lan Yixuan's shoulder. In the astonished gazes of the onlookers, she leaned closer to Lan Yixuan's ear and whispered, "My lord, I've been cooped up in the carriage for a month; I was nearly suffocated."
Lan Yixuan raised his gaze to her slightly furrowed brow and stood up. "Who said you had to marry no one but me?"
Who compelled him to seek her as his bride? If it weren't for this, perhaps she wouldn't be so weary, and he wouldn't have so many worries.
Xianyue chuckled softly, her toes touching the ground as she gracefully leaped onto the white horse that Lan Yixuan had ridden. Approaching him, she suddenly extended her hand and declared, "Mount."
Lan Yixuan grasped Xianyue's outstretched hand, using her strength to spring up and settle himself behind her.
"Giddy up."
With a firm kick to the horse's flank, Xianyue spurred it forward, leaving behind only a cloud of dust and the sounds of astonished exclamations from the crowd.
"Your Highness, the auspicious hour approaches."
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