When Chen Ruoxi returned to the courtyard, it was already lunchtime. Chun Tao remained kneeling on the ground, and while outsiders often spoke of the sternness of the old master Bai, she had always experienced kindness from him since her marriage into the Bai family. Even in the past, he had treated her with warmth, yet today he spoke incessantly of the family's reputation, his words betraying a bias towards Feng Xianyue.
"Miss," Chun Tao called out cautiously upon seeing Chen Ruoxi enter. Furrowing her brows, she noted the midday sun had reddened her face, and sweat beaded on her forehead, giving her a frail appearance. Chen Ruoxi's irritation deepened, her heart feeling as though it were being obstructed by an unseen force.
"What do you wish to eat for lunch? I can have someone prepare it," Chun Tao offered, her voice sounding weak. Having served Chen Ruoxi since childhood, her loyalty and care made it difficult for Ruoxi to watch her suffer. Her anger towards Xianyue intensified; in her eyes, everything was Xianyue's fault. If it weren't for her, her husband would not be so distant, nor would the old master reprimand her so harshly today. Most troubling of all was her inability to discern what was so admirable about this woman named Feng Xianyue.
"No need," Chen Ruoxi replied coldly, her stomach churning with anger, leaving her no appetite.
"Go to the Rose Pavilion," she instructed, standing and gazing in that direction. "You may rise."
As Chen Ruoxi spoke, she adjusted her hair and garments, ready to leave when Chun Tao's voice called her back. "Miss."
Turning around, Chen Ruoxi felt a deep frustration as Chun Tao continued, "Miss, Young Master Bai has instructed that after lunch, no one is to disturb the Rose Pavilion."
Chun Tao spoke softly, fearful of inciting Chen Ruoxi's anger, yet despite her gentle tone, Ruoxi's fury bubbled over. Her hands clenched into fists beneath her sleeves. How could she forget that Xianyue, whether at noon or night, indulged in drink? Even during the day, she drank without restraint, becoming intoxicated. After lunch, she would retreat to sleep, often not waking until dinner, only to continue feasting. The thought of such a woman reigning as the queen of Feng and the queen of Lan, basking in the adoration of the populace, gnawed at Chen Ruoxi. How could she occupy her husband's heart, a man she had long desired? It was infuriating. The more she pondered, the more agitated she became, as if a fire within her were about to erupt. Her foot, poised to cross the threshold, retreated instead as she clenched her jaw, burying her resentment deep within.
The entire afternoon passed with Chen Ruoxi seated motionless by the window, watching the sun slowly descend, casting the sky into darkness. Only when the evening glow ignited the horizon, painting the courtyard in a soft, fiery light, did she snap back to reality, with Chun Tao standing silently behind her.
"Chun Tao." After an entire afternoon of silence, Chen Ruoxi's voice emerged hoarsely, her lips dry. "Tea."
Chun Tao quickly complied, bringing her a cup of warm tea. "Miss, it's already evening. You may go to the Rose Pavilion now."
Chun Tao's seemingly well-intentioned reminder stemmed from years of service to Chen Ruoxi. She was an astute maid, perceptive enough to notice Chen Ruoxi's profound discontent with Xianyue, particularly after the hardships she had endured that day.
Taking a sip of tea, Chen Ruoxi's countenance remained dark as she headed straight for the Rose Pavilion. Upon arrival, however, she was halted. "Madam, Miss Xianyue is still asleep."
The guard at the entrance looked conflicted as he regarded Chen Ruoxi, unwilling to grant her passage. After finishing her lunch, Xianyue had not emerged, and it was likely she remained asleep. If Chen Ruoxi were to disturb her, the old master might hold the guards accountable.
Chen Ruoxi's expression darkened further, yet she quickly masked it with her customary grace and gentleness. These men were closely tied to the old master, and she could not afford to leave any room for criticism. Even in her dissatisfaction, she had to suppress it within.
"I will wait right here," she declared, consciously stifling her frustration, her smile strained as she stepped aside. The guards exchanged glances, saying nothing further, merely following their orders.
Estimating the time, Cheng Qiang and his army would soon arrive in Ye City. Once back at the military camp, her position as commander would limit her chances to indulge in fine wine. Meanwhile, Xianyue, having overindulged at lunch, succumbed to sleep, her body sprawled on the bed. When she finally awoke, the room was pitch dark. She instinctively felt her flat belly and, without a second thought, sat up, pushing the door open to step outside as the sky darkened, signaling the onset of night.
Xuan Yue let out a wide yawn, stretching her arms luxuriously. Having awakened naturally, she felt invigorated as she stepped outside.
Chen Ruoxi spotted Xuan Yue standing in the corridor and thought to herself that this would be the perfect moment to enter. However, she was promptly halted by someone saying, "Madam, allow me to report your arrival first."
Chen Ruoxi's expression soured slightly; she had never waited for anyone for so long throughout her life, and now being held back only added to her discomfort. Was she some sort of fearsome beast? They all claimed that the queen of Fengguo was exceptionally skilled; what could a defenseless woman like her do? After all, she was Bai Zhanfeng's wife and the matriarch of the Bai family. No matter how noble Xuan Yue's status was, she was merely a guest. Why should she have the privilege of residing in the Rose Courtyard? Was it truly necessary to announce her presence? If Xuan Yue chose not to meet her, could she simply bar her from entry?
"Miss."
Chun Tao tugged gently at Chen Ruoxi's sleeve. Momentarily taken aback, Chen Ruoxi quickly restored her smile. Having grown up in the Chen family, she had learned long ago to wear a facade.
Xuan Yue had taken a few steps outside when she saw the approaching guard delivering the message and smiled knowingly. It was clear whose intentions were behind it. Experience was indeed invaluable; Bai Ao, despite his age, remained remarkably quick in his actions.
"Miss Xuan Yue, our young madam requests an audience at the door," the announcing guard stated after considerable thought, choosing to address her formally as "Miss Xuan Yue." "The young madam has been waiting at the entrance for nearly an hour."
Xuan Yue rubbed her eyes and yawned again, looking at the guard before her. "Why didn't you notify me sooner?"
Had she known Chen Ruoxi was coming, she would not have slept in so late. However, she wasn't surprised by Chen Ruoxi's visit. Given that Bai Zhanfeng had chosen the lady of the Bai family as his partner, it was only natural for her to come in person, especially after recent events. She had not anticipated that Chen Ruoxi would be detained at the door by the Bai household.
While she felt genuine dissatisfaction with the situation—who would relish being under surveillance—Xuan Yue understood her concerns from Chen Ruoxi's perspective. After all, she was Bai Zhanfeng's wife, the woman destined to share his life. Xuan Yue did not want her displeasure to escalate.
"Quickly, let her in," Xuan Yue instructed, glancing at her belly. She knew she couldn't linger much longer here; after seeing Chen Ruoxi, she could finally enjoy her dinner.
"Are you the granddaughter of the Chief Minister Chen?"
Before her stood a young woman clad in a loose blue robe, its simple elegance mirroring her own demeanor, exuding an air of cleanliness. Draped in a thick fox fur coat, she bore a gentle smile, emanating warmth, yet there was a hint of sharpness in her brows, and her slightly raised chin suggested a habitual pridefulness. Despite her best efforts to mask it, Xuan Yue could see the unmistakable dissatisfaction lurking in her eyes.
"I am Chen Ruoxi, honored to meet the Prince of Feng."
Chen Ruoxi offered a respectful bow, and Chun Tao followed suit. Xuan Yue's current appearance was rather disheveled; having just awoken, her hair was somewhat tousled. Although she appeared refreshed, to an onlooker, she bore a semblance of fatigue. In Chen Ruoxi's eyes, she had not improved much since the last time she was intoxicated.
"Bai Zhanfeng is indeed fortunate," Xuan Yue remarked with a sincere smile. The fact that Chen Ruoxi had waited for her for almost an hour without losing her composure was commendable for someone of such tender age; clearly, she was an astute young woman.
Yet, Chen Ruoxi viewed Xuan Yue's radiant smile as nothing more than a mockery.
"Since the Prince himself has come to the Bai estate, and has yet to formally greet you, I hope you won't take offense," Xuan Yue waved her hand dismissively. "If you're feeling unwell, you should focus on recuperating. Greetings are mere formalities; what matters is the intention behind them."
In truth, she had come to the Bai estate seeking a brief respite. The journey had been exhausting, and upon reaching her tent that evening, she found herself unable to sleep alone. She realized that residing here might not be the most appropriate choice, but she simply wanted a place to rest. Furthermore, she was aware that both Old Master Bai and Bai Zhanfeng were still brooding over past events. Since Ye City was their territory, if they learned she was staying elsewhere, it would undoubtedly trouble them, hence her decision to come to the Bai estate.
"Today, Ruoxi has come to apologize to the Prince," Chen Ruoxi said, her face brimming with sincerity.
Xuan Yue smiled at her without responding.
"Chun Tao, kneel."
Chen Ruoxi glanced back at her maid, her expression darkening as her tone grew stern. Upon seeing Chun Tao kneel, Xuan Yue's smile vanished instantly; it was clear that Chen Ruoxi intended to lay the blame on her servant.