Chương 2: Happy Birthday, Brother
Feng An Hall, the most magnificent palace in Feng Country, boasts an elegant layout and grandiose architecture. The eaves soar high, and the structure is austere and simple, resembling the outspread wings of a phoenix, imposing and majestic. At this moment, it is adorned with red silk drapery, adding a festive touch to the solemn hall.
Today marks the tenth birthday of His Highness, Prince Feng Jiulan of Feng Country. It has been four years since the late empress passed away, and the ruler, under pressure from court ministers, has successively brought over ten women into the palace. Yet, not a single one has borne an heir for the royal family. As the only heir of the Feng royal family, his birthday naturally calls for grand celebrations.
Feng Xuanling issued an edict to hold a lavish banquet in Feng An Hall, inviting envoys from various countries to come and offer their congratulations. The officials also celebrated together, while simultaneously declaring a year-long tax exemption and a general amnesty, marking a nationwide celebration that highlights his favored status.
Inside Feng An Hall, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments fills the air, and officials gather, mingling with the visiting envoys, creating a lively atmosphere. In stark contrast, the area bathed in cool moonlight is quiet and serene, heavy with tree shadows.
"Princess, many people have come to Feng An Hall today; His Highness may not be able to come," a maid said.
In the span of four years, the baby girl who once lay swaddled has grown into a delicate girl. Her long, glossy black hair frames a face as tender as porcelain, and especially her large, sparkling black eyes resemble shimmering stars. The red dot on her forehead adds to her youthful charm, while her rosy lips pout as if troubled by something.
"He will come; I believe my brother will definitely come," she replied, resting her chin on a stone table, staring blankly at the crimson food box in front of her, her eyes fixed on the entrance with unwavering faith.
"Princess," Ningxiang said, glancing at the girl sprawled on the table, unsure of what to say.
Why would the ruler dislike the princess? After all, she is just as much the child of the late empress, being so well-behaved, smart, and capable. Why can't the princess go to Feng An Hall? Could it be true, as the palace maids gossip, that the princess is the reason for the queen's death?
The princess is truly pitiful; if it weren't for His Highness, who knows how they would bully and harm her?
"Brother!"
Just as Ningxiang was feeling indignant for her master, the quiet little girl suddenly sprang up from her seat, bouncing like a lively little rabbit onto the elegant figure dressed in black robes, Prince Feng Jiulan.
"Yue'er," Feng Jiulan said, squatting down with a gentle smile full of affection as he embraced the rushing Xianyue and walked her back to a small pavilion, helping her onto the stool.
Although he was born prematurely and is physically weak, the ten-year-old Feng Jiulan stands tall and handsome, exuding a regal air with his golden crown tied with seven dragon motifs atop his head and a delicate jade belt at his waist. His somewhat pale complexion and fragile appearance could easily be overlooked, overshadowed by the noble aura he carries.
Being born into royalty, he has matured far beyond his peers, showing none of the childishness typical of a ten-year-old.
"Weren't you told to stay at Xuesang Hall and wait for me? I told you I'd come find you after the banquet was over. Why did you come here?"
Although it was a scolding, the words were filled with deep concern.
In Feng Country, everyone knows that the Crown Prince doted on the princess. He had often quarreled with the ruler over matters concerning her, leading to unpleasant outcomes. It was the Crown Prince who fought for the title of Princess Xihe for the four-year-old girl. In the harem, if any concubine or palace maid dared to show a disrespectful face to the little princess, they would undoubtedly face dire consequences once he found out. Because of this, even though Feng Xuanling ignored Xianyue, those people would only gossip behind her back.
"I won't!"
Xianyue stood on the stool, lifting the lid of the food box. "I don't want to congratulate my brother after those ministers!"
She looked at it as if it were a matter of course, completely unconcerned with the officials and envoys waiting in Feng An Hall.
Balancing herself on the stool with one hand on the table, she struggled to open the food box using only one hand, her small frame not quite agile enough.
"Princess, let me help you," Ningxiang said, stepping forward. At the same time, Feng Jiulan scooped up the swaying Xianyue into his arms. "Let Ningxiang do it; you just sit there."
"Purple flower cake, four-color sugar, square cake, cloud slice pastry—all of these are what brother loves to eat. Ningxiang, I'll do the last one myself."
Xianyue wriggled free from Feng Jiulan's embrace and turned to him, playfully winking. "I heard that many ministers' daughters came this time, including Sister Pingting. With so many beauties around, how could brother even remember to eat?"
Turning back, Xianyue cradled a jade bowl in her hands, her face beaming with a smile. "Brother, happy birthday! I made this with my own hands; it's longevity noodles!"
She carefully carried the bowl, stepping closer to Feng Jiulan, her calm gaze filled with unexpressed excitement and joy.
Ningxiang, worried that Feng Jiulan might doubt Xianyue's words, chimed in, "Your Highness, this really is the princess's handiwork! You don't know, she went through so much for this bowl of noodles—"
Ningxiang was about to continue when Xianyue interrupted, "Ningxiang, what about the wish lantern?"
Her clear voice and innocent eyes quickly shifted Ningxiang's thoughts.
"Oh!"
Ningxiang clapped her hands, suddenly jumping up. "Princess, I seem to have forgotten it in Xuesang Hall. I'll go get it right away!"
"Brother, doesn't it smell good?"
Xianyue waved the freshly cooked noodles in front of Feng Jiulan, the steam carrying the unique aroma of the food wafting into the quiet corner.
That was close! I almost slipped up. If brother knew that I burned my knee while cooking a bowl of noodles, it would be a disaster. I really don't know why brother liked Ningxiang back then; could it be because she speaks her mind?
"It smells great," Feng Jiulan said, squatting down to lean closer to the bowl of noodles. However, his eyes were fixed on her hand, and only when he confirmed there were no injuries did he relax.
Xianyue smiled back. If it weren't for her small size and lack of strength, how could something as simple as a bowl of noodles hurt her?
"When Yue'er turns ten, brother will surely invite all the civil and military officials, along with their sons and grandsons, to congratulate you in Feng An Hall. If Yue'er likes anyone, we can just make him your consort."
Feng Jiulan spoke while eating noodles, looking at Xianyue. Only in front of her would he allow himself to be so unrefined, eating heartily and speaking loudly.
"What if I like many people?"
Xianyue asked casually. With a mental age nearing thirty, how could she possibly fall for a bunch of little boys who know nothing?
"Then we can make all of them your consorts, and they can live in Xuesang Hall."
Xianyue smiled, her expression pure joy and satisfaction. She reached into her pocket for a handkerchief, leaning over the table to wipe Feng Jiulan's mouth.
"Does brother have any wishes?"
Feng Jiulan was eating with great enjoyment. Xianyue knew he didn't particularly like noodles, but longevity noodles—
She had seen him during his episodes, with messy hair and a pale face, devoid of color. At that time, she was only three years old, but she was truly frightened, fearing he would leave her. Afraid that the one person who made her feel warm in both this life and the previous one would abandon her alone in this monstrous palace.
That feeling of drowning in the deep sea, unable to grasp even the sole piece of driftwood by her side, was enough to last a lifetime.
Feng Jiulan set down his chopsticks, allowing Xianyue to wipe the grease from the corners of his mouth. He took her hand, his face beaming with a smile. "I want to give you all the love from our father and mother, and to always protect my Yue'er, so she can be happy every day."
The Zhou Dynasty's fate was nearly sealed, chaos reigned in the land. How could their Feng Country escape? Brother was caught in the whirlwind; how could she stay uninvolved?
He wanted to protect a piece of peace for himself, and wasn't she doing the same?
"Besides me, do you have any other wishes, brother? Change it, change it."
Xianyue tugged at his clothes, playfully protesting.
"As long as Xianyue is happy and joyful, I am very satisfied."
"Brother."
Xianyue jumped off the stool and dashed into Feng Jiulan's embrace, her childish voice filled with endearment.
"Your Highness."
"Your Highness."
In the silent night, that anxious voice grew closer, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps reaching her ears.
"Your Highness, I knew you'd be here."
Wang Xi spotted Feng Jiulan holding Xianyue and breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that if the prince wasn't in Feng An Hall, he must be with Princess Xihe. After going to Xuesang Hall, he had run into the maidservant attending the princess, Ningxiang, who informed him that the prince was here, prompting him to hurry over.
"Why are you still here? The ruler is waiting for you in Feng An Hall."
Wang Xi assumed Xianyue had fallen asleep and leaned closer to Feng Jiulan, speaking softly to avoid waking her and upsetting the prince.
Feng Jiulan held Xianyue in his arms, gently stroking her back as if soothing her to sleep.
"Brother, you should go first. Don't keep Father waiting too long."
Father didn't mind too much; after all, he would just scold him a bit. He had heard that many envoys from the other four nations and royal families had come to congratulate his brother on his birthday, and these guests should not be neglected.
Seeing that Feng Jiulan still looked worried, Xianyue said, "Ningxiang will be back soon. I'll release the wishing lantern and then return to Xuesang Hall."
Feng Jiulan nodded. "I'll go to Xuesang Hall to find you later."
"Princess, princess!"
Feng Jiulan had just left when Ningxiang came running over with a lotus-shaped wishing lantern, her excitement palpable.
Releasing lanterns into the river was Ningxiang's idea. Every birthday, family members would personally set lanterns afloat by the river and make wishes to the river deity.
"Give it to me."
Xianyue rushed over to Ningxiang, snatching the lantern from her hands. She waved her hand dismissively. "Ningxiang, you can go back now."
Ningxiang glanced around hesitantly. Seeing Xianyue run off towards the riverbank without looking back, she realized further conversation was pointless and left.
Though this princess was small, her temperament was stubborn. Besides the prince, it was futile for anyone else to say anything.
The moonlight was bright, the willows swayed gently along the riverbanks, and the night breeze blew softly. The water shimmered, and the reflections danced.
Xianyue stood on a large rock at the water's edge, holding the flower lantern. She closed her eyes and put her hands together. "If you truly have awareness, please bless my brother, keep him safe, and grant him a long life."
If she truly wished for him to be happy for a lifetime, then please don't let her be alone in this strange world, isolated and forlorn. Therefore, even if it meant sacrificing her life, she wouldn't hesitate.
Crouching down, Xianyue gently placed the flower lantern into the water, feeling its light gradually fading as it floated away. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching from behind.
"Ningxiang, didn't I tell you to—"
It wasn't Ningxiang. In the instant she turned around, unable to see the face hidden beneath a hat, someone suddenly pushed her violently.
"Ah!"
The rock Xianyue was standing on was already quite slippery, and now wet from the water, her small body swayed unsteadily. With a loud splash, she fell into the water, and soon something entangled her foot.
Fusang grass! Xianyue's eyes widened, filled with terror.
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