The crescent moon turned away, as the face of the butterfly maiden rested against Lan Yixuan's chest, preventing her from discerning the details of her appearance. With a fleeting glance, the crescent moon was certain of one thing: she was undoubtedly a stunning beauty, exuding an enchanting fragrance. Suddenly struck by a thought, the crescent moon's smile blossomed.
Lan Yixuan did not push the beauty away. He extended a hand to gently pat her back, exhibiting a calm demeanor that lacked any particular warmth, nor the disdain the crescent moon had noticed during their brief encounter. Instead, he allowed the maiden to cling to him peacefully.
The crescent moon felt a surge of understanding welling up inside her, and as she observed the pair in their embrace, her smile widened. It was no wonder he forbade other women from approaching him.
At the moment Lan Yixuan reached out, he glanced up at the crescent moon, his face alight with a cheerful expression. His crystal-clear eyes reflected the sight of the two intertwined figures, adorned in purple and pink, revealing nothing of anger or jealousy.
The enchanting beauty nestled closer to Lan Yixuan. "Brother Xuan, I've missed you dearly," she murmured.
Her soft voice sent ripples through the crescent moon's heart. As she recalled the women Lan Yixuan had encountered, she realized that, apart from herself, she hadn't seen him engage intimately with anyone else. Fine, she wouldn't admit to being a rival; if anything, it was merely a figment of her imagination, akin to the idle whims of Nian Xiaoyu.
After a moment of hesitation, the crescent moon noticed the beauty showed no intention of releasing Lan Yixuan. She gingerly touched her own flat stomach; she truly was quite hungry. Carefully retreating, she approached Leiyun, keen not to disturb the embracing couple. Under the radiant sun, the petite and lovely woman leaned against the tall, dashing man, a harmonious sight indeed.
"Leiyun, please prepare something to eat for me."
She deliberately lowered her voice as she leaned close to his ear, and in that instant, she felt Leiyun stiffen, as if suddenly petrified, unable to move a muscle. His usual cold demeanor flushed with a hint of crimson, his ears seemingly ablaze.
The warmth of her gentle breath brushed against her face, sending a delightful tingling sensation through her. It seemed that even a heart forged from steel could melt in an instant. Leiyun could clearly feel the normally gentle gaze lingering upon him, swiftly transforming into shards of ice, cold and sharp, striking him with a piercing pain akin to arrows piercing his heart.
Without hesitation, Leiyun took two steps back, his head lowered. The crescent moon caught a glimpse of his ears, reddened in the sunlight, like searing iron; even without touching them, she could feel their scorching heat.
She pointed at Leiyun's flushed ears, her brows arching into a crescent shape as she laughed, quickly covering her lips and turning away. The two who had just shared a sweet embrace had separated, and now, through the dazzling sunlight, she finally discerned the beauty's face.
A breathtaking beauty indeed. The crescent moon pondered long but still could not find an apt descriptor. A verse describing a stunning maiden flickered through her mind: *"There is a beautiful demon by the riverside, whose grace enchants all who behold her. A girl, as pristine as morning dew, blossoms like a lotus."*
The crescent moon stepped forward a few paces, finally able to see her eyes. Those eyes were the first thing that struck her; they bore the captivating allure of a vixen, cultivated over millennia, ensnaring souls with a single glance, rendering them helplessly entranced. Yet, they retained the softness and purity characteristic of a girl from the Chu kingdom, untouched by the world—a naïve young woman, her lips still innocent. Her face was remarkably clean, with petite, delicate features resembling a doll, her small frame invoking a sense of tenderness. She embodied the union of fairy and sprite, seemingly paradoxical yet achingly harmonious.
At that moment, she fixed her enchanting eyes, honed through countless years of practice, upon Lan Yixuan, silently conveying something. With her pristine appearance and beguiling gaze, she was the very essence of allure, capable of ensnaring any man's heart. Such a woman deserved to be cherished in the palms of men's hands.
Widely acknowledged as the fairest maiden, she was the Chu kingdom's Princess Chuxue. As she smiled, she held onto Lan Yixuan's arm with her delicate fingers, which appeared untouched by the world—a clean, slender pair, as smooth as a baby's skin. The crescent moon began to understand why the king of Chu cherished his daughter like King Zhohui did, but she also knew their reasons differed; the latter's love was tinged with too much manipulation and selfishness, whereas for a girl like this, it was impossible not to feel a surge of affection.
Hua Chuxue—the first snow, the purest and whitest snow. Indeed, she lived up to her name.
"Brother Xuan, who is she?" Hua Chuxue inquired, her eyes wide and innocent, fixated on the crescent moon, a smile brightening her face with warmth and familiarity, unlike Ning Yunyan, who exuded an air of superiority.
The crescent moon smiled softly. She thought that if the beauty could let go of Lan Yixuan's hand, shedding any possessive implication, perhaps she might feel some admiration, sighing inwardly at her own folly.
Turning away, she noted Leiyun was absent, likely preparing lunch for her, her spirits lifted as her smile brightened like the sun.
Approaching Hua Chuxue, she offered a polite smile. "So this is what the world's most beautiful woman looks like."
Hua Chuxue's eyes widened, the softness in her gaze wavering, seemingly puzzled by the crescent moon's words.
"A true beauty, deserving of her reputation," the crescent moon declared, laughter spilling from her lips, her mirth exuding a carefree spirit.
"Are you the Princess Xianyue of Feng Country?" Hua Chuxue asked, her gaze fixated on the vermillion mark between her brows, displaying no doubt, having confirmed her identity.
The crescent moon raised an eyebrow and nodded.
Suddenly, Hua Chuxue released Lan Yixuan's arm, excitedly grasping the crescent moon's hand, her demeanor resembling that of a long-admired star, bubbling with enthusiasm. "I'm older than you!"
Taken aback by such an unexpected revelation, the crescent moon merely responded with a nonchalant hum, offering nothing further.
The kingdoms of Yan, Chu, Feng, Lan, Xuanyuan, and Da Zhou were predominantly ruled by princes, yet there were more than just three princesses. The Zhou princess, Ning Yunyan, embodied grace, a paragon of royal elegance. In contrast, the Chu kingdom's Hua Chuxue was enchanting, the subject of many a man's longing. The Xihe princess, however, was a product of her family's decline, having only one prince and one princess. Despite lacking her father's affection, she was cherished by her brother, compounded by tales of her extraordinary achievements circulating among the people, leading to a somewhat legendary status, hence her identity as Feng Xianyue.
"Can you tell me about Brother Xuan?" Hua Chuxue gazed at the crescent moon with eager anticipation, yet the crescent moon noticed the sparkle in her eyes as she spoke of her brother, a light that revealed her deep feelings, which she could not feign ignorance of.
It was no wonder Lan Yixuan was so certain; no matter how rational a woman may be, she becomes foolish when love enters the equation. Moreover, Hua Chuxue seemed anything but astute; having met Lan Yixuan, she would be helpless against his charms, the most cherished little princess of the Chu kingdom, ensnared within his grasp.
No matter how formidable the Bai family may be, the Hua family represented the true royalty of the Chu kingdom. Should they refuse to comply, the Bai family would be guilty of treason against the throne.
Hua Chuxue, appearing pitiful, sniffed softly, her eyes instantly reddening, pouting in a manner both sorrowful and aggrieved. "Brother Xuan says the world is treacherous and refuses to take me out."
Her soft voice, tinged with a nasally tone, carried a certain charm. Frowning slightly, her petite figure and somewhat delicate frame exuded an air of fragility. Even with her brows furrowed, she remained strikingly beautiful.
"Princess, there are many lecherous individuals in the world," the crescent moon paused, a playful smile gracing her lips as she glanced at Lan Yixuan, her gaze imbued with teasing.
"Those who claim to be righteous may use their gaze and wit to take advantage of you. By day, they appear well-groomed and dignified, yet by night, they transform into flower thieves, seeking to pluck your delicate blossom."
The crescent moon gently lifted Hua Chuxue's chin with a single finger, leaning closer to her face, playfully blowing a breath of air, her demeanor lighthearted, her clear eyes sparkling with a mischievous smile that was hard to decipher as warm or frosty.
The crescent moon gazed with satisfaction at Hua Chuxue's startled expression, her enchanting eyes filled with confusion and trepidation. Only then did she release her grip; as a woman, she felt no need for excessive compassion, for she already had someone she wished to cherish—a single individual sufficed, and no more were necessary.
"Do not frighten her."
Lan Yixuan approached the crescent moon, casting a warning glance her way. "She cannot handle any stress."
Lan Yixuan's serious demeanor took the crescent moon by surprise. She waved her hand dismissively, a carefree smile gracing her lips. "I didn't do anything."
Watching Lan Yixuan comfort Hua Chuxue, she felt a sense of relief that she remained untouched by emotion—thankfully, thankfully.
"Miss Xuan Yue."
It was Lei Yun's voice, and the crescent moon's eyes sparkled with delight as she instantly cast aside Lan Yixuan and Hua Chuxue, cheerfully striding toward Lei Yun.
Living so carefree, unburdened by love's sorrows and pains, was truly wonderful.
"It's dumplings."
Lei Yun found a table and placed a large bowl of dumplings in front of the crescent moon. "This is the quickest dish from the kitchen."
The crescent moon nodded; Lei Yun's culinary skills were quite impressive, and considering she was not picky, she was indeed hungry. It was a wise decision to serve her dumplings now rather than making her wait for a proper meal for half an hour.
"Are you hungry?"
Lan Yixuan released his arm from around Hua Chuxue's shoulders and asked softly.
Hua Chuxue looked up at Lan Yixuan, a satisfied smile on her face as she pursed her lips and shook her head. "Not hungry."
She had only wanted to see her Brother Xuan, ignoring the crescent moon, but the sound of the crescent moon devouring dumplings was quite loud, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of her swallowing. The meat dumplings made by Lei Yun's own hands, along with the sea cucumber mushrooms available on the market, were abundant, and the broth was extraordinarily delicious.
Hua Chuxue looked up, but she found Lan Yixuan's gaze was not on her; it passed over the hunched form of Lei Yun and landed softly on her, filled with an indescribable warmth and emotions she dared not explore.
Hua Chuxue tugged at Lan Yixuan's clothing, her floral-like smile bright, and whispered, "Brother Xuan, I'm hungry."
Like a stray kitten reuniting with a long-lost owner, she appeared. The crescent moon held the bowl in both hands, drinking the fragrant broth in large gulps. She thought it quite unusual that she felt nothing toward such a stunning beauty; if it weren't jealousy, then it must be love, yet she felt not an ounce of it—seemingly, all her tenderness had been bestowed upon the one who had enveloped her in warmth.
The crescent moon set down the now empty bowl, leaning back in her chair with her feet propped up on another chair, patting her stomach and letting out a satisfied belch. "Lei Yun, I want more dumplings for dinner."
She looked at Lei Yun's back. "Just four or five will do. A person is like iron; food is like steel. I didn't eat lunch, and I need to eat."
"Lei Yun, bring a bowl of dumplings for Hua Chuxue."
Hua Chuxue smiled. "I want a large bowl too."
Lei Yun turned around, acknowledging with a simple "yes," and quietly retreated.
The crescent moon glanced at Hua Chuxue, who rested her chin on her hands, also gazing at her. "After eating four or five of those big dumplings, will you still have room for a meal?"
The crescent moon nodded, wearing a look of nonchalance. "I'm still growing; if I don't eat more, I'll suffer from malnutrition."
She spoke earnestly, but her thoughts lingered on Lan Yixuan's earlier address. She called him Brother Xuan, a term of intimacy laden with youthful admiration, yet he referred to her as Hua Chuxue, her full name. His every action radiated care, but his tone was so cold.
"Brother Xuan, has she always lived here?"
Hua Chuxue asked, tilting her head up to Lan Yixuan.
He met her gaze without flinching, devoid of any man's typical infatuation, and simply replied with a soft, "Mm."
"Will she continue to live here?"
Hua Chuxue pressed on, sounding like a pure and innocent child.
Lan Yixuan took a seat across from her and nodded.
"Then I want to live here too."
It was neither a certainty nor a command; the crescent moon discerned no trace of threat—only a plea, a desire, accompanied by a delicate air of timidity as her enchanting eyes fixed on Lan Yixuan. He merely sat in silence.
At that moment, Lei Yun entered with a plate of dumplings identical to the previous bowl, even the quantity was the same, and placed it before Hua Chuxue.
Hua Chuxue's eyes widened, her expression adorable as she pretended to swallow, looking up at the crescent moon. The crescent moon rested her chin on her hands and pouted at the dumplings in the bowl, gesturing for her to help herself.
Hua Chuxue looked at Lan Yixuan, took a deep breath as if summoning immense determination, picked up her chopsticks, and without forgetting to inspect them carefully, produced a clean silk handkerchief from her bosom. A maid standing nearby wiped them again before she accepted the chopsticks, poised to lift a large dumpling and popped it into her mouth in one go, her sparkling, pure eyes instantly brimming with delight.
The crescent moon merely observed; the dumplings freshly steamed were still scalding, and the speed at which she devoured them was due to her habits. How could a princess, who truly lived in luxury, develop such a remarkable skill?
She had expected Hua Chuxue to spit it out; after all, swallowing something so hot would set one's heart ablaze, making the experience quite unpleasant. Yet she didn't—Hua Chuxue managed to swallow the dumpling whole, and the crescent moon followed her gaze, which landed precisely on Lan Yixuan. Disappointment tinged her crystalline eyes, yet Hua Chuxue still wouldn't set down her chopsticks, eating rapidly and making loud sounds.
"Princess."
The maid beside her called out worriedly, but Hua Chuxue seemed oblivious, finishing every dumpling Lei Yun had brought her and then drank the broth in large gulps.
The crescent moon watched her every action and felt an increasing familiarity, and then, when the bowl that had once been full of dumplings was now empty, she leaned back, her feet dangling in mid-air, completely empty. The crescent moon chuckled at Lei Yun, who was busy cleaning up, and at Hua Chuxue, who lay sprawled on the chair.
Hua Chuxue felt a burning discomfort in her stomach, as if flames were consuming her; it was an unbroken heat, starting from the very beginning, leaving her utterly miserable.
"Princess, your appetite is quite substantial."
She glanced at Lan Yixuan, who remained motionless on the opposite side.
She was utterly certain—one hundred percent sure—that everything Hua Chuxue did was for him. She found it amusing, coldly so, and felt a surge of mocking impulse; did she think that merely residing here made her special to Lan Yixuan? Was it fair to call her naive or foolish?
"The appetite of a woman truly is a flexible thing."
Hua Chuxue sighed, but it wasn't one of satisfaction; it stemmed from discomfort. Her snow-white skin, as delicate as that of a newborn, was tinted with a blush from her restraint, beads of cold sweat beaded on her forehead, accentuating her beauty as she looked wan, reminiscent of Lin Daiyu from "Dream of the Red Chamber," casting her gaze toward the crescent moon.
"Indeed, it can be both large and small."
Lei An stood quietly nearby, and upon seeing Lei Yun depart with the plate, he followed after him. The two left the grand hall, navigating through the corridor until they reached a secluded kitchen. However, Lei Yun seemed unaware of the following presence, quietly attending to his tasks.
"Lei Yun."
Lei An, frustrated, rushed forward to seize his arm, his eyes ignited with flames and growing concern.
"What are you doing? She is the young master's woman."
Lei Yun looked at the somewhat agitated Lei An and nodded. "I know my position and understand the boundaries."
Lei An glared at him; if he understood, why then take the risk?
"I wonder how the young master can win Miss Xuan Yue's heart."
Lei Yun sighed. "Now there's also the clingy Princess Chuxue; you know she—"
Lei Yun met Lei An's gaze but did not continue; they both shared an unspoken understanding.
Since she was the young master's woman, even if she was the apple of his eye, losing her would mean bleeding and unbearable pain; yet, some things must be let go. Lei An released Lei Yun's hand and gazed longingly at the distant green mountains visible through the kitchen window, letting out a sigh. "After all, Princess Chuxue has become like this because of the Young Master, and as for the Queen—"
Lei An continued, "The Young Master feels nothing but guilt."
Lei Yun sighed again, but remained silent.
"Lan Yixuan, your Princess Chuxue may be feeling unwell."
Xianyue pointed at Hua Chuxue, who lay in a chair with her eyes half-closed, displaying a painful effort to endure. It was truly a pity for her to be in such a state at this time.
On New Year's Eve, the palace would surely host a grand feast, yet her lips were blistered from the heat, leaving her unable to eat anything.
The table was laden with exquisite delicacies, yet she could only watch, which was nothing short of torture.
Lan Yixuan rose from the table and walked over to Xianyue, fixing his gaze on her for a long moment, visibly displeased. Xianyue smiled, believing she had spoken no falsehood; to be linked with a princess, particularly one as stunning as her, was no misfortune.
Xianyue jumped up from the table and approached Lan Yixuan, playfully nudging his shoulder and pointing at Hua Chuxue. "Her complexion is dreadful."
Hua Chuxue's eyes were closed, so Xianyue did not notice the astonishment reflected in her captivating gaze.
"Brother Xuan."
Hua Chuxue clutched Lan Yixuan's garments, calling out weakly; the sheen of sweat on her alabaster skin made her look even more translucent.
Lan Yixuan knelt down and gently wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead, asking softly, "Are you unwell?"
Hua Chuxue shook her head. Xianyue was certain she was merely putting on a brave front; if she truly felt fine, wouldn't that be deceitful?
"Brother Xuan, will you spend the New Year in the palace?"
Xianyue nudged Lan Yixuan. "Then you should take her back and leave Lei Yun for me."
Lan Yixuan turned away, and Xianyue could not quite decipher his expression, though she was certain he did not care for others' opinions. She continued to smile, saying, "Make me a New Year's Eve dinner."
Such a delicate creature, facing her in such a frail state, would typically elicit compassion from anyone; yet Lan Yixuan seemed resolute: "I will visit you in the palace in a few days."
Just a moment ago, there had been lavish anticipation akin to the splendor of fireworks, but now only a world of darkness loomed: "Are you not going? Father and Mother often speak of you and wish to see you."
She shifted slightly. "Then I shall stay here to celebrate the New Year with you."
Fearing Lan Yixuan might refuse, she cast a pitiful glance at Xianyue, swiftly grasping Xianyue's hand with a firm grip. Xianyue, seeing her fragile demeanor, felt it unkind to shake her off, so she allowed her to hold on quietly, awaiting her response.
"Please ask Brother Xuan to promise me he will stay."
Xianyue sighed inwardly, pondering why the women she encountered all seemed to love so humbly.
Those exquisite, alluring eyes sparkled like fractured light, reminiscent of a broken heart. She looked at Lan Yixuan and thought that since they were not truly alone—after all, her brother was not by her side—she would not mind spending the New Year with either Lan Yixuan, or perhaps with Bai Zhanfeng, or even with Hua Chuxue; it made little difference to her.
However, did this Princess Chuxue truly regard herself so highly? Although Lan Yixuan did not compel her, he had never mentioned any feelings. What was her position? She had not been of any assistance and had only attracted trouble for herself; perhaps it was better to let it go.
She raised an eyebrow and lightly kicked Lan Yixuan. "Young Master Lan, will you heed my request?"
Lan Yixuan did not meet her gaze, gently tidying Hua Chuxue's tousled hair. She appeared so small and fragile, akin to a doll placed within a porcelain vase; should the vase shatter, the delicate doll would become irreparably damaged.
"I will visit you in the palace in a few days; be good and listen."
Hua Chuxue looked at Lan Yixuan, her large eyes suddenly filling with tears, and she began to cry. Had it been the former Nian Xiaoyu lying in that chair, or if Bai Zhanfeng had been the one urging her to be obedient, perhaps those silent tears would have turned into a loud wail, clinging stubbornly.
"Please take the princess back; she is weak and should not be out."
Indeed, the world's most beautiful woman was, in fact, an ailing beauty, yet her condition was not an inherent flaw but rather a consequence of insufficient care; the cause remained a mystery to all.
"Remember to visit me in the palace."
Hua Chuxue was straightened by Lan Yixuan, her hands gripping his arm tightly as she anxiously reminded him, until he responded with an acknowledgment, and a satisfied smile graced her face once more.
Xianyue watched as Hua Chuxue was carried out on a stretcher, with Lan Yixuan escorting her to the door. Xianyue considered this a bittersweet farewell.
"A duck that was almost in your grasp, yet you refuse to eat it."
Xianyue approached Lan Yixuan, glancing at the vanishing Hua Chuxue with a heavy heart, lifting her eyes to meet Lan Yixuan's, bearing an expression of someone whose condition seemed hopeless.
"If it were you, I would never refuse; would you?"
Lan Yixuan turned to face Xianyue, the seriousness of his gaze made her feel somewhat uncomfortable. He smiled lightly and walked toward the exit.
Xianyue chuckled softly, following closely behind, mimicking Hua Chuxue's gentle tone. "Brother Xuan."
She pouted, feeling a sudden chill wash over her.
Lan Yixuan abruptly halted, and she collided with his back, looking into his eyes, her smile widening even further. "Next time you visit the palace, could you take me along?"