Chương 228: Despair and Hope by the River
As Xuan Yue finished speaking, she vanished into the night. Upon her return, she held a stone tablet in her hands. Xuan Yue planted the tablet by the riverbank, drew out the Snowblade from her waist, and struck it against the stone, sending sparks flying like stars. The silver blade shimmered in the darkness, soft and sinuous like a silver serpent. When the final stroke was etched, Xuan Yue collected the pool of blood. Bai Ping Ting approached her, gazing at the elegant characters dancing upon the stone.
"Xuan Yuan Township."
Xuan Yue replaced the blood pool at her waist and nodded, "These warriors ventured into danger for Xuan Yuan, their greatest wish being to return to their homeland and reunite with their loved ones. They fought valiantly on the battlefield to hasten the end of this war and return to their roots, yet now that dream is utterly unattainable. This vast Bilu River is their true homeland."
Xuan Yue looked up at the pitch-black night sky, as the night wind swept up the ashes of the fallen, carrying them toward the Bilu River. Here, those brave brothers who once fought together gathered in spirit.
She retrieved the food and wine she had prepared the previous afternoon. Having spent most of the day by the riverside, the meal had grown somewhat cold. Xuan Yue placed the dishes on the stone tablet, pouring wine into the earthen ground, "Farewell, my friends."
At a loss for words, she felt powerless to change anything on the battlefield. She was unaware of how many lives had been lost in this battle at Bilu River. The harsh outcome might seem cruel to the people of Xuan Yuan, yet it was likely welcomed by the Lan and Feng nations. From the very start, this war was destined to conclude with either the demise of Xuan Yuan or the fall of Lan. She did not believe she had acted wrongly; her methods were indeed harsh, but given another chance, she would make the same choice without hesitation.
Bai Ping Ting observed Xuan Yue, a bittersweet ache settling in her heart. The princess had borne too much for the sake of Lan and Feng; she looked so fragile. Bai Ping Ting could not understand why the prince was not by her side during this war. If he had been present, at least Xuan Yue would have had a shoulder to lean on.
"Princess, it's getting late. Let us return," Bai Ping Ting softly urged as she approached Xuan Yue.
Without a response, Xuan Yue sat beside the stone tablet. "You should wait for me on the boat." Bai Ping Ting lingered beside her, unwilling to leave.
Gazing up, all she could see was the expansive Bilu River, the air still heavy with the scent of smoke. The surroundings were desolate, as cold and lonely as the night, devoid of any human presence.
"Please, go to the boat." As Bai Ping Ting turned to leave, she was startled by the sudden appearance of Bai Zhan Feng. She glanced at Xuan Yue before asking, "Why does Bai Gongzi seek the princess?"
Bai Zhan Feng was someone Bai Ping Ting had not interacted with much. Even as the head of the Bai family, he still bore the air of a reckless wanderer, seemingly indifferent to the larger picture. She worried that he might say something hurtful to Xuan Yue at such a sensitive moment when the princess was already troubled.
"Bai Gongzi, if you've come to reproach the princess, I urge you to leave. Without our princess, the Bai family would have long been at the mercy of Xuan Yuan."
As the princess stated, she too could not fathom the Bai family's stubbornness. If it were for the sake of Chu, they should recognize the overall situation. In such circumstances, Bai Chu's desire for independence was utterly impossible.
"Ping Ting, please go to the boat and wait for us."
Bai Ping Ting cast a worried glance at Xuan Yue. Having been urged to leave multiple times, she reluctantly decided to depart.
"What do you want?" Xuan Yue asked, her voice calm and devoid of any emotional tremors as she avoided looking at Bai Zhan Feng.
Bai Zhan Feng stared at her for a moment before choosing to sit on the opposite side of the stone tablet.
"Do you find me cruel? Bai Zhan Feng, if you think so, it merely reflects your lack of understanding. I am far more ruthless than you imagine." Xuan Yue's words were accompanied by a cold smirk.
Bai Zhan Feng observed Xuan Yue, his gaze lingering on the elegantly inscribed characters on the stone. Indeed, that morning, witnessing the flames and hearing the piercing screams from across the river had made him feel as if he no longer recognized her. As she had said, she was much harsher than he could ever fathom. But in retrospect, if the same fate had befallen Xuan Yuan Hao, what would he have done? Wouldn't those with ambitions resort to any means to seize the realm? If Xuan Yuan Hao would employ similar tactics against them, then the lifeless bodies sprawled across Bilu River would not be Xuan Yuan's soldiers but rather Bai Chu's. Wasn't every struggle for dominion soaked in blood and littered with countless corpses? However, because she was Xuan Yue, the free-spirited Feng Xuan Yue from his memories, it was difficult for him to accept this truth. He was shocked, yet after the astonishment faded, he recognized that no one could compare to her. If one day Bai Chu were to oppose her, would she not resort to such ruthless methods? In that case, Bai Chu would undoubtedly face ruin. Yet the present Feng Xuan Yue radiated no sense of triumph from her victories.
Bai Zhan Feng withdrew his gaze, the air thick with the rich scent of Xuan Yuan's sorghum wine. The delicacies laid out were all renowned dishes from Xuan Yuan. He turned back to Xuan Yue and felt a pang of compassion. Before embarking on this endeavor, had she not suffered? Was she not burdened with the weight of blame? Initially, he might have wished to scold her, but now, all he felt was sorrow. Why did she not let Lan Yi Xuan undertake these burdens? Why must she shoulder all the difficulties alone?
"Xuan Yue, I will not contest with you," Bai Zhan Feng sighed deeply. "When Lan unites the realm, I will naturally bow to Lan Yi Xuan on behalf of Bai Chu. However, Xuan Yue, my actions are not for Lan Yi Xuan." His concern was for her and for the people of Bai Chu. From the outset, he had known he could not prevail against her, not only because he had developed feelings for her and was reluctant to act against her but also due to his lack of her decisiveness and means.
"The task you entrusted to me is progressing," Bai Zhan Feng said quietly, meeting her gaze. "It's in Lian City. I had one of my former disciples assist me. I am facing some difficulties and need to confirm the information personally. Will you still trust me?"
He could tell that Xuan Yue placed great importance on this matter. Upon arriving in Bai Chu, she had immediately tasked him with locating the person in the portrait. Had it not been for her unease regarding the situation at Bilu River, she would have sent him to find someone immediately.
"Why would I not trust you?"
Xuan Yue withdrew her hand from the stone tablet, her nonchalant demeanor making Bai Zhan Feng's heart leap with unexpected joy. He feared that the fallout from this war might create a rift between them. Even if they could not become husband and wife, even if they were merely ordinary friends, he hoped that Xuan Yue would at least trust him.
"Bai Zhan Feng, on matters of state, we can be allies. Perhaps one day we may become adversaries, depending on your attitude. However, privately, we will remain eternal friends—unless you deem me unworthy of that title. I believe you would not harm me."
Her clear gaze was resolute as Bai Zhan Feng met her eyes directly. Suddenly, he felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He stood up, dusted himself off, and turned to Xuan Yue, laughing heartily, "Xuan Yue, we will not be enemies."
Not solely because Bai Zhan Feng was unwilling to become Feng Xuan Yue's foe, but also because it seemed no one from the Bai family would wish to stand against her or against the Lan and Feng nations.
"Let's hope it stays that way."
Xuan Yue rose, firmly patting Bai Zhan Feng's hand. Pointing to the cold stone tablet by the riverbank, she said, "It feels too desolate here. If those who once lived here are willing, let them return to this place. Those burned trees should be replanted, so that in the future, this place may know peace and not war."
That night, Xuan Yue gazed at the vast river, recalling how she had once asked Bai Laozi for help in relocating the nearby villagers to deal with Xuan Yuan Hao. Now, only the mighty river remained, accompanying the departed souls, rendering the scene unbearably lonely.
"If those villagers are unwilling, you should leave some Bai Chu soldiers here."
Bai Zhan Feng cast a cautious glance at Xuan Yue. His feelings for her had always been intricate; yet, regardless of her actions, he could swiftly find justifications to absolve her. He understood that this stemmed from trust—he believed in Xuan Yue. Although she appeared to be indifferent, she was more perceptive and empathetic than anyone else. Whatever her actions, her nature was inherently kind. If she were truly cold-hearted, she would not have permitted those soldiers from the Lan Kingdom to handle the bodies, nor would she have chosen to be here at this moment.
"I must return for a while. The old man has informed me that Chen Ruoxi is pregnant," Bai Zhan Feng stated, his tone notably subdued. Xuan Yue turned to face him, scrutinizing his grave expression, unable to discern any hint of paternal joy. "Upon my return, I will inform the old man and inquire about the arrangements for those who were previously involved, then make further plans."
Xuan Yue nodded, letting out a laugh, her smile playfully tugging at Bai Zhan Feng's lips. "Congratulations, Bai Zhan Feng, you will soon be a father! Go back and spend some quality time with her. Since the news has arrived, you can leave that matter to your junior."
Bai Zhan Feng glanced at Xuan Yue, gently brushing her hand away. "I will inform you once I have news."
Xuan Yue laughed and quickened her pace to walk beside him. "You're already so serious before becoming a father?"
As she spoke, she moved in front of him and produced the tiger talisman. Bai Zhan Feng, however, did not take it. "It will be yours in due time; keep it for now."
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