บท 117: "Intertwining of Fate and Choice"
Xianyue rested her head against Lan Yixuan's chest, slowly closing her eyes. The wind whispered past her ears, its soft rush unmistakable, accompanied by the steady, robust thumping of his heartbeat—thump, thump, thump—so vibrant that her heart fell into sync with his rhythm.
Lan Yixuan held Xianyue close as they traversed the most bustling streets. Today marked the auspicious occasion of the crown prince of the Lan Kingdom marrying the princess of the Feng Kingdom. Early that morning, the streets of Lan City were alive with families eager to witness the festivities, while the outskirts remained almost deserted.
Lan Yixuan guided his horse through the streets, eventually stopping in a small valley. Xianyue opened her eyes to behold a lush canopy of trees adorned with vibrant blossoms, sprawling across the hillsides, uplifting anyone who beheld them. In the center flowed a gentle stream, shallow yet inviting, and Xianyue stood at the valley's peak, taking in the breathtaking view beneath her. On the opposite side, houses rose and fell like the undulating landscape, and the throngs of people appeared to be contained within the palm of her hand, as if the entire city lay at her command.
Departing from Lan Yixuan's embrace, Xianyue dismounted and stepped forward a few paces. He followed suit, leaping off his mount, while the tall white horse wandered off to graze on the verdant grass below.
"As the princess of the Feng Kingdom, arriving in the Lan Kingdom to elope with the crown prince—might this be deemed somewhat discourteous?"
Xianyue turned around, letting out a soft giggle. Her face was mere inches from his, her lips parting in an enchanting smile, her eyes shimmering with a hazy light. As she reached out, Lan Yixuan instinctively leaned back, taking two steps away. Xianyue followed, placing her palm against his forehead, only to discover that her hand was damp with cold sweat, revealing her own excitement and anxiety.
"Master Lan, although there are times when your words may seem harsh and your laughter appears feigned, it is genuinely delightful to witness your vibrant spirit."
Her smile was sincere, yet a tinge of reproach lingered in her heart. Ever since returning to the Feng Kingdom, she often pondered what their reunion would entail. Would he remember her care during his coma, recalling her whispered words? Would he express a flood of emotions or offer that infuriatingly smug grin of his, teasing her with self-absorbed remarks? Perhaps he might embrace her with fervor? These thoughts filled her mind, yet the man before her stood calm, not mentioning the past, nor inquiring about her well-being during their time apart.
Xianyue felt somewhat melodramatic; her musings seemed far from Lan Yixuan's usual demeanor. Yet after such a long absence without a word from him, it felt exceedingly unfair.
"I am happy; I am willing. Master Lan, I am now the Feng princess, beloved by the people of the Feng Kingdom. Your father would hardly dare to treat me as he would his other daughters-in-law, reprimanding me so sternly. Even if he had the gall to do so, let him speak; I shall pretend I did not hear."
She arched an eyebrow, wearing a proud expression.
Standing less than a meter away, Lan Yixuan gazed at her flower-like smile, feeling as if a lifetime had passed. He knew—had always known—that during his unconsciousness, she had remained by his side, guarding him unwaveringly. Each word she spoke lingered in his heart, even if he could not respond in kind.
She had once said, "Master Lan, you truly look dreadful—your complexion is as pale as paper, your lips cracked and dry, and your chin is unkempt with stubble." She had found him repulsive, claiming she could never marry him. Yet every day she cared for him tenderly, urging him to awaken and fulfill his promise to propose to the Feng Kingdom, to marry her with the grandest of ceremonies. She would aid him in avenging his mother and help him ascend to the highest echelons of power, never leaving his side. She had vowed to protect everything that belonged to him until he awoke. He understood, deeply, that she was unlike any other woman; once she set her heart on something, she would never let go.
As he recalled her words, he realized the first thing he had wanted upon awakening was to return to the Lan Kingdom and personally propose to the Feng Kingdom. Yet now, standing before him, her radiant smile seemed to dim the resolve and courage he had once felt.
"Will you allow others to belittle you without resistance?"
Lan Yixuan fixed his gaze on Xianyue, his expression teasing yet serious. Xianyue glared at his upward-curving lips, feeling a pang of irritation; she loathed that smile of his, distant and indifferent, as though they were mere strangers, devoid of their shared past.
"Master Lan."
He lowered his head, softly acknowledging her. Suddenly, Xianyue darted in front of him, seizing his right hand and biting down on it. Lan Yixuan frowned, looking down just as she tilted her head back to meet his gaze. She remained as fierce as ever; whether or not love had taken root, her bites held no mercy. However, compared to before, there was a slight improvement—at least she relented before drawing blood.
"Master Lan."
Wiping her mouth, she pressed her lips together, "You truly are the most detestable person I have ever encountered. I warned you; the moment you awakened, I would surely bite you."
She grinned menacingly, a fierce visage.
In truth, she had not intended to bite him. Each day of waiting felt like an agony, yet more than that, she felt a profound ache for him. Lan Yixuan's indifferent response had left her feeling cold, dousing the flames of excitement and happiness within her like icy water, extinguishing much of her fervor. A bite seemed a mild retribution.
Lan Yixuan's lips pressed into a tight line as he observed Xianyue's sulking expression. Without a word, she forcefully shook his hand free and strode away, huffing in frustration.
Glancing at the hand she had dismissed, Lan Yixuan quickened his pace to catch up, suddenly grasping her wrist. Xianyue turned around, her expression transforming into one of seriousness and gravity. "Master Lan, do you have nothing to say to me?"
Lan Yixuan released her wrist, pulling a piece of white silk from his robes and handing it to her. As she opened it, the contrasting black-and-white colors revealed faint traces of red—blood stains, not overly conspicuous but detectable to a discerning eye.
"What does this mean, Master Lan?"
Xianyue questioned, observing both him and the butterfly-shaped brooch in her hand, her brow furrowing. "You have already discovered it."
Lan Yixuan's gaze bore into hers, an undeniable affirmation in his eyes.
Xianyue tucked away the brooch and nodded. "It bears a striking resemblance, akin to that woman named Lanying. To an unfamiliar eye, they would appear indistinguishable, nearly impossible to tell apart. Yet, to those who are familiar, it is clear. The brooch you bought for me in An City stained with blood at the third prince's birthday banquet—I am well aware of that. However, aside from us, no one else would truly care."
From the moment she laid eyes on Lanying, doubts had arisen in her heart. If Lan Yixuan intended to propose to the Feng Kingdom, he wouldn't choose a woman so similar to herself. Their connection was too easily misconstrued, and her brother had been displeased over this very matter. She trusted that Lan Yixuan would not resort to such tactics. Trust was trust; it required no justification. A man who cherished life wouldn't jeopardize his own for her while employing such crude means to test her. That man was still Lan Yixuan, which is why she scrutinized the brooch so closely.
"Since you are aware, why come here?"
Xianyue turned away, no longer looking at Lan Yixuan, and sat down on the grass beneath her, hugging her knees. She gazed at the curling smoke rising from a distant chimney, the twilight glow casting a soft sheen over the landscape, and the fragrance wafting on the breeze filled her senses.
With her head lowered, she absentmindedly plucked at the grass beneath her, absorbed in her thoughts. After a moment of silence, Lan Yixuan sat beside her, observing her restless hands.
"Are you truly unaware of this matter, Master Lan?"
Xianyue lifted her head, locking eyes with Lan Yixuan."Given your capabilities, Lan Gongzi, even if the queen possesses unparalleled skills, it is inconceivable that you remain unaware of such a monumental matter. If you truly do not wish for me to wed into the Lan Kingdom, why have you not intervened? If you cannot halt it here, you could have easily asked Lei Yun to communicate with me, yet there hasn't been a single letter. Lan Gongzi, you have done absolutely nothing, am I not correct?"
Lan Yixuan remained silent. The woman beside him was far more perceptive than most, her mind as clear as crystal. How could she be oblivious to these matters? He had indeed done nothing. Even if he had desired to prevent her from coming to his side, the truth remained—he had ultimately changed his mind.
He did not want her to come, caught in a dilemma, but how could he bear to let her go?
"Lan Gongzi, you may wish for me to stay, but I am steadfast in my resolve. Even though this place brims with peril, can it truly be more dangerous than the Valley of Death? I wish to be with you, and this determination cannot be swayed by unknown threats. I have come, and while anything could happen, if I do not come, I may lose the chance of a lifetime. I refuse to squander my life in regret, nor do I want to disappoint you. Compared to those noble ladies who are bound by parental arrangements and matchmaking, I am indeed fortunate to marry someone I know and love. I have pondered this for a long time, and my heart still yearns to be here, hence I have arrived. Everything I have done is for the sake of future contentment."
Lan Yixuan raised his gaze toward the distant green hills, beyond the houses: "It's not too late to regret now."
His voice was soft, as if he were speaking to Xian Yue or perhaps reminding himself.
Xian Yue turned to him, holding his hand resting on the grass, purposefully smearing the mud she had collected from pulling weeds onto his palm. When Lan Yixuan turned to face her, she raised an eyebrow triumphantly and laughed: "Is this what you wished to convey? Why ask me to leave without explaining? I have traveled a great distance to arrive in the Lan Kingdom. After being cooped up in the carriage for nearly a month, I am sore and weary, and you think to send me away with a mere 'it's not too late to regret'? Do you really believe I would return? Do you not know what kind of person I am, Lan Gongzi? I will not be dissuaded, even at the edge of the Yellow River. As long as it is something I desire, I will not give up until I attain it. I genuinely want to be with you. Therefore, until I am truly at a dead end, I will not leave, let alone feel regret. Why should I regret? Will you tell me why? Have you truly changed your heart and no longer wish to marry me? I find it hard to believe you could utter such words. Even if you did, I would not regret it, for you once loved me deeply. I am too lazy to dwell on what may come in the future. If one day you were to change your heart, simply tell me, and I will depart as gracefully as before. If you truly regret, you should never have given me the chance to come to the Lan Kingdom."
Xian Yue turned to face Lan Yixuan, her bright eyes reflecting unwavering confidence. Lan Yixuan let her gaze linger on him, a hint of helplessness in his upward curve of his lips; a woman so clever and astute was not always a good thing.
"Xian Yue, if one day both I and Feng Jiulan find ourselves in peril, and you can only save one, whom would you choose?"
Xian Yue stared at Feng Jiulan for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter: "Lan Gongzi, why ask such a foolish question?"
In her view, only an insecure woman would pose such a question: if I fell into the water with your mother, whom would you save?
With an air of ambiguity in his gaze, Lan Yixuan smiled: "If such a day were to come, and you had to choose between me and Feng Jiulan, whom would you choose?"
Xian Yue's heart jolted, and she turned her head away, unwilling to meet Lan Yixuan's rare serious expression. Who to choose between the two? Her heart was in turmoil, her thoughts a whirlwind, her breathing erratic, and her face grew pale.
"Xian Yue."
Lan Yixuan called her name with concern, gently stroking her back.
Xian Yue waved her hand to indicate she was fine, resting her head on her knees, enveloped in darkness. She breathed deeply, feeling much better.
"Lan Gongzi, could you please refrain from asking such hypothetical questions?"
Xian Yue scolded, her heart still disordered. It felt as though something had taken root in that place—fear and panic—but all she could do was suppress it, preventing it from breaking free.
"I'm merely curious."
Lan Yixuan's eyelashes fell slightly, and his expression remained unchanged, just like before. Xian Yue chose not to look at him, giving a noncommittal sound before turning her gaze away. The evening glow ignited the sky like flames, leaving her feeling uncomfortable, especially as the auspicious time for their wedding approached, while the man beside her showed no intention of leaving. After a prolonged silence, Xian Yue finally spoke: "Lan Gongzi."
Lan Yixuan remained silent, patiently waiting for something.
"My brother told me before he left that no matter what happens in the future, his embrace and the gates of the Feng Kingdom will always be open to me. He always thinks of me first, making sure to consider my feelings, even though he loves Sister Qing Ting in his heart. He has never been with the one he loves because of me. I know he worries that I will be alone in the Lan Kingdom. If such a day were to come, I would still likely choose my brother."
Lan Yixuan's spine stiffened, and he instantly froze: "I too believe you would choose Feng Jiulan."
Such deep feelings could not be matched.
"My brother has sacrificed so much for me. Every time I see him, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness in my heart. If it weren't for me, he would be living a better life—at least living for himself. Lan Gongzi, I hope both of you are well."
Xian Yue's last statement was particularly earnest. She truly felt this way; her life could not be without her brother, as he had long been a habitual presence in her life and the warmest hue in her world. As for Lan Yixuan, it was the same; without him, her life would lose its vibrancy.
"Lan Gongzi, since you understand me, you should know that you hold a unique place in my heart. I hope you and my brother can both be well. If anything must happen among the three of us, I would rather it be me. Because regardless of what happens to either of you, just thinking about it fills me with sorrow. I cannot bear to see those who care for me in distress. I'm sure it doesn't sit well with you either. Thus, my deepest hope is that the three of us can live well together; even if we are not together, knowing each other is safe is enough."
Lan Yixuan quietly regarded Xian Yue, not speaking. He enjoyed listening to her talk, her thoughts flowing freely.
"Lan Gongzi, if such a day comes and I make that choice, will you regret it?"
Lan Yixuan looked at Xian Yue, somewhat puzzled by her words.
"Regret having met me? Regret being so kind to me? Regret falling into the Valley of Death with me? Regret having given so much for me? Will you regret it?"
Xian Yue fixed her gaze upon Lan Yixuan, her clear, lotus-like eyes impossible to ignore or evade.
Would he regret it? He did not know yet, but if everything could start anew, he would likely choose the same path again.
Xian Yue smiled: "I feel the same. Knowing you has been a blessing for me; I will not regret it. If you cannot tell me the reasons now, then wait until you wish to share them. I will stay in the Lan Kingdom to accompany you. If such a day truly comes, I may feel sadness and pain, but I will never regret the decision I made today, for to me, Lan Gongzi, you are worth it. If that day does arrive and I must leave your side, please do not doubt my feelings for you."
Lan Yixuan lifted his gaze to meet Xian Yue's, opening his mouth, yet no matter how hard he tried, the words remained stuck in his throat. As she had said, he too was thinking, having given her the chance yet still wishing she could come from the Feng Kingdom to be by his side. A woman like her—who would want to let go?
"Even if I were devoid of feelings for you, I would still marry into the Lan Kingdom, for I am a princess of the Feng Kingdom. If I do not wed Lan Gongzi, am I to marry a commoner? How could they possibly be worthy of me? Thus, in the grand scheme of things, it is still quite satisfactory."
Xian Yue rose to her feet, brushing off the grass clippings from her skirt, and placed her hand on Lan Yixuan's shoulder. "Lan Gongzi, pursue whatever you desire without reservation; do not concern yourself with me. I have faith in you, so remember this: whatever I do will never harm you."
Lan Yixuan turned away, gazing at the last remnants of crimson in the sky. He felt a pang in his heart, mirroring the vibrant blossoms on one side and the bloodstains on the other.
"What are you still sitting here for?"
Xian Yue stepped closer, grasping his arm to pull him up. "Lan Gongzi, it is dinner time, and I am famished. Let us return."
Lan Yixuan stood abruptly, enveloping Xian Yue in his embrace. She was taken aback and struggled slightly. "Do not move."
As she looked up, her gaze met his hazy eyes, shrouded in a mist that obscured all clarity, more indistinct than at any other moment. Xian Yue stilled, settling comfortably in his arms.
Lan Yixuan held her close, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Through the last rays of the setting sun, the depths of his gaze were filled with hesitance and longing, a tumultuous blend of emotions that even he could scarcely decipher.
Compared to before, he found greater contentment in simply having her by his side, catching sight of her now and then; that alone was sufficient.
"No matter what happens in the future, do not blame me."
He had already given her a choice; why must she persist in this course? It was her decision, fully aware of his desire to have her remain. If she had come, why speak those words? How could he let go?
He leaned closer to her ear, whispering fiercely in a manner that seemed uncharacteristic of him. Xian Yue wanted to laugh, but a surge of anxiety bubbled within her, threatening to bring her to tears.
No blame would be cast; whatever the future held, she would bear it herself and would never regret her decision, for it was worthwhile.
Lan Yixuan furrowed his brow, tightening his embrace around her. "You may leave whenever you wish, but please do not depart without a word."
He wished to know her whereabouts, no matter where she went.
According to the customs of various nations, a young lord could choose to reside either within the royal palace or in a mansion granted to him. After years away from the Lan Kingdom and now marrying into the Feng Kingdom, it was impractical for Lan Yixuan to live in the palace, so he naturally settled in the mansion bestowed by the Lan King.
By the time they returned to the manor, darkness had fully enveloped the sky, and the lanterns flickered to life, yet the atmosphere lacked the jubilance and clamor befitting a wedding celebration. As Xian Yue and Lan Yixuan dismounted, Lei Yun and Lei An, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached them.
"Gongzi, the guests have all departed."
The words were directed at Lan Yixuan, but Lei Yun's gaze lingered on Xian Yue, evidently displeased with her earlier impulsive behavior. However, the young lord was always composed and courteous; he had coddled Xian Yue too much. Lei Yun could not fathom why the guests had been allowed to leave. Now that Xian Yue was the princess of Feng, and Lan Yixuan would soon be the king of Lan, those ministers, regardless of their grievances, would never dare leave, no matter how late it was.
"Princess."
Bai Pingting stepped around Lei Yun to approach Xian Yue. "The officiants are still here."
Her meaning was clear: the ceremony must proceed, for Xian Yue was the princess of Feng. Although today's events were driven by her impulsiveness, one could not blame others for that. However, the necessary rituals must not be neglected; if they did not perform the wedding rites, and she continued to stay in the Lan Kingdom, even if no one spoke of it, others would surely ridicule her.
"The auspicious time has passed."
Xian Yue nodded. "Lan Gongzi is correct; since the auspicious time has already elapsed, continuing with the ceremony might bring misfortune."
"Princess."
Bai Pingting urgently called out. She understood that at this moment, anything she said would be futile. Xian Yue had always been this way; she would indulge those she did not care for, but once someone held her heart, she would make considerable concessions, astonishingly accommodating. This had been true with the Crown Prince and now with the young lord of the Lan Kingdom.
Bai Pingting assessed Lan Yixuan; she had to admit he was a remarkable man. However, if his worth were merely superficial, the princess would not be swayed. She was well aware of how much Xian Yue cared for the Crown Prince. If this man had not earned her respect, she would never have left Feng. A woman as rational as Xian Yue would not easily become attached unless the young lord had offered something significant beforehand. Now, why did he appear so indifferent after having invested so much? Was it genuine indifference, or a pretense born of having achieved his desires? Bai Pingting pondered within herself.
If the marriage rites were not observed, would the Crown Prince be hurt?
"Do not overthink it. Is everything arranged?"
Bai Pingting nodded. "Chief Lei Yun has been a tremendous help."
"Lan Gongzi, I wish to speak with Pingting."
She still referred to him as Lan Gongzi as she took Bai Pingting's hand and departed.
"Gongzi."
Lei Yun approached Lan Yixuan, gently calling out, wanting to voice the questions that lingered in his heart, but he ultimately could not find the words. Since the young lord had returned to the Lan Kingdom and met with Jun Pinyu, he had shut himself away in his study for two days and nights. Upon emerging, he had transformed, seemingly missing the opportunity to propose to Xian Yue. Today, he had not even performed the wedding rites. He had sacrificed so much, only to be with Xian Yue; why had he changed now? What had Jun Pinyu said to him that day?
"Xian Yue is hungry; prepare some food for her."
Lei Yun longed to ask, "What about you, Gongzi?"
Today was their wedding day, and tonight was meant to be their wedding night. With the ceremony not performed, would it not place Xian Yue in an awkward position if he left at this moment? It would also show disregard for Feng Kingdom, which was unreasonable both emotionally and logically.
"I shall return to my chamber."
As soon as Xian Yue stepped into her room, she was greeted by the rich aroma of food. The sight and scent of the dishes immediately revealed Lei Yun's handiwork. Lan Yixuan sat nearby, amused by how Xian Yue nearly drooled at the sight of the food. Lei Yun's culinary skills were exceptional, but did the royal chefs of Feng Kingdom fare so poorly?
"Lan Gongzi, you truly are a good person."Xianyue settled herself beside Lan Yixuan, first savoring a few bites of the dishes before pouring herself a generous amount of wine, exhaling contentedly and wearing a radiant smile. The dragon and phoenix candles in the room flickered softly as Lan Yixuan simply observed her, a smile creeping onto his own face.
"Is there someone who would compete with you?"
Xianyue chuckled and shook her head. "I know Lan Gongzi would never compete with me, nor could you ever surpass me."
She laughed a few times, then suddenly had a thought. Pouring two cups of wine, she handed one to Lan Yixuan. "Lan Gongzi, this is a gift from the Queen of Feng Kingdom to you."
Lan Gongzi looked at the cup she held aloft, but Xianyue took his hand and pressed the cup into it. "A toast, you cannot refuse."
Lan Yixuan nodded, wishing he could celebrate their grand wedding in a way that would announce to the world that she, Feng Xianyue, was his one and only woman for life. But that was not meant to be.
"Lan Gongzi."
Xianyue gazed at him, her heart laden with bittersweetness.
"You are the prince charming on a white horse. In my homeland, a man kneels on one knee, offering flowers to propose, and it must be accompanied by a ring, which goes on this finger."
She extended her ring finger. "I've heard that this finger is closest to the heart."
Her homeland, the Feng Kingdom? But he had never heard of such customs.
"Let us drink to the toast."
Xianyue linked her arm through Lan Yixuan's and held the cup to his lips. Lan Yixuan looked at her, smiling as he accepted the wine and drank it all down in one gulp. She did the same, and in this moment, even without formal rites, they both understood each other's hearts. The opinions of others mattered little.
"You haven't bathed yet."
Xianyue pouted and placed her cup on the table. "I haven't bathed for just a day! You, on the other hand, haven't bathed for three days and nights!"
Before Feng Jiulan, Xianyue was gentle and understanding, endearing in her attentiveness, but before Lan Yixuan, a different side of her emerged—like a child, capricious and stubborn.
"I've already asked Lei An to prepare hot water."
With a huff, Xianyue darted into the bedroom and rolled around on the bed, finally emerging satisfied. "I'm going to bathe now."
When Xianyue returned, the table had been cleared, and Lan Yixuan was seated in a recliner, engrossed in the Book of Songs. He read slowly, his expression focused, while Xianyue felt he was somewhat aloof. Approaching the bedside, she flopped onto the bed in a relaxed sprawl, taking a while to shift her awkward position into something more comfortable.
"Lan Gongzi, aren't you going to sleep?"
Lan Yixuan turned his head to glance at her, his strikingly handsome face brightening with a smile. He struggled to suppress the rising heat within him and shook his head. "I'm not tired yet; you should rest first."
Xianyue pouted in annoyance, suddenly throwing back the covers and burrowing under them. "Then I'll sleep first; you can sleep on the recliner."
Lan Yixuan turned away from her, chuckling softly, and replied, "Alright."
Xianyue huffed in response, turning her back to him, her wide eyes open in a dreamy gaze, lost in thought. She lifted her hand to lower the curtain and then closed her eyes.
Lan Yixuan supported his neck with his left hand while holding the Book of Songs in his right, maintaining this posture without changing it.
"'The mandarin ducks are calling by the riverbank, a graceful lady, the gentleman's ideal match.'"
His gaze remained fixed on the words, and after some time had passed in silence, he finally turned to the thin veil separating them and watched Xianyue's back. Setting the book aside, he carefully got off the chair, lifted the curtain, hesitated for a moment, then sat on the edge of the bed. Leaning slightly forward, he could see her sleeping profile—her eyes gently closed, lips slightly pursed. As he reached out, Xianyue, who had been lying still, suddenly opened her eyes, startling him. His hand froze in midair as she laughed like a silver bell. "If you don't come over now, I'll really fall asleep."
Yawning, she looked triumphant, like a cat that had just stolen a fish. The changing colors of the light danced across Lan Yixuan's face.
"Lan Gongzi, it seems you enjoy watching me sleep."
She laughed, shifting further into the bed, her smugness increasing. With a resigned smile, Lan Yixuan slipped off his shoes and jacket and climbed into bed beside her. This woman was truly clever and cunning; he smiled, feeling a surge of sweetness within him.
"Lan Gongzi, I'm feeling sleepy. You can watch me sleep; the Book of Songs certainly pales in comparison to my slumber."
Facing him, Xianyue nestled her head against his chest. Lan Yixuan's body tensed, instinctively retreating, while Xianyue wrapped her left arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder. Before long, her breathing became steady and even.
After all, she was still human, possessing emotions and desires. The tumultuous days had left her restless and exhausted.
Lan Yixuan looked down at the sleeping Xianyue, her gentle breaths tickling his chest through the thin fabric, causing a slight itch. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, allowing her to rest against his arm, a smile gracing his face. The blood surged within him like a fire, yet he had to suppress it. Tonight was meant to be their wedding night; though they had said nothing, they both knew well that certain things could not unfold.
Gently stroking Xianyue's back, he felt the warmth of her presence, so tangible and real. He smiled, wishing time could freeze in this moment. Containing the turmoil within him was no easy feat, but his heart was utterly fulfilled.
The next day, Xianyue woke to the sun high in the sky. Opening her eyes, she found Lan Yixuan absent from her side. By the bedside stood Bai Pingting, who gently called out, "Princess."
"The Young Master has urgent affairs to attend to and left early this morning."
Despite her words, Bai Pingting felt a sense of dissatisfaction within; what could possibly be more important than their princess?
Xianyue acknowledged with a soft sound, sitting up in bed. "Sister Pingting, everyone has their own burdens. Lan Gongzi must have his reasons for acting as he does; you understand that sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. Please do not hold any resentment."
Bai Pingting nodded in agreement and proceeded to assist Xianyue with her morning routine. Once they finished, Lei Yun arrived with breakfast. Xianyue hardly ate, as Bai Pingting's words still lingered in her mind, prompting her to work on adjusting her mood.
"Sister Pingting, let us take a stroll outside."
Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a vast expanse of pristine white, the air fragrant with a familiar scent. Gazing at the snow-like petals, she felt a rush of warmth, recalling the unblemished smile of her brother far away in the Feng Kingdom.
"This was transplanted from Yang City by His Highness a month ago, and he has tended to it with great care."
Bai Pingting observed the smile on Xianyue's face, as if she grasped something unspoken, yet at the same time, was still in the dark. Nevertheless, she could affirm the depth of that person's feelings for the princess.
If not for heartfelt intentions, how could the pear blossoms still be in bloom in the season of Lan City? Xianyue smiled, feeling the pressure, anxiety, and uncertainty she had experienced lately dissipate like the falling pear petals, finally allowing her heart to settle.
"Sister Pingting, isn't it beautiful?"
Bai Pingting nodded, genuinely acknowledging its beauty.
Xianyue's smile grew increasingly radiant, her long-held negative emotions vanishing into thin air, while the fragrant breeze brushed against her face, refreshing her spirit.
She did not possess great talents or foresight to predict what the future might hold; she simply wished to cherish all the beauty present in her life at this moment.
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