As the sun dipped below the horizon and night gradually descended, the imposing structure at the heart of the camp rivaled the grandeur of the Upper Sun Palace of the Chu Kingdom. This ancient edifice, majestic in its presence, bore the two characters of "Bai Fu" prominently displayed above the entrance, exuding an air of strength.
Flanking the entrance of Bai Fu were not fearsome lions but two towering trees, each over a century old, their trunks thick enough to require five men to encircle. Originally standing apart, their branches had grown so dense and expansive, resembling large discs, that they intertwined and leaned upon one another. Due to their extensive age, the roots had gradually merged, making it appear as though the two trees had nearly become one, save for the space between them where two people might stand.
Xianyue perched atop one of the trees, observing the comings and goings of several young servants who wandered about. The scene was no different from that of other residences; the area was bustling with activity, and one figure, clad in gray but wearing fine fabric, appeared to be of similar stature to Bai Ao. With a friendly demeanor, he welcomed guests, laughing and chatting as he assisted them back to their carriages. Given the respectful attitudes of those around him, it was evident that this individual was the steward of Bai Fu.
As the lights began to twinkle, the vibrant red lanterns exuded a festive cheer, welcoming distinguished guests. A white silhouette leapt down with the swiftness of lightning.
"It seems someone just glided past me," remarked one of the gatekeepers to a passing individual, his voice laced with confusion, barely believing his own words.
"You must have seen a ghost," replied the other, jesting but lacking any hint of derision. This man had guarded the gates of Bai Fu for forty years; a decade ago, the old master had offered him a handsome sum to retire, yet he had chosen to remain, claiming he would only leave upon death or illness. He saw nothing; his aging eyes were too dim to discern much.
Xianyue stood atop the wall of Bai Fu, resembling a mischievous spirit of the night, her bright eyes sparkling with luminous brilliance as she surveyed her surroundings.
Large was her first impression of Bai Fu. She had expected the two ancient trees at the entrance to herald a verdant courtyard, yet the reality was starkly different. Within the estate, there were no towering trees; even if there were any, they would be mere shrubs. The eaves were adorned with hanging red lanterns that illuminated the surroundings with a brilliant glow. Standing on the wall, aided by the flickering lights, she could see everything clearly: no patrolling guards, no imposing palace defenses, and the air was devoid of any sense of danger. It was this very absence of security that stirred an unsettling tension within her.
Devoid of trees or even boulders to conceal oneself, should one intrude at that moment, they would be exposed to the glaring eyes of onlookers, with nowhere to hide.
Xianyue smiled, lightly tapping the wall with one hand, akin to a nimble swallow. With an air of nonchalance, she strolled out from the corner. Throughout her passage, busy servants bustled past her; their respectful demeanor recognized her noble presence, and none dared to impede her. Upon her approach, they would bow and remain still until she had departed, resuming their duties only after she was gone.
Bai Fu was expansive yet lacked the winding paths of a palace; the straight avenues seemed endless. While Xianyue appeared leisurely, her keen eyes discreetly observed her surroundings, each structure resembling the next.
"Where is the old master?"
Noticing a servant passing by, Xianyue quickly stepped forward, pointing to an elderly maid and inquiring.
"I am a friend of your young master. He has been confined to the Cangji Tower day and night without rest. If this continues, even the strongest of bodies will succumb. I wish for the old master to accompany me to the palace to persuade him."
Upon hearing that it concerned Bai Zhanfeng, the servant's expression immediately darkened. The old master had already attempted to persuade the young master several times recently, but it seemed he would not heed the elder's words. Despite her confidence and serene demeanor, the servant couldn't help but glance at Xianyue, perhaps believing she might succeed where others had failed.
"At this hour, the old master should be in the study at the back courtyard," replied the older servant, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"I just saw the old master heading to the former eldest master's courtyard."
Another young maid continued to speak to Xianyue, "That place is accessible only to the master and the young master; no one else in the estate may enter."
Xianyue smiled lightly and nodded, "Then take me to the entrance, and I shall wait for your master there."
The eldest son of the Bai family, Bai Zhantang, is well-versed in both literature and martial arts and was the most cherished son of Bai Ao. He was once a source of pride, and his engagement to the daughter of the Murong family was sensational. However, the couple mysteriously disappeared without a trace, leaving no one to know their fate to this day.
Winding through a series of corridors, the two walked in a straight line for about fifteen minutes. The maid halted, gesturing towards a cluster of buildings concealed by lush greenery. "Up ahead lies the residence of the eldest master."
Xianyue nodded and casually found a spot to sit. After waiting for what felt like an incense stick's worth of time, and still no sign of Bai Ao, she stood up, brushing off the dew from her bottom, and stretched, "Why hasn't he come out yet?"
Feigning drowsiness, she turned to the maid beside her, "It's too late; I can't wait any longer."
The maid, whose eyelids seemed to droop, suggested, "Perhaps the young lady should return tomorrow; maybe the young master will come to his senses by then."
Her naïveté matched her thoughts perfectly.
After they both left, Xianyue didn't actually depart; instead, she found a corner to hide until the guiding maid was gone and the area was deserted. Then she stepped out, retracing her path into the estate.
As she ventured deeper, the trees grew denser, their greenery reminiscent of spring buds, lush and vibrant. Xianyue gazed at the imposing stones standing two meters tall, arranged in perfect alignment with barely a meter of space between each. They formed a circle, surrounded by trees of varying heights and thicknesses—some tall, some short, and others as slender as fingers—swaying gracefully in the gentle night breeze. Their brilliant green shimmered under the moonlight, casting dazzling flashes.
Leaning against the great stone, Xianyue squinted, appearing leisurely; yet, her gaze radiated a sharp, icy brilliance. With a soft smile, she crouched down, her eyes focused on the towering stone, circling it once. Returning, she found a stone the size of her palm, which she weighed thoughtfully before hurling it into the heart of the stone circle. It arced gracefully through the air, landing with a series of sharp, explosive sounds that echoed through the night. One by one, the low bushes succumbed, and Xianyue clapped her hands in satisfaction, stepping lightly over the fallen branches. As she moved to the other side, her eyes widened in astonishment. She felt as though she had entered a paradise untouched by winter or the impending turmoil of war in the Zhou dynasty.
Everywhere she looked, roses bloomed—purple, white, and deep red—yet the most vibrant among them were the blue ones, dominating the area before a door. The trees, only waist-high, complemented the vibrant colors, highlighting the delicate beauty of the flowers. Directly ahead lay a vast lake, flanked on three sides by artificially arranged rocks. These stones formed a perfect blooming rose when viewed from Xianyue's perspective. When she shifted positions, it still resembled a rose in full bloom—an exquisite creation. On the opposite side stood a long stone bridge leading to a two-story bamboo house.
Could this truly be Bai Zhantang's residence? Had she stumbled into the wrong place? Was Bai Zhantang truly the father of Bai Zhantang?
It was hard to reconcile such a man, who could adorn his small courtyard to resemble a paradise, with the single-minded and tedious Bai Zhantang.
Xianyue pulled back her astonished gaze. Under every eave hung large red lanterns, decorated with roses of various colors. In front of the flowers stood a great tree, and the main house had its lights ablaze, with windows facing the courtyard wide open.
As Xianyue approached the entrance, the steps were adorned with blue roses—deep in color, resembling a vortex that seemed unfathomable, symbolizing despairing love.
Crouching down, she reached out towards a petal, intending to pluck a flower, when the door in front of her suddenly swung open with a creak. Bai Ao, dressed in blue, stepped out, his piercing gaze sharp as a dagger, locking onto Xianyue. Under the light, the lingering traces of sorrow were unmistakable.
Xianyue smiled, pausing her actions as she plucked the flower, bringing it to her nose to inhale its fragrance. She turned to Bai Ao, grinning, "It smells delightful."
Bai Ao pushed the door open and approached Xianyue, surveying the sea of flowers in the courtyard. Upon noticing the sparse trees, his stern gaze softened, ultimately landing on the blue rose in Xianyue's hand. "That is Wanan's favorite flower."
Murong Wanan, Bai Zhantang's wife and Bai Zhantang's mother, was a paragon of both beauty and talent, renowned as a legendary heroine. After marrying Bai Zhantang, she vanished from the martial world, her whereabouts unknown.
Xianyue bypassed the usual pleasantries and approached Bai Ao, bowing deeply, her demeanor entirely respectful, her expression tinged with flattery and deference. "Master Bai."
Bai Ao entirely disregarded Xianyue's smiling face, gazing out into the pitch-black night sky, his face taut and his wrinkles furrowed in deep lines.
Xianyue stepped behind him, following his gaze into the impenetrable darkness, as if waiting for something.
After a prolonged silence, Bai Ao suddenly turned around, his eyes, sharp as blades, fixed on Xianyue's face. His voice, tinged with resignation, echoed, "Is it absolutely necessary?"
Xianyue gazed at Bai Ao, whose white hair contrasted with his vigorous demeanor. She did not respond verbally but merely nodded slightly, her clear eyes reflecting an unwavering determination that indicated her resolute choice could not be swayed.
One does not die with a heart unyielding to the Yellow River. For her, even knowing the torrent of the river's waters was unstoppable, she would still leap into its depths without hesitation, fully aware of the potential for destruction. This was her decision, for only through such an act could she live without regret in the future.
Bai Ao took the blue rose from Xianyue's hand and casually sat down on the steps at the entrance. "Both Zhantang and Feng'er despise staying in the State of Chu, loathing the daily social engagements with officials at the Bai residence. Instead, they have roamed the martial world. Zhantang fell in love at first sight with Wanan and returned to urge me to propose to the Murong family. The Murong clan was a prominent family in the martial arts community, and our Bai family was renowned in Chu; the two families were well-matched, leading to a swift marriage. They were newlyweds, and by the following year, Feng'er was born."
Xianyue quietly observed Bai Ao, finding a place beside him to sit in silence, her gaze lost in the dark night sky. She sensed that the man beside her yearned for someone to confide in, perhaps due to years of repression, or perhaps he was reminiscing about the past, seeking a conversational partner.
"I was the one who harmed Feng'er; it was my fault that Zhantang encountered misfortune."
Bai Ao sighed. He had wished to voice these words to Bai Zhantang countless times, yet each attempt had faltered on his tongue.
"Among the feudal lords, Chu is the weakest. The Bai family has a family motto that if one can unravel the mystery of the Valley of Death, immense wealth can be acquired, revitalizing Chu. This secret is known only to the heads of each generation. The King of Chu lived lavishly, and the officials indulged in pleasure, putting the state in peril. During that time, Zhantang, noticing my constant worry, volunteered to venture forth. At that time, his skills were among the best in the martial world, comparable to those of the former martial arts leader, Nian An, both trained under the same master. I had believed in his capabilities and even employed some of the most renowned martial artists. Yet, I never expected he would perish in that place. The martial world claims he vanished without a trace, but I know he died there, in that very spot."
Bai Ao turned the blue rose in his hand. "At that time, Feng'er was only five years old. Wanan waited here for five months. In truth, she need not have waited that long; we discovered the outcome by the second month. During that time, she accompanied Feng'er daily. The night before her disappearance, she held him tenderly as they slept. The next morning, she donned a blue dress, looking like a youthful maiden. I still vividly remember her words; she was worried about me but even more so about Feng'er. She was the epitome of a perfect daughter-in-law. At that moment, something felt off, but I didn't ponder it deeply. By noon, the servants reported that the young mistress was missing. My heart sank. When I rushed to that place, I found her embroidered shoes at the edge of the cliff, adorned with blue roses. I realized that five months had already exceeded her limits."
Bai Ao's expression was filled with sorrow, and Xianyue sensed that he too had endured his share of emotional turmoil. Otherwise, he wouldn't have shown such understanding toward Murong Wanan, who had abandoned Bai Zhantang.
Xianyue hugged her knees, lifting her gaze to Bai Ao. Noting his silence, she straightened up and cleared her throat forcefully, leaning closer to him. "Master Bai."
Bai Ao turned slightly, his brow furrowed, his eyes carrying the weight of painful memories, radiating a sharp, cold light, clearly displeased.
Xianyue smiled gently, propping herself up with one hand, raising an eyebrow as she grinned. "You do not wish for me to be with Bai Zhantang."
She fixed her gaze on Bai Ao, her smiling eyes filled with certainty, her demeanor earnest. "You surely understand why I would venture into the Valley of Death."
After a pause, Xianyue suddenly stood up, brushing off her backside with an air of defiance, and faced Bai Ao. "I am a princess of the Phoenix Kingdom, and my heart belongs solely to the prince of my land and the responsibilities he carries. If ever faced with a choice in the future, it would be Chu and Bai Zhantang that I would sacrifice."
"You are well aware of your grandson's temperament. If he were to be with me, and if I harbored intentions to exploit him, regardless of whether he realized it or not, you must know how he would respond. I believe your heart is as clear as day."
Bai Ao glared at Xianyue, his eyes blazing with fury as though they could ignite her. She stood her ground, blocking the light from the lamp across the Jade Lake, the white of her skin casting flickering shadows on her face.
"Bai Zhantang and I are ill-suited. He should seek a gentle and virtuous woman, wholly devoted to him, someone who matches the stature of the Bai family, possessing wisdom and resourcefulness to manage the affairs of the Bai household. Such a woman would enable Bai Zhantang to bear the responsibilities of the Bai family and ensure that the Bai family remains steadfast amid the turmoil of the world." Xianyue's words were deliberate, each syllable resonating. Bai Ao maintained his gaze upward. At that moment, Xianyue exuded confidence and composure. This woman before him understood Feng'er, and suddenly, Bai Ao grasped why Feng'er held her in such high regard. Yet, this realization only deepened his sense of helplessness; the fury in his eyes dissipated, replaced by a measure of admiration.
"Master Bai, I cannot become that woman."
Xianyue knelt on the ground, gazing intently at Master Bai. Bai Ao retracted the admiration from his eyes. "Are you attempting to use Feng'er to strike a deal with me?"
His tone carried a distinct reprimand, yet Xianyue maintained a gentle smile. "I am a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Today, I might come to you to broker a deal behind Bai Zhantang's back, and tomorrow, I could very well destroy the entirety of Chu for the sake of my brother. I am here for him. It is well-known among the people of Chu what Bai Zhantang has done for me. If something unfortunate were to befall me, only Heaven and Earth, you and I would know. My brother is reasonable and would not hold you accountable. Bai Zhantang's affections for me are but a fleeting fancy; should I vanish for a time, or completely from this world, he would soon forget me and shoulder the responsibilities of the Bai family, starting anew."
Bai Ao remained silent, his gaze scrutinizing Xianyue. He sighed inwardly; she was a calm and intelligent woman, a princess of Feng Kingdom, and her noble status met every standard for a daughter-in-law of the Bai family. Moreover, Feng'er had feelings for her. For both the Bai family and Feng'er himself, she seemed the ideal choice. Yet, her heart did not lean towards Feng'er. These advantages swiftly transformed into disadvantages. Her high status allowed her to manipulate Chu, and Feng'er's affection would lead him to indulge her every whim. Her sharp wit could easily leave the men of the Bai family under her heel. While they might encounter many women throughout their lives, they would only ever truly fall for one; forgetting and moving on to father children with another would not be so easily accomplished.
Bai Ao stood, facing Xianyue directly. His tall and straight stature loomed over her from a higher step, exuding a chilling air that commanded obedience, cold yet formidable. "I will not tell you."
Unlike Bai Zhantang's frantic demeanor, Bai Ao spoke with an eerie calmness, yet both conveyed an unmistakable firmness, leaving no room for compromise. His subsequent words only confirmed Xianyue's thoughts.
"From an elder's perspective, I indeed disapprove of you. Feng'er cares too much for you, yet I see no sign of affection or concern from you in return. I worry that he may invest too much of his heart, only to gain nothing in the end, or even be exploited by you. You can disappear, which might be your desire, but I will not reveal anything to you. You are correct; it is your insistence on entering the Valley of Death that leads him to act so devotedly. Even if something were to happen, Feng Jiulan could not retaliate against us. However, I cannot divulge anything to you."
"Because of me, Feng'er lost his parents. No matter how much I love him, it does not change the fact that he has long been absent from the Bai residence. He has endured much hardship by Nian An's side, preferring to wander the martial world alone rather than return to Chu. You are the woman he loves, and I cannot push you toward ruin. While you may be willing, I cannot allow Feng'er to harbor hatred for me. You may use him, you may hurt him, but he can endure that. If the woman he cherishes is harmed by his closest kin, should sorrow be unavoidable, I only wish to minimize the damage."
Stripped of his earlier sharpness, Bai Ao now exuded an unprecedented sincerity. It seemed that even if he gained the entire world, he could not find happiness if Bai Zhantang remained unhappy.
Xianyue's smile never faltered. Suddenly, she produced an exquisite little box from her bosom and handed it to Bai Ao. "Bai Zhantang has a good grandfather."
Though he lacked parents, he was not without those who truly cared for him—Nian Xiaoyu, who loved him dearly, Bai Ao, who always looked after him, and his fellow disciples.
Bai Ao glanced down, his sharp gaze darting toward Xianyue. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, holding the unique key to the Bai family's secret vault, a New Year's gift from Bai Zhantang at Qinghuan Palace.
"This item does not belong to me. Please return it to Bai Zhantang and ensure he gives it to the true mistress of the Bai residence in the future. A man should bear his responsibilities. As for me, regardless of what may come—be it life or death—if he can forget me, let him forget. If he cannot, then he shall keep me in his heart forever."
With that, she turned and briskly brushed off her hands, leaving behind a carefree silhouette, as though she had accomplished what she had long sought to achieve.
Bai Ao closed the small box in his hand, forming a fist and resolutely calling out, "Stop."
Xianyue turned back, only to find that his previously cold and stern face had softened into a surprisingly warm smile. "Little girl, you are not entirely heartless. I trust you with Feng'er."