The First Tower in the World was not far from Tianfu, a mere two-hour carriage ride away. Xianyue helped Feng Jiulan down from the carriage, her arm linked with his. Ning Yunyan had hosted a banquet, but most of the guests were absent. The imperial residence was peaceful, though still heavily guarded, with patrols and hidden sentinels everywhere.
The Begonia Courtyard was particularly quiet at night. Closing one's eyes, one could even hear the wind whipping through. Feng Jiulan, wrapped snugly in a thick quilt, only his eyes peeking out, hadn't returned to his room with her.
He gazed at the pavilion before him, the softness in his eyes radiating a warmth that contrasted with the frigid night.
"When did you prepare this?"
The pavilion looked different from how he remembered it. The light draperies that once danced in the wind had been replaced with thick wooden panels, perfectly sealed to ward off the biting cold. Through a thin transparent screen, one could see the dim yellow light of a candle, flickering warmly within.
"After we left, I asked Qinghen to arrange it," Xianyue replied with a smile. Her martial strength was profound; even in such cold weather, wearing just a thin layer of clothing, she didn't feel the chill. But Feng Jiulan, seeing the redness of her cheeks, felt a pang of guilt. Holding her hand, he realized it was warm, not cold like his, despite his many layers of clothing. His expression darkened, and he hurriedly tried to pull his hand away, but she tightened her grip.
"Brother, let's go inside," she said, her warmth transferring to him through their joined hands. "Don't worry, Brother, I'm not cold."
Inside the hall, the marble floor exuded dampness and cold. Xianyue had replaced the stone chairs with sturdy, beautifully carved sandalwood ones, each covered with a thick blanket. She helped Feng Jiulan sit down, and Qinghen, who had been following, closed the only open door.
The pavilion was filled with the fragrant warmth of incense, its delicate aroma curling through the air, soothing the nerves. Slowly, the room grew warmer.
"Brother, warm yourself," Xianyue said, handing him a cup of hot tea. Then, turning to Qinghen, she added, "I'll step out for a moment."
Qinghen nodded, and as soon as he did, Xianyue had already darted to the door, pulling it open before running outside. Through the rising steam from his tea, Feng Jiulan caught a fleeting glimpse of her face before the door closed with a soft thud.
Qinghen watched as Feng Jiulan sipped his tea. The rare peace and gentleness on his face these days was something he hadn't seen in ten years. In fact, he had smiled more in the past few days than he had in the past decade.
Before long, Xianyue returned, opening the door with one hand while carrying a large tray in the other. On the tray sat a big bowl, tightly covered with a blue-and-white porcelain lid.
She smiled at Feng Jiulan before turning to close the door behind her. But before she could, Feng Jiulan set his tea down. "Qinghen, stand guard outside."
Xianyue retracted her hand from the door, placing the tray on the table. She handed Qinghen a warming stove and a heavy cloak that had been prepared in the pavilion. "It's freezing outside."
She smiled as she spoke. The winter in Pangu City was indeed harsh, the wind cutting like knives across the skin. She wouldn't stay here for long.
Qinghen glanced at her, hesitating, his eyes seeking Feng Jiulan's approval. Xianyue, noticing, beamed even more brightly. Without waiting for a response, she pressed the items into his hands. "If you fall ill, who will protect Brother? Hurry and put it on."
Her clear, sparkling eyes held a brilliance that was impossible to ignore. In that moment, Qinghen seemed to understand why His Highness cherished the princess so deeply—because she was worth it. And as for His Highness, he didn't know about others, but he knew that Feng Jiulan was worthy of Xianyue's devotion.
"Take it," Feng Jiulan finally said, and Qinghen obeyed.
Xianyue watched him leave, her smile deepening. Those who treated her brother well would always receive her kindness in return.
She lifted the lid of the bowl, and a burst of steam immediately rushed out, warming her face. The rich scent of chicken soup filled the room, although not a piece of chicken was visible in the large bowl. The aroma alone was enough to make one's mouth water. White, chewy noodles floated in the broth, alongside a golden fried egg and sprinkled with green scallions. It wasn't as aesthetically refined as the royal dishes, but its simplicity brought a warmth that no banquet could offer.
Fanning the steam with her hand, Xianyue smiled and handed a pair of chopsticks to Feng Jiulan. They were not made of gold or jade, just simple wooden chopsticks.
Feng Jiulan accepted them, but instead of starting to eat, he took Xianyue's hand, inspecting it carefully to ensure there were no burns. Only when he was satisfied did he finally pick up a few noodles and take a bite.
Xianyue propped her chin in her hands, watching him through the flickering candlelight. A faint smile played on her lips as she looked at his pale face. Over the past ten years, she had cooked every day. She was no longer that four-year-old child who would burn her hands in the kitchen.
The noodles were tender and flavorful, surpassing even the royal chefs in skill. Feng Jiulan had assumed the enticing aroma came from the chicken broth, but after tasting the noodles, he realized they carried the same richness within them. "This must have taken quite some effort."
Xianyue didn't respond, her eyes curving in a smile as she shook her head slightly. "Brother, happy birthday."
The hand holding his chopsticks froze midair. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a deep, unspoken turmoil. Ten years ago, after saying these very words, his little moon had left him.
He said nothing, blinking once at her, then again. She was still there, sitting across from him, her chin in her hands. He smiled softly and murmured, "Thank you."
Today—so it was his birthday. Xianyue had mentioned it a few days ago, but he had forgotten.
In the past, when he lived in the palace, this day had always brought him unbearable pain. Though he remembered it clearly, he had come to see it as a day of disaster. Yet during these past weeks, with Xianyue by his side, he had completely forgotten. Now, as he looked at her through the rising steam, a thin veil of mist blurred his vision, and his thoughts drifted back to ten years ago.
Back then, his little moon had been only four years old, making longevity noodles with her own hands. It was the most delicious meal he had ever tasted. She had been so small, barely reaching his thigh. Now, in the blink of an eye, she had grown so much. He had promised to give her the love of both their parents, to protect her and ensure her happiness every day of her life. But in the past decade, he hadn't fulfilled even the smallest part of his duty as a brother.
"Brother..."
"Are you full?" Xianyue asked softly. "If you are, then make a wish."
"A wish?" Feng Jiulan reached out to gently stroke Xianyue's hair. "As long as my Yue'er is happy and healthy every day, I will be content."
Xianyue pouted, holding his hand. "I knew you'd say that. Then give me your wish, and I'll make it for you."
She closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and faced the flickering candlelight with an expression of reverence. Feng Jiulan could only see her lips moving as if silently chanting something. When she opened her bright eyes, the light in them completely overshadowed the burning flame.
"What did you wish for?" Feng Jiulan asked softly, his gaze filled with warmth and affection.
"If I tell you, it won't come true," Xianyue replied playfully, blinking her eyes. "So, it's a secret."
Watching her innocent demeanor, Feng Jiulan felt a surge of joy, though a trace of worry lingered in his heart. If only his Yue'er could remain this carefree forever.
Feng Jiulan's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of concern appearing on his face. "Yue'er, do you remember what I told you that night?"
Xianyue blinked, trying to recall. She remembered everything her brother said to her, but there were so many things—she couldn't figure out which one he meant.
"The night of my birthday," Feng Jiulan's voice deepened with a mix of guilt. "When I said I would wait for you to grow up."
Her eyes widened in realization, and she quickly responded, "I remember. You said that when I turned ten, you'd have all the ministers and their sons gather at the Phoenix Palace to congratulate me, and I could choose my future husband from among them. I even asked you what would happen if I liked more than one."
Xianyue burst into laughter, but as she glanced at Feng Jiulan, she saw that, despite his smile, his expression was incredibly serious.
"I said you could marry them all and let them reside in Snow Mulberry Hall," Feng Jiulan continued. The memories from a decade ago were so vivid, as if they had only happened yesterday.
Back then, even at that young age, Xianyue knew such a thing would never be possible—especially not now.
"Brother," Xianyue called out urgently, her tone lacking the embarrassment of a young girl. Her eyes, still sparkling with joy, carried a hint of resignation, like a fleeting summer comet, too swift to capture.
"They're not worthy of me. None of them."
She raised her chin with a proud stance, clearly convinced that no one in the Phoenix Kingdom was talented enough to make a name for themselves in these turbulent times.
"How could your sister, who is so outstanding and the princess of the Phoenix Kingdom, marry some minister's son?" she said, with a haughty air.
Her words hinted at a deeper concern. If she married into the kingdom, who could guarantee that they wouldn't mistreat her? She did not wish to end up like Princess Yunyan, treated coldly in her marriage. How could he, her brother, ever rest easy knowing she was with someone she didn't love?
"Brother, I truly believe that marrying someone who loves me deeply is better than marrying someone I might like. Since I don't have anyone in my heart yet, there's no need to worry about me."
Xianyue pushed the dishes aside, leaned over the table, and clasped Feng Jiulan's hand. "Brother, you're already twenty. When will you find me a virtuous sister-in-law?"
Perhaps, just like her, he had yet to find someone he could envision spending his life with. And because there was no one, it didn't really matter who he married, did it?
"Do you fancy Lord Lan?" Feng Jiulan asked after a moment of silence, his tone filled with concern.
Xianyue looked at him without responding, puzzled by his question. Lan Yixuan was a man whose thoughts she could never quite grasp. He was too deep, too enigmatic—certainly not someone she could easily fall for.
"Yue'er, if you're unsure of his feelings for you, don't let yourself fall for him. If you feel no one in the Phoenix Kingdom is worthy of you, you could always consider Bai Zhanfeng." Unlike Lan Yixuan, Bai Zhanfeng was direct and sincere, though harsh toward Nian Xiaoyu. As Yue'er had said, he was a man deserving of love. Just like their father, Bai Zhanfeng was devoted and loyal—never fickle. If he were to fall for Yue'er, he would certainly be true to her for life.
As the future heir of Chu's most prominent family and Nian Anba's favorite disciple, Bai Zhanfeng would have a powerful backing. Feng Jiulan didn't expect his sister to accomplish great feats, only that she could live in peace and happiness—that would be enough.
If only Lan Yixuan could be as wholeheartedly devoted as Bai Zhanfeng, Feng Jiulan thought, perhaps then he could rest easier.
"Brother," Xianyue called out sweetly, shaking his hand as she squinted her eyes in a playful manner.
She understood her brother's concerns. Bai Zhanfeng would undoubtedly treat her with utmost care, without the uncertainties surrounding Lan Yixuan. But it was precisely because of Bai Zhanfeng's sincerity that she was unwilling. She didn't want to hurt him.
What if it hadn't been Nian Xiaoyu but some other woman? Would Bai Zhanfeng still be the same? He might have taken her into his family, but that's a burden she wasn't ready to carry. It was better not to dwell on it now.
"Let's not talk about this anymore."
Xianyue released his hand and suddenly straightened up, her face lighting up with a smile. "Didn't you say you wanted the stars and the moon, Brother? I'll fetch them for you now."
Feng Jiulan smiled fondly at her. Earlier, at the Tower of Heaven, he had taken her words as mere jest. How could anyone possibly retrieve the stars and the moon?
Xianyue had already stood up and made her way to the door, opening it just a crack. She pressed herself against the opening, blocking the cold wind from entering.
Yun Qinghen, standing outside the pavilion, heard the door and quickly turned around. Upon seeing Xianyue, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes as he walked over and respectfully greeted her. "Princess."
Xianyue nodded. "Bring me a dish filled with water."
She paused and added, "Make sure it's a dish, not wood, and that the water is cold."
Yun Qinghen immediately complied and went to fetch what she had requested.
Returning to the room, Xianyue retrieved a cloak from the wooden rack and wrapped it tightly around Feng Jiulan. She handed him a hand warmer. "Warm your hands."
"Princess, the water is ready."
Xianyue nodded and pointed to an open spot in the middle of the courtyard, "Place it there."
Yun Qinghen stepped back a few paces, placing the clear water at the spot Xianyue had indicated.
Feng Jiulan was the first to step out. The night wind, though biting, felt warmer than usual in his heart.
From several paces away, Xianyue followed behind him, and as she passed Yun Qinghen, she gently patted his shoulder, "Qinghen, take good care of my brother."
Her tone was sincere, more like a request between friends than an order. Yun Qinghen instinctively looked up at Xianyue. Her eyes, clear and bright, held a determination stronger than stone, but within them lay traces of sorrow, helplessness, and a deep sense of reluctance.
As she moved past him, he stood frozen in place, staring after her retreating figure. Her words echoed in his mind, causing a pang of unease. Could it be that the princess was about to leave His Highness again?
"Brother, wait for me," she called out.
Under the moonlight, her soft voice flew swiftly, like a gust of wind no one could catch, no one could hold.
Wind, aimless and without purpose, yet he felt that every step she took was guided by her heart, as if everything she did was for an inner light she followed.
Feng Jiulan paused in his steps. Xianyue quickly caught up, linking her arm with his, leaning into his embrace with a laugh. The two of them crouched before the basin filled with water.
The wind was strong that night, and the water in the basin rippled as if disturbed by invisible stones, clear and pure, reflecting their faces with striking clarity.
Xianyue looked up. The moon was full tonight, its light spilling across the earth, far brighter than the glazed lanterns hanging beneath the eaves. The dark sky was strewn with stars, twinkling brilliantly. Tomorrow would surely be a clear, cloudless day.
She smiled, catching Feng Jiulan's curious gaze. "It's not in the right place."
Crouching beside the basin, she adjusted it, aligning the reflection with the moon and stars above until the full moon was perfectly mirrored in the water's surface. Her face lit up with joy, and she turned to Feng Jiulan, excitedly saying, "Brother, come quickly!"
She placed the basin down, beaming at him, "Brother, look."
Feng Jiulan followed her gaze, seeing the moon's reflection wavering in the water—sometimes whole, sometimes split in two. Then, suddenly, like shattered glass, it fragmented into countless pieces of silver. The barren branches of the old tree above them, long devoid of leaves, cast a web of intricate shadows across the water, breaking the image of the moon into countless parts. Gradually, the once pristine water seemed to be filled with tiny shards of silver, mimicking the very stars in the night sky.
Xianyue crouched down and reached into the water as if to catch the moon. "Brother, give me your hand."
Feng Jiulan placed the hand-warmer on the ground and extended his hand. Xianyue grasped his wrist gently, smiling softly as she guided his hand into the water.
Even though he had been holding the warmer, his hands were cold, as icy as the winter water. Yet Xianyue's hands, though lightly clad, remained warm, like the gentle sun of spring.
"Brother, watch closely. I've caught the moon," Xianyue whispered.
Her hand formed a fist, precisely where the moon's reflection was divided. From Feng Jiulan's angle, it truly appeared as though she had captured the moon in her grasp.
"Now, I shall gift it to you."
Xianyue laughed, her pale skin and delicate features bathed in moonlight, glowing softly with an ethereal beauty.
She held the moon tightly in her hand, then extended it toward Feng Jiulan, "Brother, hold it tight."
Feng Jiulan, watching her outstretched hand in the water, opened his palm just as she "offered" the moon to him, then he, too, laughed, mirroring her gesture.
Yun Qinghen stood nearby, listening to their carefree laughter—so pure and childlike. It filled the air, so infectious that even he, an outsider, felt a lightness in his heart, as if flowers had bloomed within him.
"Now watch as I pluck the stars from the sky for you too," Xianyue declared, grabbing an imaginary handful of stars and presenting them to Feng Jiulan. Just as with the moon, he "caught" those distant stars in his palm.
"Brother, haven't I now given you both the moon and stars from the heavens?"
Xianyue's laughter rang out again, her snow-white skin glistening with droplets of water, like dew on a flower at dawn, radiant and captivating.
Feng Jiulan laughed as well, using his free hand to gently wipe away the water from her face. His Moon had eyes that shone brighter than the stars and moon combined.
"Is there anything else my brother desires? Just say the word, and your Moon will make it happen."
Feng Jiulan nodded, content in this moment. He wanted nothing more than her happiness, and for now, she had indeed granted him that wish. If time could freeze, he would want this moment to last forever.
He wished for his Moon to always smile as joyfully as she did now.
But Feng Jiulan's health was fragile, and the water was cold. Despite Xianyue's joy, she dared not let the fun continue for too long. They returned inside, where she carefully dried his hands with a soft towel. Still concerned, she thought of asking Yun Qinghen to prepare hot water for him to bathe, but fearing it would disrupt his rest, she decided against it. Instead, she had Yun Qinghen bring an extra blanket.
When Yun Qinghen entered, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Feng Jiulan wrapped tightly in the blankets, obediently resting. Only the princess could coax such compliance from His Highness.
"Princess, I've had some ginger tea prepared to ward off the chill," Yun Qinghen said.
At the mention of ginger tea, Feng Jiulan's brow furrowed slightly. But Xianyue's bright smile and eager nod won him over, and he drank the tea. Though physically tired, his eyes remained lively, betraying no sign of sleep.
Xianyue, sitting beside his bed, propped her chin in her hands, gazing up at him, "Brother, it's late. You should rest."
After speaking, she stood, ready to leave, but Feng Jiulan loosened the blankets and stepped to the side of the bed, calling her name softly, "Moon."
Xianyue turned back, coming closer, "What is it?"
Her clear eyes, filled with concern, locked onto his, holding so much unspoken emotion.
Feng Jiulan gently ruffled her hair, a gesture full of warmth and affection. "Brother will soon return home."
He had come to the Zhou Dynasty hoping to see Xianyue, but also to form an alliance through marriage to strengthen the Feng Kingdom against their rivals, Lan and Xuanyuan. Though he hadn't married Ning Yunyan, finding his Moon safe and sound had been more than enough.
Xianyue averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes any longer.
"Moon, come back with Brother."