Chương 165: Dance of the Phoenix in the Orchid's Shadow
Xianyue rose from her chair at the table and looked at Bai Zhanfeng, who was still standing foolishly at the door. "Do you need me to invite you in, Sir Bai?"
"Have I interrupted your serious discussion?"
As Bai Zhanfeng entered, he observed that she had not changed at all after such a long time; she remained as elegant and carefree as ever. Yet, he could no longer be as he once was, following his heart without regard for her wishes. In front of everyone, he no longer had the courage, nor the right, to declare her as his own. She was the queen of Feng and the queen of Lan, while he had unwillingly taken a wife. Given her current status, he felt that he was unworthy of her friendship.
However, he felt no regret. Even if the whole world laughed at his past infatuation, he would still cherish it. It was a true testament to the existence of Bai Zhanfeng, a man who dared to love and hate passionately. At least once, he had boldly pursued the woman he adored, and that remained one of his most beautiful memories.
Seated at the table,Xianyue suddenly leaned in closer and laughed, "Is this really the Bai Zhanfeng I know?"
She laughed merrily, but Bai Zhanfeng's expression turned somber as he watched her carefree smile. The Bai Zhanfeng she knew had long since vanished. While wandering the jianghu, he never anticipated that such a day would come. Out of responsibility, he had nearly forsaken everything, living like a puppet. The moment he witnessed her fall into the Valley of Death, his heart had died. Although she had returned from the valley, he could never revert to the old Bai Zhanfeng. Even with her back, he could never possess her again; the men of the Bai family were always deeply devoted.
Xianyue pouted in frustration and patted Bai Zhanfeng's shoulder, feeling a pang of sorrow. It seemed that none of her companions were truly happy—her brother, Lan Yixuan, and now even Bai Zhanfeng, were all burdened by their own woes. In the past, she had found Bai Zhanfeng's chatter annoying, but now she wished he would scold her like the old days, for that Bai Zhanfeng had been genuinely happy.
She poured tea for both of them. Her smile had already faded, and encountering this version of Bai Zhanfeng rendered her unable to force a smile.
Bai Zhanfeng accepted the tea, observing her delicate features, now shadowed by weariness. She had lost much weight and appeared somewhat haggard. This hurried journey, compounded by the ambush from the Xuanyuan army, must have taken a toll on her. He felt a twinge of concern for her.
"Where is Lan Yixuan? I did not expect you to come alone."
He had assumed that Lan Yixuan would be leading the army, at least that it would not be just her alone. The battlefield was fraught with danger; how could Lan Yixuan allow her to venture here alone? Bai Zhanfeng was eager to understand the reason. If this had been in the past, he would have demanded answers, but now, it was a matter between the couple, and he sensed it was more complicated than it appeared. Lan Yixuan would throw caution to the wind for her, even sacrificing his life. How could he possibly allow her to come to such a perilous place by herself?
"I insisted on coming alone."
Xianyue held the teacup with both hands, drinking at an excruciatingly slow pace.
"Why?" Bai Zhanfeng asked, his curiosity piqued by her response.
"Lan Kingdom is different from Xuanyuan. Lan Yixuan cannot be compared to Xuanyuan Hao. He left the palace at a young age and has only recently returned. With the recent death of the previous king, he has just ascended the throne. The ministers in the court are likely resentful. With so many princes vying for power, who would handle Lan's affairs if we both came? As the king of Lan, Lan Yixuan should remain there at this critical juncture. This way, I can act without worry. As for me, being the queen of Feng and the queen of Lan, the soldiers in Lan, like those in Xuanyuan, idolize heroes and respect the strong. They will not disobey my orders. Isn't this advantageous for everyone?"
Her reasoning was sound, yet Bai Zhanfeng sensed there was more to the story that she was unwilling to share, so he refrained from pressing further.
Xianyue patted Bai Zhanfeng's shoulder, laughing lightly. "Bai Zhanfeng, seeing you like this truly makes me uncomfortable. I prefer the old you."
Bai Zhanfeng took her hand. "With Lan Yixuan's abilities, even in his absence, Lan Kingdom will not face any significant troubles."
Xianyue smiled but remained silent. If it weren't for Gong Shaohua in Lan, this might have been true. Yet, that woman was unpredictable and capable of anything. Who knew whether she might collude with Xuanyuan to seek revenge on Lan Yixuan? She was practically a ticking time bomb in Lan, and how could she not worry?
"What? Do you look down on me? Do you think I can't handle things alone?"
It was clear that Bai Zhanfeng harbored some resentment toward Lan Yixuan. However, Lan Yixuan had never wronged her; it was Feng Xianyue who had betrayed his feelings. Just thinking of this made the tea taste bitter in her mouth, a bitterness that reached deep into her heart.
Bai Zhanfeng stared at her, the flickering bonfire outside casting shadows on the tent's fabric. Inside, only two candles burned, yet the room remained bright. He looked at her face, and that smile made his heart ache.
"Xianyue, are you well?"
From the very beginning, he had longed to ask her this question, but it had been stuck in his heart. Upon learning she would come to Baichu alone, he had felt a rush of excitement, which kept him awake all night, despite the myriad questions swirling in his mind.
He did not regret it. Just like the words she had spoken to the little fish at the world's number one tower, as long as it felt worthwhile, there would be no regrets. When Bai Zhanfeng thought of Feng Xianyue, he would feel pain from the missed opportunities, but recalling the moments they shared together would bring a smile to his face, filling him with joy and satisfaction.
He hoped she was doing well. In that case, the beautiful memories of their past, which he had let go of due to his responsibilities, could at least be regarded as a noble sacrifice, allowing him to find solace in that thought.
"I am well."
弦月 turned her head, her profile facing Bai Zhanfeng, and nodded firmly. She then turned around, propping her chin on her hands as she leaned toward him, playfully blinking her eyes. "You know me well enough; I'm not the type to let myself be taken advantage of. Even if the King and Queen of Lan were to offend me, I wouldn't show them any mercy. As for those ministers, they're even less worth my consideration. And regarding Lan Yixuan, just look at him—he doesn't even have a personal maid at his side. He certainly won't bully me. But what about you, Bai Zhanfeng? How have you been?"
Sitting up straight, she was unconcerned with Bai Zhanfeng's response; if he claimed to be doing well, it would merely be self-deception.
"I heard you married the granddaughter of Chen, the Prime Minister of Chu. They say she is both talented and beautiful. Bai Zhanfeng, you must cherish this fortune," she continued.
She knew this might not sit well with him, but it needed to be said. This woman was chosen by the old master Bai, and she would undoubtedly be devoted to the Bai family. Given that, it was hard to believe Bai Zhanfeng had no feelings for her. She understood all too well the pain of being overlooked by the one she loved.
While she could be certain of Lan Yixuan's feelings for her and believed he must have his own unavoidable difficulties, the waiting was still excruciating. Each moment dragged on like a torment, driving one to madness. If she felt this way, how much more must the young lady from the Chen family be suffering?
Bai Zhanfeng likely felt nothing more than a sense of duty toward her; how many could endure such endless waiting?
"Bai Zhanfeng, choices are our own, and so is life. Since this is the life you've chosen, regardless of whether it aligns with your desires, you must take responsibility for it. No matter what you think, I will never forget how you used to nag like a little old man in Yanjing, nor the brave words you spoke at the banquet in Chu. I consider you my friend, my lifelong friend."
Bai Zhanfeng gazed at her, his dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and nodded.
He felt the same; he would keep her in his heart for a lifetime.
"How is the old master Bai? Is he still in good health?"
Bai Zhanfeng was somewhat surprised that she brought up the old master at this moment, considering his long-standing unfriendly attitude toward her.
"He's reasonably well, though age has taken its toll. When he left the military camp, he was quite reluctant. Upon arriving in Yecheng, he learned that the Bai family estate had been destroyed, and he was heartbroken for quite some time."
"What foolishness!"
弦月 snorted coldly, and when Bai Zhanfeng looked at her with curiosity, she added, "I'm referring to the royal family of Chu."
The Bai family had supported the royal family for generations, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and devotion to the people, winning their hearts. That estate was a landmark of Chu, and its destruction must have struck a deep chord with the citizens. The Hua family's act of destruction would surely be met with public disdain, causing loyal ministers to feel betrayed. Though the Bai family was accused of treason, anyone with eyes could see they bore such a stigma for the sake of Chu, not for personal gain.
After all, that was a house where generations had lived, a place where he had toiled for most of his life. It was only natural for him to feel sorrow over the loss of his home and the Rose Garden of Bai Zhanpeng and Murong Xue.
"Bai Zhanfeng, in a few days, I'd like to stay at your Bai residence for a while. Since I have nothing else to do, how does tomorrow sound?"
Bai Zhanfeng welcomed the idea with open arms. The old master had mentioned her several times, and he felt a twinge of guilt. If she visited, he would surely be pleased. If she could offer some comfort to the old master, that would be even better.
"The food in the military camp is truly lacking. Special treatment doesn't seem to be all that great. I haven't had a drink in ages; I'm nearly dying for one. Your old man must have plenty of good stuff stashed away. Let's settle this; tomorrow, I'm heading to your place. Be sure your old man doesn't hold back on the wine!"
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