Chương 77: Decisive
All fell silent, the world hushed to the faint sounds of breath held and hearts racing. The lush foliage surrounding them rustled softly, the delicate whispers distinctly audible.
In the blink of an eye, Bai Zhanfeng seized Hua Chuxue's right hand, which had just struck Xian Yue. He was astonished; he had never anticipated that this sheltered princess, raised in the depths of the palace, could unleash such incredible speed. No, it was beyond mere agility—it was as swift as lightning. Though Xian Yue was quick and had showcased her prowess before, she still received that slap. Such speed had clearly surpassed the limits of ordinary humanity; without the infusion of true energy, he would never have been able to restrain her hand. If it were himself, he would have been unable to evade her strike. Where did such strength come from in a seemingly frail girl?
"Brother Xuan."
Hua Chuxue looked at Lan Yixuan, her tears flowing like a string of broken pearls, cascading down her face like a gushing spring, with no sign of cessation. The crystalline tears merged with the crimson flush on her cheeks, obliterating any vestige of her former beauty; she appeared utterly disheveled, embodying a woman in despair.
The most beautiful woman in the world, yet equally the most venomous.
Her voice was weak, punctuated by soft sobs. Lan Yixuan's slap had not been gentle, and even through layers of blood, the vivid imprint of his five fingers remained starkly evident.
"How dare you strike me?"
Her tears fell more violently, as if Lan Yixuan's action was a cosmic injustice.
"Who taught you this? Who taught you this?"
Lan Yixuan repeated the question, his tone bordering on reprimand yet tinged with a profound sorrow.
Hua Chuxue's eyes widened in shock and terror, too frightened to speak. Meanwhile, the King of Chu, the queen, and the assembled ministers stood frozen, dazed by this unexpected turn of events.
Xian Yue pressed her palm to her left cheek, the fiery pain searing through her. Frowning, she licked the side of her mouth with her tongue, the metallic taste of blood nearly making her retch. Hua Chuxue's slap had been brutally forceful; she knew it all too well. If it had been a normal woman, she would have surely been sent reeling.
Xian Yue turned away, spitting blood onto the ground, creating a shocking puddle that rendered the bystanders speechless. Their initial astonishment was quickly engulfed by fear; how could the delicate Princess Chuxue have struck the Phoenix Kingdom's Princess Xihe so viciously? What would happen now? Surely, the Crown Prince of the Phoenix Kingdom wouldn't retaliate. Given Bai Zhanfeng's obvious partiality towards Princess Xihe, if matters escalated, they would find themselves in dire trouble.
Xian Yue seemed oblivious to the gasps around her, casually wiping the blood from her lips with her sleeve. Her bright eyes gleamed like shattered glass—sharp and piercing—as they fixed on Hua Chuxue. The shards of emotion splintered in her gaze, icy and ruthless.
This was the second time she had been struck. The first was by Su Zhixin; though the Su family had little regard for her, they dared not neglect her in deference to their daughter. They had never dared to strike her so savagely, let alone scold her harshly. The only instance of such treatment came when her brother fell into the water, and Feng Xuanling had, in anger, hit her. She accepted that; it was indeed her fault that her brother had been harmed. Even if he had killed her for it, she would have accepted her fate. But why should Hua Chuxue have this privilege? What right did she possess? Perhaps she felt more pain than Xian Yue at that moment, since the one who struck her was the person she cherished most. But what did that matter? It was well deserved. Lan Yixuan's blow did not equate to her forgiveness.
Xian Yue was not so easily bullied, nor was she someone anyone could strike without consequence. That slap upon her face was an affront not just to her but also to the Phoenix Kingdom and her brother. No one had the right to dishonor him; whoever dared to do so would find their face ground into the dust, alongside the indifferent ministers who had stood by.
Without a second thought, she stepped back, reaching for the jade flute at her waist. Lan Yixuan rushed forward, grasping her hand. "Spare her where you can."
Xian Yue felt a fire ignite within her, a blaze consuming her heart as if someone had doused her spirit in oil, bringing her dangerously close to an explosion.
She shrugged off Lan Yixuan's grip, her gaze initially fierce but quickly transforming into a chilling smile—one that mocked Lan Yixuan's naivety and, above all, felt strangely distant. It was as if the person who had cared for her for months was now a complete stranger.
A shiver ran down Lan Yixuan's spine; he had never realized how piercing a gaze could be. He held onto Xian Yue's hand tighter, wordlessly asserting his presence.
Xian Yue frowned, the flames of her fury still ablaze, a struggle within her that remained unspoken. It was exhausting. Truly, the ones who could hurt you the most were those you cared about. If you did not hold their actions close to heart, what did it matter what they did?
With this thought, the intensity of her anger subsided significantly, her once somber gaze lightening, the corners of her lips lifting into a gentle smile that blossomed like a flower, radiant and brightening with each moment. She could feel Lan Yixuan loosening his grip, and she extended her left hand, brushing away the imagined dust from his arm.
"Are we so familiar?"
She tilted her head, blinking innocently, her clear eyes revealing a cool detachment.
Over Lan Yixuan's shoulder, she caught sight of the glimmering, fox-like eyes nearby, brimming with triumph. The raised chin was reminiscent of a peacock that had just claimed victory; Xian Yue felt a surge of impulse to knock it down. Yet she knew her limitations; if a confrontation erupted, she might not prevail. She would not engage in a losing battle, but this grudge was one she must repay.
"Clinging too tightly to what is not yours serves no purpose."
Xian Yue's eyes sparkled with amusement as she methodically pried Lan Yixuan's fingers open, then cast his hand away.
"However, since Young Master Lan has spoken, how could I possibly disregard your face?"
In a flash, her speed rivaled that of Hua Chuxue. The light, weightless fabric of her dress transformed into a formidable banner, unleashing a fierce gust that slapped against her face like ice shards, painfully cutting through her skin.
Lan Yixuan turned, but his grasp met empty air. The fierce wind grazed his fingers, slicing a wound between his thumb and forefinger, quickly drawing blood. Lei Yun, startled, rushed over to offer aid, but was halted by Lan Yixuan, who pursued Xian Yue instead.
Before Xian Yue could finish her thought, she had already glided to Hua Chuxue's side, followed by a series of sharp, stinging slaps.
Caught off guard, Hua Chuxue could hardly comprehend. How could such a woman exist in the world? Hadn't she promised Brother Xuan to let it go? Why then was she attacking her? Did she not care about Xuan's opinion at all?
Hua Chuxue's first sensation was not pain, but rather the weight of Lan Yixuan's gaze. Thus, when Xian Yue struck her, she didn't even consider retaliating. Instead, she held her swollen face high, gazing at Lan Yixuan with beguiling, pitiful eyes, her voice thick with emotion. "Brother Xuan…"
Then, tears surged forth in an instant.
Xian Yue was stunned, not because she felt her strike had been too harsh, but because she was taken aback by Hua Chuxue's reaction. The fact that she could deliver a slap indicated that her skills were formidable; hence, she had feigned compliance to Lan Yixuan's request, hoping to catch Hua Chuxue off guard. With Bai Zhanfeng gripping her right hand, any attempt to resist would undoubtedly draw his assistance, ensuring she wouldn't suffer any loss.
Although not particularly sensitive to pain, she preferred to avoid conflict whenever possible. However, her apprehension lingered. After disciplining Hua Chuxue, she instinctively took several steps back. Yet, she could not fathom Hua Chuxue's response, playing the victim in front of Lan Yixuan. What kind of sentiment was this? Even if she were utterly infatuated with Bai Zhanfeng, she would not sacrifice her principles and dignity to such an extent. This was no longer a matter of yielding for the sake of harmony; it was outright deformity.
Why should she, capable of retaliation, rely on another? Surely, taking action herself would be more convenient and satisfying.
Reflecting on this, Xianyue swiftly understood the reason: love makes fools of us all. Moreover, Lan Yixuan was undeniably exceptional in her eyes. She believed every woman in the world would inevitably fall for him. Did she wish for Lan Yixuan to punish her severely, to cease competing for his affection? Or did she hope he would see through her true nature as a capricious shrew? Yet, what made her any better? Had she not lost her composure just moments ago?
Even a beautiful woman, though she furrows her brow, remains lovely; but if she succumbs to madness, she becomes a lunatic.
The idea of being manipulated by a man—especially a cunning and treacherous one—had never crossed her mind.
She laughed, her expression pure and unblemished, radiating true pride as she watched Lan Yixuan walk past her without sparing a glance. He approached Hua Chuxue, delicately pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her face. That gesture exuded unprecedented gentleness, an unbearably piercing sight that felt as though a sharp thorn had been driven into her heart. Indeed, one cannot grow accustomed to another's kindness, and as Hua Chuxue tilted her head like a docile kitten, nestled against him, she couldn't help but flaunt it.
Bai Zhanfeng released Hua Chuxue's hand and walked towards Xianyue, gently caressing the swollen imprint on her cheek. Noticing her frown, his movements became increasingly cautious. "This palace is suffocating; do refrain from visiting again."
Seeing their beloved daughter being mistreated, the King and Queen of Chu moved forward to reprimand, eager to reclaim the dignity of their nation. What did it matter that she was a princess of Feng? After taking a few steps, they were halted by Bai Zhanfeng's fierce gaze, reminiscent of a trapped beast seeking to break free from its cage, desperate to lash out at anyone who dared approach.
"Let's go." Bai Zhanfeng took Xianyue's hand, intending to leave. Xianyue tilted her head back to look at him, revealing a smile devoid of sorrow or the heartache he had imagined, projecting an air of indifference. Bai Zhanfeng's furrowed brow eased slightly; she was indeed unfeeling, which was for the best—she wouldn't suffer.
"Wait."
Xianyue patted his hand, signaling him to let go, but Bai Zhanfeng refused. She stepped on his foot, causing him to wince, and as he loosened his grip, she seized the opportunity to push his hand away. She then strode to the table, grabbed a jug filled with wine, and approached Lan Yixuan, tapping him on the shoulder.
Lan Yixuan turned, his face bearing a stark contrast to the gentle actions of moments before, now displaying a cold indifference that lacked any previous warmth. He stared at Xianyue with a hardened gaze, the chill in his eyes deepening.
Xianyue turned slightly, beckoning a nearby eunuch and pointing to Lan Yixuan's previous seat. "Bring over Young Master Lan's cup."
The eunuch glanced nervously between Xianyue and Lan Yixuan, but seeing no objection, he moved to comply. However, Lei An stepped forward, intercepting him. "You used to order me around without a second thought; why the sudden civility?"
"I'm not familiar with Young Master Lan; how could I trouble his people?"
Xianyue asserted her unfamiliarity with such certainty, her gaze as detached as that of a complete stranger. Lei An was visibly irritated, but with Lan Yixuan silent, he dared not protest, sulkily attempting to thrust the cup he held into Xianyue's hands. Xianyue pointed at the cup he was holding aloft. "Just hold onto it."
Lei An, confused, stared at Xianyue for a moment. His hand, which held the cup, lingered in midair. Xianyue raised her wine jug, filling her cup to the brim before gesturing to another eunuch to retrieve the cup used by Hua Chuxue, filling that as well. With a cup in each hand, she approached Hua Chuxue and Lan Yixuan, presenting them with their drinks.
"To the beautiful and kind Princess Chuxue."
Xianyue emphasized the words "beautiful" and "kind," her voice dripping with icy sarcasm. "Thank you for your restraint; you didn't kill me, your rival."
She knocked her jug against the cup in Hua Chuxue's hand, feigning surprise. "Oh, I almost forgot—you can't drink."
Her gaze darted, her hand hovering near her nose, illuminating her eyes, which sparkled like bright pearls in the night, piercing through all filth. Glancing at the dead cat on the ground, she laughed. "Such a docile creature usually, yet when enraged, she turns terrifying; truly skilled at masquerading."
As Xianyue's words fell, all eyes converged on Hua Chuxue. The previous panic faded, and with her reminder, their thoughts suddenly revived. At the Pan City Conference, Princess Xihe had claimed the top prize; considering the situation, Bai Zhanfeng might have held back for his beloved. Yet, with so many skilled individuals present, it was certain the princess possessed genuine ability. Princess Chuxue, who had remained in the palace, incapable of lifting a finger, would be considered naive by the literati, but the martial officials understood the truth—Princess Chuxue was as much an act of feigned meekness as that dead cat.
Xianyue relished the sight of the furious Hua Chuxue, her frustration restrained by the onlookers, and found joy in it. She lightly clinked her cup against Hua Chuxue's, "May the princess and your Xuan gege achieve a love that endures, a bond that lasts a hundred years, and may you be blessed with offspring soon."
Lan Yixuan turned, watching as Xianyue's cheerful wishes flowed forth. His dark, bright eyes brimmed with sincerity; she genuinely hoped for their happiness. He tightened his grip on the cup, his smile deepening, yet his gaze grew ever colder.
"You won't freeze me with your powers, Young Master Lan."
As Xianyue turned to face him, their eyes met; she gently nudged his elbow with her hand. "I truly appreciate your kindness and care during this time."
Tilting her head, she addressed Lei An and Lei Yun behind her. "When your master marries, make sure to inform me."
Her lips curved into a cold and scornful arc, that delicate smile exuding an unbearable brightness. "Once I return to Feng, I shall prepare a grand gift."
Lei An furrowed his brow; this woman's heart was ruthless. He felt indignant on behalf of his master, his frustration boiling over. "You think his kindness is wasted on you? Do you even realize—"
"Lei An."
Lei An wanted to continue, but was silenced by Lan Yixuan. His eyes were ablaze with fury, burning with intensity as he fixed his gaze upon Xianyue, wishing he could pounce on her and reduce her to ashes.
Yet, Lei An still felt a lingering sense of indignation, muttering, "You know full well that our young master wishes to marry you. What, pray tell, do your words truly signify?"
Though his voice was barely above a whisper, Xianyue heard him clearly, and in that moment, her heart hardened like granite. She felt a swell of discomfort, and for every ounce of pain she felt, she resolved to inflict a hundredfold upon those who caused it. As for marrying him—she had no intention of entertaining such a thought.
With a resounding crash, a shard of porcelain shattered on the floor, spilling wine from the jug. Positioned between Lan Yixuan and Lei An, she declared, word for word, "Even if every man in the world were to perish, I would never wed a man who straddles two boats."
The shards of ceramic flew through the air, striking her heart as if blood flowed forth. Xianyue stared intently at Lan Yixuan, and only upon glimpsing the heavy pain in his eyes did she break into a smile before leaving without a shred of compassion.
"Lei Yun, return and pack my belongings."
She stretched languidly, yawning ungraciously. "Staying at an inn is so much more comfortable."
"Feng'er, stop right there!"
Old Master Bai's voice thundered, his age notwithstanding, his authority still resonated powerfully. Bai Zhanfeng turned, casting a glance at the old man, hesitating for a moment before ultimately deciding to pursue her.
Lan Yixuan watched Xianyue's retreating figure, her back straight and defiant. Her slender frame seemed untethered, her flowing hair dancing freely in the wind—much like her spirit, carefree and nonchalant. Yet, in her coldness, she showed no warmth to anyone except that one person.
"I have something to discuss with you."
He turned to face Hua Chuxue, who was also watching her, his tone calm and devoid of emotion, like still water that stirred not a single ripple.
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