Lan Yixuan nodded farewell to the throng of young women surrounding him and approached Xianyue. Gazing upon her familiar face, which resembled a tranquil lake devoid of ripples, he was joined by Lei Yun and Lei An, who respectfully greeted, "Young Master."
Their respectful address betrayed a hint of discontent, particularly from Lei An, who lowered his head. Did the Young Master not have a fondness for Miss Xianyue? He had genuinely believed that the Young Master's preoccupation with state affairs was the reason he and Lei Yun were tasked with looking after her. Yet, upon arriving at Ganquan Palace, witnessing the scene before him made it unbearable; even as an onlooker, he felt a pang of discomfort. Lei Yun, sharing Lei An's sentiment, kept his head bowed, but while Lei An harbored discontent, his own heart was filled with curiosity and concern. He may not have known the depth of the Young Master's feelings for Xianyue, but he understood that something must be compelling him to overlook her; was it because of the Queen? Yet, why was he engaging in laughter with those young ladies? At that moment, Xianyue caught sight of him.
If Lei An felt this way, Bai Pingting was even more affected. Nonetheless, the customary etiquette could not be disregarded; she stepped forward to Lan Yixuan and offered a slight bow. "Greetings to the Young Master."
Lan Yixuan nodded, his gaze lingering, almost imperceptibly, on Xianyue, like a silken thread binding him to her. Observing the scene, several courtiers approached to pay their respects, for she was the queen of Feng Nation and, at present, their Young Master's wife. Regardless of her standing, they could not afford to be remiss. Even if she was not favored, she remained the queen of Feng Nation, whose deeds resonated throughout the land—killing at four, defeating the Bai family's eldest son, and uprooting the Li family upon ascending the throne. Such a formidable figure was not one to be trifled with.
Xianyue appeared oblivious to Lan Yixuan standing nearby, greeting the dignitaries who approached her one after another.
As the stream of visitors continued, Xianyue and Lan Yixuan became ensconced among the throng of courtiers, with Lei Yun and Lei An shadowing the Young Master and Bai Pingting accompanying Xianyue, gradually distancing themselves from one another.
Through the throng, Lan Yixuan observed Xianyue standing a short distance away, her demeanor composed and unflappable. Had it not been for the entanglement with him, she would typically be so, never allowing anything to trouble her. Even if it were a façade, she would reveal not a hint of vulnerability.
With a charming smile, Lan Yixuan engaged the surrounding courtiers in idle conversation, "I must take my leave for a moment."
He discreetly monitored Xianyue, who mirrored his scrutiny. Yet, unlike him, she was infinitely more resolute.
She loved him, but that love was not sufficient to compel her to abandon her principles. Were the entire situation her fault, or if she bore any blame, she might consider conceding to Lan Yixuan. However, she had done nothing wrong. Given that she was innocent, why should she compromise for a love that demanded such submission? She had lowered herself for her brother, relinquishing everything, for he would never let her endure such indignities.
If he chose to avoid her, then so be it; she would no longer inquire. She was eager to see how long he could endure the avoidance. If he could not stand it, she would return, and if it brought her embarrassment, so be it. Who would dare to mock her? In that place, there was one who would always offer her a warm embrace. She had not come here merely to be overlooked in silence.
Upon noticing Lan Yixuan approaching her direction, she exchanged a knowing glance with Bai Pingting and sought a reason to leave discreetly. As she stepped out of the Ganquan Palace, the clamor faded, replaced by a familiar aura. She sensed that Lan Yixuan was following closely behind her and turned around with a smile. "Young Master Lan, why have you come out? Aren't you with the beauties?"
Her words bore an ambiguous tone, teasing yet slightly sardonic, as she leaned to glimpse the direction behind him. Lan Yixuan swiftly extended an arm to block her forward movement, causing her to giggle as she brushed against his hand at her waist. "Why aren't those beauties following you?"
With a sigh, she feigned regret and gazed up at Lan Yixuan, her bright eyes reflecting an icy resolve. "Young Master Lan, don't you wish to take a concubine?"
Lan Yixuan furrowed his brows. Where was her mind wandering? He had returned to the residence quietly today merely to see her. Indeed, state affairs had kept him preoccupied, yet such busyness, if he wished, would not have warranted ignoring her presence in the residence. He had heard her consent to the Queen's invitation to the palace, so he left the residence early for Ganquan Palace. The women surrounding him were merely daughters of esteemed officials, and he had only exchanged pleasantries with them.
Having pledged his life to her, he would never break that vow. Even if there came a day when she departed from his side, he would forever keep a place for her alone.
"Are you jealous?"
"I've fallen into a vat of vinegar."
Lan Yixuan chuckled softly, reaching out to take Xianyue's hand, but she pulled away. He halted, staring at the palm that she had rebuffed. Xianyue stood frozen for a moment before glaring at him, suddenly stepping forward and grasping his hand, leading him onward.
"Young Master Lan, we must find a quieter place; we need to clarify everything today."
As Xianyue tugged at Lan Yixuan's hand, she walked briskly, only to abruptly halt as she realized her unfamiliarity with the surroundings. She pushed Lan Yixuan slightly and assertively commanded, "You lead the way."
Lan Yixuan tilted his head slightly, watching as Xianyue stared straight ahead, not meeting his gaze. Suddenly, he wrapped his arm around her waist. Xianyue gasped and began to struggle. "With so many people around, others will surely mock you."
Xianyue shot him a fierce glare. "Who would dare mock me?"
Her lips curled into a smirk, brows slightly furrowed; even in her clumsy struggle, an undeniable authority emanated from her.
"Did you not wish to find a place away from the crowd?"
Xianyue huffed in reply, surrendering to Lan Yixuan's embrace, no longer resisting. What was merely an embrace? Her fluctuating emotions clearly placed her at a disadvantage compared to him.
As they weaved through the winding corridors, the palace, illuminated by the bright lanterns, still appeared dim compared to daylight, and much of the exquisite detail was lost in the night. However, the hazy charm of the palace at night was enchanting, and it was only when they reached a hall named Xuelan that Lan Yixuan finally came to a halt, and Xianyue halted alongside him.
"Your Highness."
No sooner had they come to a standstill than the eunuchs and maidens inside the hall rushed out, kneeling in unison. Holding Xianyue's hand, Lan Yixuan entered the hall and turned to address the kneeling attendants. "Stand guard at the entrance."
"Yes."
The people on the ground stood up in unison, bowing their heads as they lined up orderly on either side of the palace door.
Xianyue, guided by Lan Yixuan, had just arrived at the main hall when she suddenly yanked her hand away from him. "Young Master Lan, what do you take me for? Your plaything, summoned at your whim and discarded at your leisure?"
For the sake of love, she endured, but she was also a person with a temper—one that could be quite fierce. Indeed, she loved Lan Yixuan, and she was willing to make concessions, but she would never allow her love to be trampled into insignificance.
Lan Yixuan attempted to take her hand again, but she evaded him and seated herself at the table. Taking a deep breath, she chastised herself for being too impulsive, especially in contrast to the calm demeanor of the man sitting beside her.
This man always seemed so inscrutable, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. Even now, she found it difficult to comprehend his choice to accompany her down into the Valley of Death; it was unfathomable that he remained steadfastly by her side in such a perilous moment. This unexpected loyalty only deepened her conviction.
Xianyue intertwined her fingers tightly on the table and fixed her gaze on Lan Yixuan, raising her leg to lightly kick his knee. "Young Master Lan, you must tell me the reason behind your actions."
Lan Yixuan pressed his lips together, his gaze locked on Xianyue, remaining silent.
Anger welled up within her, but she refrained from unleashing it at that moment. She reached for the teapot on the table, only for Lan Yixuan to seize it first. He filled a cup and offered it to her. Xianyue shot him a glance, accepted the cup, and gulped down the tea eagerly.
"Would you like more?"
His tone remained indifferent, as if nothing concerned him, which only served to heighten her frustration. She handed him the empty cup, and Lan Yixuan, with a smile, surveyed the surroundings. "This is the palace of my Lan family."
Was this where he lived as a child? Xianyue turned to observe the room by the faint moonlight and the soft glow of candlelight, taking in its simple yet refined décor that exuded Lan Yixuan's unique elegance.
"I have been here handling government affairs these past few days."
As Xianyue turned back, Lan Yixuan was just placing the teapot down. There was nothing particularly remarkable about the room; it resembled her brother's palace, save for the difference in color scheme. He appeared to have a fondness for purple, which suited him far better than the glaring yellow of the past. He explained himself, as she had witnessed him conversing and laughing with those women. Though her heart held a grudge, it was not of paramount importance. What she truly wanted to understand was why he acted this way. Yet, she was afraid—afraid of the secrets he kept hidden.
"Young Master Lan, why did you do this?"
She asked again, acknowledging her own fear and apprehension, but she refused to allow herself to evade the truth. To her, only the weak would hide like an ostrich when faced with difficulties, much like a turtle retreating into its shell at the slightest trouble. Xianyue bore many burdens on her shoulders; without the courage to confront her circumstances, even the strongest shell would eventually be crushed under weight.
Xianyue gazed steadily at Lan Yixuan. "I have been in the Lan kingdom for nearly ten days now. On the day of the wedding, you asked me if I regretted it, and I told you I did not. But now, I confess, I do regret it. I traveled from the Feng kingdom to the Lan kingdom not to experience the taste of being ignored by you. You think I am understanding and that I will empathize with you. What you are relying on is merely my feelings for you. Young Master Lan, I do love you, but if this is the kind of love we have, then no matter how enduring, it cannot last. Even if I were to die, I should at least die knowing the truth. You have your reasons, but that cannot mean disregarding my feelings entirely. If you were to marry Bai Zhanfeng without caring about my consent, could you accept that?"
Lan Yixuan's gaze remained fixed on Xianyue, his hands tightening around the teacup as it trembled, tea sloshing over the rim and splashing onto his hand. He discreetly set the cup down, withdrawing his hand, while the flickering candlelight cast a pale hue upon his face.
Xianyue fixed her eyes on him. She had never considered herself unreasonable, but Lan Yixuan's current demeanor was driving her mad. She kept telling herself not to care, but she was human, not a deity—how could feelings be governed by logic? They had weathered so many storms together to reach this point; it had not been easy, and knowing that made her cherish it even more.
The more Lan Yixuan behaved this way, the more afraid she felt. The seeds of panic and unease blossomed within her, rapidly growing under the sun's warmth. She gazed at him, her once hazy eyes now clear as they met his intense gaze, drawing ever closer. Suddenly, her heart raced; she yanked her hand away from the table, turned, and dashed for the exit.
Lan Yixuan was taken aback and hurried after her, grasping her arm as they ran.
"Xianyue!"
Flustered, she sprinted quickly but did not use her lightness of foot. Lan Yixuan swiftly closed the distance and seized her right hand. Despite her struggles, he held her tightly from behind.
"Let go!"
Xianyue fought against him fiercely, but Lan Yixuan refused to release his hold.
"Xianyue."
"Xianyue."
His chin rested on her shoulder, his lips almost brushing against her ear as he called out softly. Xianyue did not resist or speak, leaning against his chest, listening to the tumultuous rhythm of his breath, striving to calm the inexplicable agitation that had suddenly risen within her.
"Do not ask me this question."
His tone was neither a plea nor a command, yet it carried the weight of both.
Lan Yixuan embraced Xianyue and lifted his gaze to the twinkling stars in the night sky. The moon shone brilliantly tonight, its cold light penetrating the depths of one's heart.
"Give me some time."
After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his chaotic heartbeat gradually steadying. He shook his head against her chin. "Do not ask me why again; I will not tell you."
His assured tone left no room for doubt.
"Feng Xianyue, you will discover the truth one day."
Each word felt as if it sprang forth from the gaps between his teeth; after all, one cannot conceal a fire with mere paper.
"I truly worry that you might leave my side."
Xianyue tilted her head slightly, wanting to turn, but Lan Yixuan held her in place. He didn't want her to see the disarray that currently characterized him. Obediently, she turned her head back and grasped the hand he had wrapped around her waist. "If one day you come to know everything and decide to leave, I won't hold you back, but do not ask me for a reason—I will not tell you. For now, stay by my side."
Xianyue fell silent for a while before nodding. Ever since their ordeal in the Valley of Death, she had absolute faith in his assurance that he would not harm her. Since he had clearly stated that he would not disclose his reasons, pressing him further would be futile.
"I understand; I won't ask again."
Even if there came a day when she would indeed leave, she would not do so quietly. Regardless of how far he might wander, she would ensure he knew her whereabouts, just as she did with her brother—wherever she was, she would reassure him.
Xianyue bit her lip, the salty taste lingering in her mouth. At that moment, she felt a profound sense of melancholy and desolation. Whatever troubled Lan Yixuan so deeply was undoubtedly connected to her brother, yet she lacked the courage to ponder what it could be. She resolved to cherish the present and to prepare herself to face whatever unknown challenges lay ahead.
"Young Master Lan, will you return to the palace tonight?"
Lan Yixuan released Xianyue's hand, the silver moonlight cascading over him. He remained unperturbed, regal and composed, shaking his head at her. "I will not be returning."
Xianyue smiled as she stepped away from his embrace. "Then I shall go back to gather my belongings and return to Feng Country."
She had barely taken two steps when he caught her hand. "It is getting late; I'm sure the Emperor and Empress are waiting for you in Ganquan Hall."
"In that case—"
Xianyue was about to suggest they attend the palace banquet first when Lan Yixuan suddenly tightened his grip on her palm. Her brows knitted together as she looked up. In the night, his voice resonated like red jade. "Tonight, you will rest with me in Xuelan Hall."