March has yet to arrive, yet the city of Ye is already imbued with the subtle essence of spring. The weather gradually warms, and due to its coastal location, the winds here are brisk but lack the winter's biting chill, carrying a palpable dampness. The rains are plentiful, arriving every few days, leaving the air refreshingly clean, and washing away the dust from the budding branches that have begun to bloom.
Xuan Yue pushed the door open; following last night's rain, the ground was still wet. However, the Bai residence was not paved with cement; the black-and-white cobblestones glistened under the sun after being drenched by the rain. Fortunately, the weather had been pleasant during her journey here. Although she wasn't particularly fond of rain, spending an entire day idly in the manor, watching the rain from the windows, was a delightful choice. The sound of raindrops tapping against the ground lulled her to sleep at night, evoking a sense of nostalgia as if she had traveled back in time to the days spent with Lan Yi Xuan, indulging in a simple routine of eating and sleeping, albeit without someone to bicker with. The cooks at the Bai residence were skilled, but their culinary prowess paled in comparison to that of Lei Yun.
Standing at the door, Xuan Yue closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh air. Such leisurely days were numbered. Just as she opened her eyes, Bai Ao suddenly appeared at the entrance. For someone his age, he appeared remarkably robust, his demeanor cheerful, with eyes crinkling in a gentle smile, the wrinkles at the corners giving him a warm, approachable aura.
"You're awake," he said, approaching Xuan Yue. She had just risen when he arrived. The servants had informed her that Bai Ao woke early each day to take a stroll around the manor, a habit he had maintained without fail.
"Good morning, Elder Bai," Xuan Yue stepped aside to allow him entry.
The small courtyard where Xuan Yue resided was named the Rose Courtyard, although it lacked the abundance of roses found at the main Bai residence. In this season, not even a trace of rose blooms could be seen. The environment was serene and tranquil, and after ten years in Pear Blossom Mountain, she had grown accustomed to such tranquility. She had always enjoyed bustling places, but since leaving Lan Country, she found herself seeking solitude, preferring to be alone even in her loneliness. This time, she had not brought her sister Ping Ting along to the Bai residence.
No sooner had Xuan Yue seated herself than a servant brought in breakfast. Bai Ao had already eaten, but watching Xuan Yue enjoy her meal stirred his appetite. He finished half a bowl of porridge and a few pastries.
His cheerful demeanor was evident; he had been smiling since his arrival.
"Elder Bai, have you encountered some good fortune?" Xuan Yue asked, her eating speed surpassing anyone else's, especially when something delectable was before her.
Bai Ao gazed at her, momentarily silent. The lines on his weathered face softened, reflecting gratitude and contentment. Sensing this expression, Xuan Yue had an inkling of the cause for his happiness—anything that brought joy to Elder Bai must surely be connected to Bai Zhanfeng.
"Did Bai Zhanfeng visit you last night?" she asked, a subtle smile gracing her lips.
Bai Ao nodded, his gaze toward Xuan Yue filled with appreciation. The thought of last night brought moisture to his eyes. Although Feng Er's demeanor had been somewhat stiff, he could tell the boy truly wished to move beyond their past grievances. While he had not explicitly stated that he had forgotten previous matters, the simple fact that he was willing to act this way brought immense joy to the old man.
He knew that long before returning to Chu Country, Bai Zhanfeng had formed a prejudice against him, much like his father had done in the past. How could he be unaware of the boy's distaste for the scheming and deceit of court life? But what could he do? As a descendant of the Bai family, such burdens were unavoidable. The incident at Death Valley had left him heartbroken, and his dissatisfaction with himself had only deepened. Initially, when he obediently followed his arrangements to marry the granddaughter of the Chen family, he had felt a mix of surprise and concern for his grandson, who seemed to have lost all spirit. He was more pained than anyone else.
He had longed for an opportunity to discuss matters with Bai Zhanfeng, but since arriving in Ye City, most of his time had been spent in the military camp, and he could count on one hand the days he had spent at the manor. Whenever he sent someone to find Bai Zhanfeng, the boy always had the same excuse: military duties were keeping him busy. Did he not know whether he was truly busy or not? He didn't want to talk to his grandfather, and he couldn't force him; thus, their relationship continued to deteriorate. Out of concern that he might grow to resent him even more, he had swallowed back numerous conversations about continuing the family line.
His days were numbered, buried beneath the earth's weight. He had spoken of such matters too often in the past, and Bai Zhanfeng had grown weary of hearing them. He had borne the heavy burden of the Bai family for most of his life, only to be met with resentment from his grandson. He had sacrificed enough for the Bai family, and the only thing he truly worried about in this world was Bai Zhanfeng.
He had initially thought he would leave this life with such regrets, but unexpectedly, Bai Zhanfeng had sought him out last night. He knew that Xuan Yue was the reason behind it; she must have said something to Bai Zhanfeng. Now, her words were the only ones he would heed.
The more he contemplated, the greater his admiration for Xuan Yue grew, coupled with a sense of regret. He didn't think poorly of Ruo Xi, but when it came to vision, wisdom, and strategy, she fell short compared to the woman seated beside him.
Xuan Yue wasn't particularly curious about their conversation; in fact, she had a rough idea of what they had discussed. The crux of their conflict was something they both understood well. Both Bai Zhanfeng and Bai Ao were aware of their mutual feelings; they were simply too proud to let go, especially Bai Zhanfeng, who still harbored resentment toward Bai Ao. If he were only willing to sit down and talk honestly, all their issues could be resolved.
"I was wondering why Elder Bai was in such high spirits," Xuan Yue laughed, feeling a wave of joy for Bai Zhanfeng. This standoff between them brought no happiness to either side; in truth, she was more worried that Bai Zhanfeng might regret his actions more than she did for not cherishing her time with Lan Yi Xuan. He was already struggling enough as it was.
"Xuan Yue, I truly must thank you this time," Bai Ao said earnestly, rising to his feet and moving closer to her, bending his knee as if to kneel. However, Xuan Yue stopped him with her foot. "Elder Bai, what are you doing?"
She gently prodded Bai Ao's knee with her toe. "I can't accept this."
As she spoke, she helped him up, leaning closer to Bai Ao, her smile brightening. "You eat and stay here in comfort; you ought to do something in return. If you really feel guilty, it would be much more practical to send me a few jars of the good wine your family must still have rather than kneeling."
Seeing Xuan Yue's eager expression, Bai Ao chuckled and nodded. "I'll have someone bring over the fine wines I've been saving for decades, along with some snacks. How does that sound?"
Xuan Yue's eyes lit up at his words, her mouth curving into a smile as she nodded enthusiastically. "Elder Bai, you truly are a kind man."
After sharing this exchange, Xuan Yue settled back into her original position, suddenly recalling something that dimmed her smile, the upturned corners of her mouth betraying a hint of forced cheer.
"Miss Xuan Yue," Bai Ao began.
Bai Ao rested one hand on the table, casting a glance at Xuan Yue before withdrawing his gaze and sighing. "I have come to a realization. Over the years, I have done enough for the Bai family, yet I still harmed Feng Er. After our conversation last night, I suddenly felt enlightened. Fame and fortune are but illusory things; once dead, they mean nothing. Our family has labored for generations for the people of Chu. As long as the citizens can live in peace and prosperity, it matters not who the ruler is. If the Lan Kingdom treats its people well, it is of little consequence whether the Bai family exists. Last night, I told Feng Er that I allowed him to shed the burdens on his shoulders and pursue what he truly desires, but he refused."
Having said this, Bai Ao couldn't help but sigh again. "Miss Xuan Yue, now that the two nations of Bai Chu and Feng Lan have become one, I hope that regardless of what happens in the future, you can share both glory and disgrace, advancing and retreating together."
He understood Feng Er's stubbornness; in the past, he had made demands as an elder, and now, with Xuan Yue arriving alone in this place, there was no way he would depart. Why did he fall for a woman he could never have, loving her so deeply amidst so many others?
Xuan Yue turned around, her playful smile replaced by a solemn expression. "Elder Bai, you need not worry about the state of Chu. The world will undoubtedly belong to our Lan Kingdom in the future, and we shall treat every citizen well—not only yours in Bai Chu, but also the people of Xuanyuan, who are innocent. They will all be citizens of the Lan Kingdom. Moreover, once peace is achieved, I will grant Bai Zhanfeng the choice to remain in the court or to pursue the life he once wished for. You can rest assured."
Upon hearing Xuan Yue's words, Bai Ao's furrowed brow gradually relaxed, though his hand resting on the table trembled slightly and felt parched. Xuan Yue couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy; this elderly man before her had truly lost much weight over this time.
"Elder Bai, have you heard of the renowned Xue Lan Luo, known for over twenty years in the martial world?"
Bai Ao stared at Xuan Yue for a long moment, hesitating before nodding. At his age, anyone with even a modicum of knowledge would surely recognize such a figure.
"I heard he came to the Chu Kingdom more than a decade ago. Do you know where he might be?"
No matter what, she had to find this person.