Bai Ao regarded Xuan Yue without confirming or denying her inquiry. Over twenty years ago, he had indeed heard that the illustrious master of Xueyu Palace had arrived in their realm of Chu, yet he was unaware of the specific location.
"Old Master Bai, I have heard that Liancheng in Chu is a place of remarkable talent and natural beauty, where lotus flowers bloom throughout the year. Is there any truth to this?"
Bai Ao responded promptly, "Indeed, there is truth to it."
Xuan Yue did not press further, for she had previously sent Lu Yi to investigate this matter. It appeared that Liancheng lacked the grinding wheel necessary for the lotus flowers to thrive, leading her to conclude that such an extraordinary phenomenon could not exist. However, since Gong Shaohua claimed it to be so, there must be some basis for his words. While there may be an element of exaggeration, it certainly was not mere fabrication.
"The reason Liancheng is named as such is indeed due to the perennial blooming of its lotus flowers, a gift from the Lian River. The waters of the Lian River remain warm throughout the year, allowing the lotuses to bloom earlier and more splendidly than in other regions. Many locals make their living from this; during the blooming season, vast expanses of lotus flowers stretch as far as the eye can see—red, white, and pink, intertwining and standing elegantly. It is truly a sight to behold."
Perhaps the beauty of the lotus fields inspired a hint of longing in Bai Ao's expression.
"During this time of year, many scholars and poets from distant lands flock to that place. However, over twenty years ago, the waters of Liancheng were blocked, and the Bai family's army of thirty thousand was stationed there. This issue was reported, yet shortly after, a plague struck the kingdom of Chu, causing everything to be put on hold. By the time I remembered the matter, it had been resolved, though I did not inquire into the specifics."
Xuan Yue refrained from further questioning. Perhaps the Bai family's strategy of granting authority to their subordinates, combined with a measure of centralized management, was what allowed them to maintain their stronghold. According to Bai Ao's account, the person responsible for rerouting the river and subsequently resolving the crisis must possess considerable skill. Lu Yi had also investigated this issue, and the timing aligned perfectly with Xuelan Luo's disappearance. She had reason to suspect that this individual was, indeed, Xuelan Luo.
"Do you know where this person currently resides, Old Master Bai?"
It had been over a decade since that incident, and it was likely that few remembered it. Perhaps other factors contributed to the ongoing lack of information from her investigation; thus, she sought the assistance of the Bai family. They had resided on this land for centuries and enjoyed the support and affection of the people, making any endeavor far more efficient.
"I am afraid I cannot say," Bai Ao replied.
Not wishing to see Xuan Yue's disappointment, he continued, "I have entrusted all affairs of the Bai family to Feng Er. You may consult him regarding this matter."
Though he wished not to worry over the Bai family's affairs, such concern had become a habit over the years. Presently, Bai Chu had become a dependent entity of Feng Lan. Xuan Yue was a woman of deep loyalty and sentiment; if she could assist the Bai family now, it would be beneficial for all. Moreover, he knew that Feng Er had long desired to do something for her. The love, guilt, and struggles weighing on him far surpassed his own burdens; being able to help Xuan Yue would ease his heart to some extent.
"Hmm," Xuan Yue acknowledged. "It seems Bai Zhanfeng returned to the barracks early this morning. I will inquire with him upon his return."
This matter was of urgent importance to her; resolving it would lift a great weight from her heart.
Bai Ao remained silent and did not leave immediately. He sat beside Xuan Yue, quietly sipping his tea. The sunlight after the rain streamed in, and Xuan Yue glanced at Bai Ao, refraining from speech, pondering what he might wish to convey that kept him from departing.
He remained silent, and Xuan Yue did not press him.
"Miss Xuan Yue,"
After a considerable pause, Bai Ao finally set down his cup of tea, facing Xuan Yue. His authoritative demeanor appeared unexpectedly bashful. After taking a deep breath, he said, "I have come today to humbly seek your forgiveness."
Bai Ao sighed. Initially, he had been strongly opposed to Feng Er being with Xuan Yue, believing they were ill-suited. Feng Er had grown up at Qiutian Villa, straightforward and resolute, while a woman as astute as Xuan Yue could aptly compensate for his shortcomings. In such turbulent times, her strategic mind was invaluable to the Bai family. Yet, her exceptional intelligence instilled concern; it was not that a woman should not be clever, but excessive cleverness can provoke unease. Furthermore, her status as a princess of Feng Kingdom and her free-spirited nature made it unlikely for her to willingly submit. Most importantly, he feared her heart was not with Feng Er; he worried she might manipulate the Bai family into a perilous situation.
Now, reflecting on everything, he realized his worries had been misplaced. He had viewed her through the lens of suspicion, interpreting her actions as selfishness. He also recalled the events at the Valley of Death and this plea for help; all of it had stemmed from a place of concern, which left him feeling profoundly guilty.
Both were astute individuals, and Bai Ao did not articulate his thoughts, but Xuan Yue understood his meaning.
"Old Master Bai, I have said before, you need not harbor feelings of guilt towards me. Had it been Bai Zhanfeng who fell off the cliff, even without any interference, I could not have acted recklessly to save him. You were not at fault, and neither was Bai Zhanfeng. Life is but once; thus, it should be cherished. It is not right to endanger one's life for someone like me."
Xuan Yue playfully winked, "Moreover, you have graciously hosted me with exquisite meals and drinks, including your cherished wine aged for decades. Even if you were guilty of the gravest offense, I would have forgiven you. Not to mention—"
Her expression shifted, becoming serious and earnest, "You have done nothing wrong, so do not dwell on such matters. If you insist on discussing them, I shall feel quite embarrassed."
Bai Ao nodded in approval. He admired her broad-mindedness and spirit, feeling himself to be lacking in comparison.
"Are you still accustomed to living here? If you have any requests, feel free to command the servants as if it were your own home. Do not hesitate in the slightest."
Xuan Yue rose, stretching her limbs and yawning, squinting at the sun at the door. "In the palace of the Feng Kingdom, I could never indulge in so much wine. I had to rise early for court every morning. Here, I find it much more relaxing."
Xuan Yue smiled playfully, though her words held a grain of truth. In the Feng Kingdom, out of concern for Feng Jiulan, she, as a young lady, could hardly dare to drink freely. However, while this place was pleasant, the hidden eyes observing her made her feel uncomfortable, as if she were a thief being watched at the door. Did they not find such a secretive watch exhausting? She had been here for quite some time; if they were so curious about her, why not come personally to the Rose Courtyard for a direct and straightforward meeting? Perhaps they would commend the young lady of the Chen family more if they did. Such furtive behavior was something she found hard to tolerate. She had no good impression of Chen Ruoxi from the start, and after so many days, since she had not come to visit her, she had not sought her out either. No wonder Bai Zhanfeng held little affection for such a woman. However, despite any resentment or blame, Xuan Yue harbored none. Such feelings might be unfamiliar to her, yet women in love often understand many things about one another. After all, she was Bai Zhanfeng's wife. As long as she did not go too far, she could turn a blind eye.
"Xuan Yue, as long as you feel comfortable here, that is enough."
Bai Ao chuckled. "Stay for a few more days and chat with this old man."
From the moment Xuan Yue arrived, Bai Ao had wanted to seek her out after waking up from his drunken stupor the next day. Yet, recalling how he must have looked while intoxicated in front of the younger generation left him feeling embarrassed. Even Feng Er was reluctant to have a calm conversation with him. Thinking of all this drained him of motivation, yet now, a great weight had finally been lifted from his heart.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for many days. In a day or two, Cheng Qiang will lead the Lan army into Chu. Once he arrives, I must return to take command."
Xuan Yue smiled. If not for the bad weather these past few days, Cheng Qiang would have arrived sooner. After such a long rest, it was time to return to work. There would surely be questions regarding the ambush at Heifeng Ridge, and she needed to give an account to her troops and the Feng army.
"Old Bai, your hospitality is greatly appreciated."
Leaning against the door, with her back to the sunlight, Xuan Yue yawned. As Bai Ao stood up and approached the door to bid her farewell, he suddenly spotted a familiar face peering sneakily from the entrance of the Rose Courtyard.
Upon seeing Bai Ao notice her, Chun Tao quickly withdrew her head and attempted to flee, but Bai Ao's loud command stopped her in her tracks: "Halt!"
Chun Tao pressed herself against the wall, afraid to run any further.
"Come in!"
Bai Ao glared at Chun Tao, his face flushed with anger as he pointed at her. "What are you doing here?"
So, she was that young lady's personal maid. No wonder he found her face familiar.
"Please spare me, old sir. I will never dare to do it again."
Caught red-handed, Chun Tao panicked and knelt on the ground, begging for mercy without even offering an explanation.
Bai Ao turned to Xuan Yue, feeling embarrassed by the situation. He was at a loss for words and felt unworthy to face her after such an embarrassing incident.
"On a rainy day, it's nice to have someone to keep you company while daydreaming."
Xuan Yue chuckled and turned back into her room, unwilling to intervene in the matter.
This was not the first time something like this had happened, and Xuan Yue had long been aware of it but chose not to expose it.
Bai Ao's expression turned cold. To think the granddaughter-in-law he had chosen would engage in such behavior behind his back left him feeling even more humiliated. His gaze, sharp as a blade, bore into Chun Tao as he stepped closer, seething with anger. "Tell the young lady to come to my study to see me."