บท 147: Warm Affection
Warm Affection
Early the next morning, Xianyue remained nestled in bed. In the distance, the crisp chime of bells echoed, striking rhythmically like a gentle pulse against her heart.
Xianyue opened her eyes. It was winter, and the nights stretched long; the sky was still shrouded in a soft dawn light. The window panes had not fully closed, revealing a narrow gap through which the night wind seeped. One of the candles on the table had extinguished, while the flickering flame of another danced in the breeze, casting a dim, misty glow throughout the room.
Lying flat, Xianyue relished the stillness that enveloped her, so quiet that she could even hear the wind whispering through the window. She sat up, leaning against the bed, her gaze fixed vacantly on the narrow slit of light. Suddenly feeling wide awake, she donned a robe, rose from the bed, and made her way to the table to pour herself a cup of tea.
The tea was icy as it touched her lips, and she gulped it down in one swift motion, as if to thaw her very soul. The chill invigorated her, and she felt her senses sharpen.
Pushing open the door, she was greeted by the crisp morning air of the mountains, laden with a palpable chill and humidity. Xianyue closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, feeling every pore of her skin unfurl in delight.
"Xianyue, you're up so early," came the voice of Gong Shaohua from outside the door.
Xianyue blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback before the realization settled in. "Mother, what are you doing here?"
She straightened her clothing, exhaled onto her hands to warm them, and approached Gong Shaohua, peering curiously behind her.
Gong Shaohua took Xianyue's hand in hers. "I didn't call Xu Mama or the others."
Xianyue clasped her mother's hand and began to lead her back inside. "But Mother, you said you weren't feeling well. It's so early, and the air is so cold. How could you come here without knowing how Xu Mama is taking care of you?"
With her head lowered, Xianyue allowed Gong Shaohua to support her, a smile gracing her face.
"When did you arrive, Mother? Why didn't you wake me?"
Gong Shaohua patted her hand gently. "I couldn't sleep and wanted to see you. I arrived just as you came out."
Xianyue helped Gong Shaohua to a seat by the table. She found it hard to believe that things had aligned so fortuitously. The situation involved Xuelan Luo, and yet, did they lack the patience to wait even a few hours?
"These waters are ice-cold; I'll brew some hot tea."
Just as Xianyue lifted the teapot, Gong Shaohua grasped her hand to stop her. "No need for that, dear. I'm not thirsty; I simply wish to have a conversation with you."
Xianyue regarded her mother with a look of obedience, settling down across from her. Their intertwined hands painted a picture of maternal affection to anyone who might witness them, but both understood the deeper truth lay far from such appearances.
"What would you like to discuss, Mother?"
"Xianyue," Gong Shaohua began earnestly, her voice imbued with gravity. "After returning, I pondered for a long time. You are intelligent and perceptive, and your feelings for Xuan'er run deep. Whatever decision you make, I am certain it will not harm him. Since you've already decided, and Xuan'er supports you, as your mother, I should stand by your side."
"Mother."
Xianyue gasped, biting her lip in gratitude, though her heart bore no trace of surprise or delight. The moment she had seen Gong Shaohua at the door, she had anticipated this outcome.
Xianyue had never engaged in battles without assurance. Since she had come, she would surely achieve her purpose. The situation seemed to be unfolding far more smoothly than she had imagined; Gong Shaohua's feelings for that person were deeper than she had anticipated.
Indeed, her love and hatred, her ruthless tactics, and her tumultuous emotions toward Lan Yixuan all stemmed from that individual, didn't they?
"Xianyue, tell me how Xuan'er often speaks of me. What does he say?"
Gong Shaohua lowered her gaze, glancing at Xianyue, intent on capturing every subtle expression on her face.
After returning last night, Gong Shaohua had deliberated extensively, perplexed by Xianyue's decision to represent Lan Yixuan in battle. Such a choice had completely caught her off guard. She had envisioned them fighting side by side, with the Lan Kingdom still within her grasp. Yet, events had unfolded in a manner entirely contrary to her expectations. Was it possible that Xianyue knew something more?
The dynamics between her, Gong Shaoxue, and Xuan'er had always seemed to her a secret; she believed Xuan'er would never divulge them to Xianyue. After all, who wouldn't wish to preserve a flawless image in the eyes of their beloved? The saying goes, "It's not fear of the unknown that troubles, but fear of the unexpected." She had to remain vigilant. If Xianyue uncovered the truth, given her capabilities, investigating the Master of the Palace would be far from difficult. But the matter of his blindness should remain unknown to her.
Yet, if Xianyue were aware of everything, and still maintained a closeness to her mother while being deeply in love with Xuan'er, then such a person would indeed be formidable.
"Very well."
Xuan Yue adjusted her chair and smiled as she leaned closer to Gong Shaohua.
"Most of what Young Master Lan speaks of are childhood memories. Back then, Mother showed him much affection, caring for him in every way. However, it seems that once he began to grow up, you became more distant from him."
"It was he who distanced himself from me. So young, yet he insists on leaving Lan Country; no matter how I tried to dissuade him, his stubbornness prevailed."
Gong Shaohua sighed, her gaze deepening with contemplation as it fell upon Xuan Yue's smiling face. She should be unaware of the underlying truths, right?
Xuan Yue chuckled softly, leaning into Gong Shaohua's embrace and gazing up at her. "Mother, thank you for supporting my decision. I promise I will return victorious at the earliest opportunity."
As she spoke, Xuan Yue straightened up, "Also, I will certainly bring back the stone mill that can make lotus flowers bloom all year round, just as you wish."
Gong Shaohua nodded, her eyes brimming with profound yearning and anticipation as she looked at Xuan Yue. Gradually, a blissful and contented smile graced her face, as if she could already envision Xuan Yue approaching her, cradling what she longed for.
Gong Shaohua reached out, gently caressing Xuan Yue's face. "Xuan Yue, there's something I wish to ask of you."
Xuan Yue beamed, rubbing her face against Gong Shaohua's palm, taking her hand in hers. "Mother, just say it. If it's within my ability, I will surely help."
"Didn't the eldest son of the Bai family mention a noble, blind man in his letter?"
Xuan Yue nodded, blinking in confusion as she looked at Gong Shaohua. "Yes, that stone mill was forcibly taken by him. If I want to retrieve the millstone, I'll have to meet him. I'm curious about the kind of man who could strike a deal with Old Master Bai."
Xuan Yue smiled lightly. "I must have a good conversation with him this time."
Gong Shaohua instinctively tightened her grip on Xuan Yue's hand, her almond-shaped eyes shimmering with emotion. "That man is someone I should know."
Xuan Yue stifled a soft gasp, releasing Gong Shaohua's hand. "You've never mentioned him before."
Gong Shaohua also withdrew her hand. "I knew him before entering the palace; he was a very important friend. For all these years, I have longed to meet him."
Xuan Yue blinked. "Was he someone you once loved?"
Gong Shaohua's thoughts drifted, her expression becoming somewhat lost as she turned to gaze out at the gradually brightening sky, standing up without denying it.
"It seems Mother truly cares for him. Now I'm even more curious about what he looks like."
Despite knowing she shouldn't admit their relationship in her presence, she still chose to tacitly acknowledge it. Is love so profound that one cannot deny it?
Xuan Yue rose and walked behind Gong Shaohua. "Mother, I will definitely find him."
Only by locating him can she truly avenge her biological mother, ensuring that Lan Yixuan remains safe in Lan Country.
"Be sure to notify me immediately once you find him."
Gong Shaohua suddenly turned around, her expression earnest.
Xuan Yue nodded. "I will."
She certainly would; she had exerted every effort for that person, all for the chance to meet him.
As for that person, she currently had no leads. The one mentioned by the Bai family was merely a fabrication; he didn't exist. But if she didn't play along, how could Gong Shaohua be satisfied?
Gong Shaohua patted Xuan Yue's shoulder. "You truly understand your mother's intentions."
Yesterday, when she had opposed her wishes, she had been furious, wishing she could end her own life. In a blink, this woman could only accept those who obediently obeyed her in her world.
"This matter must not be disclosed to Xuan Er."
Xuan Yue, appearing understanding and enlightened, chuckled mischievously. "You can count on me."
"I heard that you plan to have Xu An accompany you on this expedition. Is that true?"
Xuan Yue nodded. "Master Xu is loyal to his country; since Young Master Lan cannot go, his presence would be ideal."
"A few days ago, his wife visited Lanyin Temple to offer incense and mentioned this to me. Master Xu is of advanced age and in poor health. As a mere civil servant, he knows nothing about military affairs. Xu's wife is a close friend of mine, and she has implored me for quite some time. Would you consider letting him remain in Lan Country to serve Xuan Er for your mother's sake?"
"To serve Lan Yixuan? I suppose it's to remain in Lan Country to assist me."
"Mother, I'm afraid that's not feasible. I announced this matter in front of all the civil and military officials. If I were to suddenly go back on my word, what would remain of my and Lan Yixuan's authority? Since his wife shares a bond with you, I will ensure he is well cared for; you needn't worry."
For Xuelan Luo, she was willing to make concessions regarding Lan Yixuan, let alone a Xu An. Gong Shaohua refrained from saying more, moving to sit at the table, watching Xuan Yue standing at the door. "I heard that you and Xuan Er still haven't consummated your marriage."
She truly was well-informed; how could she know such matters? "Xuan Yue, you are my most favored daughter-in-law and the princess of Feng Country. In the future, the crown prince of Feng Country will undoubtedly be your child."
Xuan Yue turned around and sat down beside her. "I'm about to head to the battlefield; this is hardly the time."
"Is it Xuan Er who is unwilling?"
As she spoke, Gong Shaohua took out a small box intricately carved with patterns from her bosom and placed it on the table. "This is the Warmth Fragrance. Your mother hopes that before you leave Lan Country, you and Xuan Er will be true husband and wife."
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