Several palace maids and eunuchs hurriedly helped the fallen Hua Chuxue to her feet. The King of Chu and the Queen approached Xianyue, both appearing oblivious to the injury on her hand. The Queen turned, cradling the sobbing Hua Chuxue in her arms, whispering gentle reassurances.
"Princess, look—"
The King of Chu glanced at the fallen Qiuqiu, a frown creasing his brow, clearly displeased. He stared at Xianyue with evident discomfort, hoping she would choose to let the matter rest.
As the saying goes, one should consider the master even when punishing the dog. Although Qiuqiu was merely a kitten, she was Hua Chuxue's beloved companion, having been by her side for years. The injury to Xianyue's hand was just retribution for the blood she had drawn from the little creature.
Xianyue shot a sidelong glance at the King, her gaze light as a feather, yet it pricked like a needle. The King flinched, startled by her indifferent demeanor, and felt an unbidden urge to submit before her.
"Is this how the Kingdom of Chu treats its guests?"
Her voice rose in pitch, accompanied by the regal lift of her phoenix eyes, exuding an air of authority. The King involuntarily took two steps back, lowering his gaze, too intimidated to meet her eyes.
"Is a human life truly worth less than a mad cat?"
With that, Xianyue turned away, pouring herself a cup of wine amid the startled expressions of the officials. She brought the cup to her lips, savoring a delicate sip. The way her pink tongue caressed the emerald rim of the cup was an almost imperceptible gesture, yet it possessed a seductive allure that eclipsed even the courtesans of brothels. At the same time, it radiated an inherent dignity that invited admiration yet instilled fear. This paradox compelled the onlookers to glance at the still and composed Lan Yixuan beside her. He too wore a gentle smile that drew people in, yet as he took a few steps forward, he hesitated, as if he were mere dirt of the earth, aware that his every action would only tarnish him further.
When these two stood together, a sense of something missing lingered in the air, yet their harmony was undeniable. They seemed like a perfect pair, destined for one another, each the other's rightful home.
"Moreover, I am a princess of the Feng Kingdom."
Her voice, laced with a hint of ferocity, unequivocally expressed her determination—she would not be silenced.
Bai Zhanfeng stood by Bai Ao's side, unable to see the injury on Xianyue's hand. Yet, the great hall was enveloped in an eerie silence. Perhaps his ears were exceptionally attuned; he could distinctly hear the rhythmic dripping sound, reminiscent of summer nights, as droplets fell to the floor, gradually coalescing into a beautiful tableau.
Standing behind Lan Yixuan, Lei Yun caught a glimpse of his master before suddenly stepping forward to take Xianyue's hand, miraculously producing bandages and hemostatic powder as if by magic.
Xianyue regarded the bowing Lei Yun, her lips curling into a soft laugh. "A master is only as good as their servant. Lei Yun, you are far more conscientious than Lan Yixuan."
In the Queen's embrace, Hua Chuxue abruptly ceased her sobs, gazing at Xianyue with a mix of awe and reverence. Her milky complexion, highlighted by lingering tears at the corners of her eyes, rendered her a picture of pitiable innocence, the ethereal allure of her doe-like eyes clouded by sorrow.
Those present knew well that Lei An and Lei Yun were inseparable from Lan Yixuan; whatever the servants did was naturally with their master's consent, or at least with an attempt to interpret his desires. They assumed Lei Yun's actions were in alignment with Lan Yixuan's will.
Xianyue raised an eyebrow toward Lan Yixuan, who wore an inscrutable expression, maintaining his gentle smile with no hint of discontent.
Seeing his grandson unable to contain himself, Bai Ao glared at Bai Zhanfeng, who glared back with fiery eyes and approached Xianyue, noticing that her wound had yet to be tended. Lei Yun was attentively applying medicine to her injury, the vivid crimson staining her skin shocking to behold, revealing glimpses of bone beneath.
"Ouch."
Xianyue feigned surprise, furrowing her brow. Bai Zhanfeng rushed over, concern flooding his features. "What's wrong? What happened?"
He turned to Lei Yun, his expression darkening. "Be gentler."
Lei Yun met his gaze with icy indifference, offering the bandage to Bai Zhanfeng. "Then you do it."
Bai Zhanfeng shot him a glare; he was known for his strength and often lacked restraint. If he inadvertently caused Xianyue pain, she would not spare him her ire. Should the old master witness her fury, he would surely become incensed.
Facing the King of Chu, Xianyue's lips curled into a smirk. "If this injury were on Princess Chuxue—"
Before she could finish her sentence, the King's expression darkened, the smile wiped clean from his face. He straightened, glaring at Xianyue. "She didn't mean to, so why not let it go? After all, this is the Kingdom of Chu."
He even resorted to thinly veiled threats. Xianyue smiled faintly, but before she could speak, Bai Zhanfeng abruptly stood, his dark, piercing eyes radiating a chilling hostility as he locked gazes with the King. The words that escaped his lips sent a jolt through the King's heart. "Does the King of Chu understand what it means to be in Chu? For five hundred years, you have enjoyed the riches and comforts that are the fruits of my Bai family's labor. Do you know how many sacrifices we have made for the Kingdom of Chu?"
As he spoke, he wrapped an arm around Xianyue's shoulders, his voice heavy with anguish as he pointed to her distressed form. Bai Ao stood behind him, mirroring the same look of sorrow. "This is my woman, the daughter of the Bai family, and you dare to tell me you are unaware of the rumors that have circulated widely in the martial world? She is also a princess of the Feng Kingdom, cherished by none other than the Crown Prince himself. You understand your own standing in Chu; do you really think Chu is any different from the Zhou Dynasty? It is but a hollow shell, and a rotten one at that. Does the Crown Prince of Feng wish to bury the entire Feng Kingdom along with Princess Chuxue's reckless behavior?"
Xianyue stood dumbfounded. Turning, she caught a glimpse of Bai Zhanfeng standing behind her, his presence formidable, his icy demeanor capable of freezing anyone. Yet, enveloped in his embrace, she felt warmth blossoming within her, a sense of comfort that made her lips curve into a smile.
Bai Zhanfeng, it seemed, wasn't so bad after all.
"It is merely a wildcat; she deserves punishment for wounding the wrong person. Even if she dies, it is her own doing. The King only sees Princess Chuxue's tearful cries but fails to notice that Xianyue's hand is already injured and bleeding. Qiuqiu was brought by her and has been by her side. Had Xianyue not dodged swiftly, it would not be her hand that was hurt, but her face—perhaps even disfigured. And if that sharp claw had struck her eyes, do you think the princess of Feng would allow any harm to befall her in the palace of Chu? Wouldn't such a thing render the Kingdom of Chu nonexistent? Shouldn't Princess Chuxue apologize for her mistakes?"
Perhaps the Kingdom of Chu was not so weak, but without the Bai family, it would crumble like dust. If Xianyue's face had truly been marred by that cat, or her eyes blinded, he would have opened the city gates, colluding with the army of Feng Kingdom. Such a monarchy was of no use to him.
The King of Chu stood frozen, the Queen aghast, and the surrounding ministers were equally bewildered. They had not anticipated Bai Zhanfeng, raised in the martial world, would speak with such conviction. Some were instinctively astonished, while others caught the deeper meaning in his words. Qiuqiu had been a loyal companion to the princess for nearly a decade; she loved Lan Yixuan, yet he had always treated her with indifference, while he was notably affectionate toward Xianyue. It was jealousy that led to this chaos.
"Bai Zhanfeng."
Xianyue called out softly, leaning against him, her eyes sparkling as she laughed. She reached up to pat his shoulder. "I had no idea you were so eloquent."
Straightening up, she was about to clap for him when he snatched the cup from her hand, crushing it effortlessly into shards. Bai Ao finally snapped back to reality and took a few steps toward them, his aged voice unexpectedly vigorous as he bellowed, "Bai Zhanfeng!"
The use of both name and surname conveyed the depth of his ire.
Bai Zhanfeng turned around, the remnants of wine cascading across the back of his hand, the liquid flowing through his palm. Suddenly, those tiny shards shot forth like sharp daggers, lunging toward Qiuqiu, who lay on the ground, gasping for breath. The overwhelming force was reminiscent of surging ocean waves, ready to drown everything in its path.
Then, that wild cat Qiuqiu, who had only been bleeding from its mouth, was now riddled with fragments, each inch of its body pierced. It stirred slightly on the ground, blood gushing forth like a fountain.
"Oh, Qiuqiu."
"My Qiuqiu."
Qiuqiu twitched on the ground, its sapphire-blue eyes widened in a final gasp, never to close again. It collapsed softly, unmoving.
Hua Chuxue let out a piercing scream, her eyes red and tears streaming down her cheeks. Stumbling, she pushed past the queen who held her and ran to where Qiuqiu lay lifeless. The once pure white fur was instantly stained crimson, a dazzling red that reflected in her eyes, piercing her heart with deep anguish.
Xian Yue observed Hua Chuxue, who was crouched in despair, raising an eyebrow at Bai Zhanfeng behind her. The wine glass in his hand had become the weapon that claimed Qiuqiu's life. She felt no sympathy; was her life not worth more than that of a wild cat?
Breaking free from Bai Zhanfeng's grip, she passed by King Chu and the queen, whose expressions reflected their displeasure as they regarded her. But when they turned their gaze to Hua Chuxue, it was filled with compassion.
Xian Yue halted before Hua Chuxue, gazing at the bloodied Qiuqiu on the ground, clicking her tongue in dismay. "How could it have died?"
Her voice dripped with feigned pity, yet it felt like a sharp ice pick piercing Hua Chuxue's heart. As she swept her gaze over Hua Chuxue's pale face, there was no trace of compassion; the pain was not enough; she wanted Hua Chuxue to remember this suffering.
"Respect others a foot, and they shall respect you a mile, but if she dares to offend her, she cannot blame her for being unkind. Why should a woman make things difficult for another? Such a notion does not exist in her dictionary.
If she does not wish to live, not even the King of Hell could claim her; without her sight, what difference would there be between her and a worthless creature? How pained her brother would be by such a version of herself.
A beauty with the heart of a serpent—she finally recognized it. Hua Chuxue wasted such a splendid name, yet it suited her perfectly, strikingly beautiful, yet her heart was cold and venomous.
"Bai Zhanfeng, your hand is rather ruthless. After all, this is the princess's beloved pet; surely, you could have left her whole."
That frosty tone amplified the pain in the hearts of those present a thousandfold.
Lan Yixuan merely smiled. Ruthless? Hadn't she held the wine glass to enact such a deed? Bai Zhanfeng merely acted first, doing what she had wished to do. His gentle gaze settled on Hua Chuxue, subtly tinged with caution.
"Look, look—"
Xian Yue pointed at the various shards embedded in Qiuqiu, while Bai Zhanfeng approached with a grim expression, glancing down at the fallen cat with no trace of sympathy. "Her death is no loss."
Xian Yue withdrew her finger, suddenly bursting into laughter. "I wonder if it can be stitched back together."
With her hands resting on her knees, Xian Yue rose, staring at Hua Chuxue on the ground. Suddenly, her eyes widened. Hua Chuxue, who had been crouching, dropped to her knees before Qiuqiu, carefully cradling the small creature in her arms. She gently stroked its blood-stained fur, her touch incredibly tender. Her clear, captivating eyes were vacant and bewildered; her hands occasionally pricked by the sharp porcelain shards, yet she remained blissfully unaware, continuing her gentle caress, her lips moving as if whispering something unknowable.
If Hua Chuxue's earlier actions merely surprised Xian Yue, what came next sent a chill down her spine. Those sapphire-blue eyes, terrifying in the night, bore an unbearable resentment, and Hua Chuxue stared directly into them, pulling the shards from Qiuqiu's body. Her motions, once gentle, turned unyielding; each removal was ruthless, and blood surged forth with each extraction. Her face was cold, and Xian Yue even suspected that her subtle movements could rouse the deceased Qiuqiu from its slumber.
Blood splattered across her face as she continued to pull out the shards, tears streaming down her cheeks. Not only was she moved, but even Bai Zhanfeng, who had seen much in life, couldn't help but feel astonished. Only Lan Yixuan remained calm, his gaze serene, devoid of any surprise. Yet his eyes darkened slightly, tinted with a hint of guilt.
"Xue'er, what—what are you—doing?"
The King of Chu's voice trembled, unable to contain his shock, while the queen stood silently beside him, continually wiping away her tears.
"Shh."
Hua Chuxue raised her bloodied hand to her lips, her clear eyes stained red like a bloodthirsty fox. She made a silencing gesture toward the King, causing him to tremble and step back two paces.
"Don't disturb Qiuqiu."
She pointed to the small cat in her arms, her lips moving, though the King did not comprehend, Xian Yue understood.
As the final shard was removed, Hua Chuxue carefully laid Qiuqiu on the ground. When their gazes met, Xian Yue couldn't help but shudder, an icy dread enveloping her.
"It's you, it's you—"
Hua Chuxue pointed a finger at Xian Yue, her once fair fingertips now glistening with blood, droplets pooling and falling to the ground.
Instinctively, Bai Zhanfeng shielded Xian Yue, yet she would not yield; a cold sweat seemed to bead in her palms—not from fear, but sheer terror. In this world, apart from the matter she had long feared, nothing could cause her to falter. Yet it was hard for her to reconcile this version of Hua Chuxue with the sweet, dimpled smile she had known before.
"You killed my Qiuqiu."
Another drop of blood fell, landing on the ground with a shocking thud.
If Xian Yue felt this way, the other ministers were even more so; many had gone pale, and the sight of Hua Chuxue was ghostly. The noblewomen, especially, could hardly bear to witness the gushing blood as she pulled the shards from Qiuqiu's body, retching as they turned away.
"Xue'er."
Lan Yixuan's expression shifted upon hearing Hua Chuxue's words, and he let out a sharp exclamation. Xian Yue's gaze turned to Lan Yixuan; she had never seen him like this before.
"Brother Xuan."
Hua Chuxue flashed what she believed to be a beautiful and captivating smile. "She killed my Qiuqiu. I want revenge; I want her to suffer."
Before the words had barely left her lips, Hua Chuxue suddenly spun around. In that same instant, Lan Yixuan had already moved. Xian Yue, noticing the swift motion of his blue figure, quickly regained her composure.
Such incredible speed—this was Xian Yue's first thought. Someone had surpassed her own swiftness, shattering the limits of human capability. Then she noticed his eyes; a jolt of alarm surged within her. Those were not the eyes of a human. There was not a trace of warmth, yet they were not hollow. They were focused, with a singular target—her. The cold, venomous intent within them suggested that only her utter destruction would satisfy him.
Bai Zhanfeng was taken aback as well; when had Hua Chuxue developed such formidable allies?
"Smack."
"Smack."
The crisp sounds echoed throughout the Qinghuan Palace. Xian Yue looked at Hua Chuxue, her expression a mixture of astonishment and resentment, while Hua Chuxue gazed at Lan Yixuan with a pitiful and aggrieved look, disbelief evident in her eyes.