Xuan Yue withdrew her gaze, fixing her attention on Bai Zhanfeng, nodding earnestly and sincerely at him.
She truly believed this, especially after seeing Luo Cheng; even now, it seemed that Nian Xiaoyu had not completely reconciled her feelings for Bai Zhanfeng. As her husband and the man who still cherished her, this was an excruciating and helpless situation for him. What kind of magnanimity he must possess; such a man is truly worthy of a woman's appreciation.
Had it not been for the incident in Death Valley, she would have lacked the courage to confirm her feelings for Lan Yixuan. Yet even if she did come to terms with it, should she find herself forced to marry Bai Zhanfeng, then Lan Yixuan would inevitably remain buried deep in her heart. In this era, polygamy was rampant, and for a man who was accommodating, to harbor such deep affection only to be wounded in this manner felt excessively cruel. Moreover, it was a choice she made herself; they were no longer children and should understand the need to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. Besides, clinging too tightly to something unattainable is futile. It would be wiser to let go and embark on a new life, which would benefit both herself and others.
Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xuan Yue, his strong features framed by a furrowed brow, his deep-set eyes filled with skepticism.
Xuan Yue smiled lightly; she did not know if Bai Zhanfeng had entertained such thoughts before—perhaps he had, or perhaps he had not. Yet, taking action was undeniably more challenging than merely speaking about it. She would do her best; she believed she could succeed, just as she had each time in the past, as long as she made up her mind.
Xuan Yue took several quick sips of wine. Seeing Bai Zhanfeng still wear that dubious expression, his gaze fixed on her, she couldn't fathom what thoughts were swirling in his mind. Like Nian Xiaoyu and herself, he too was the type who wouldn't turn back until he hit a wall, but now, compared to them, Bai Zhanfeng seemed even more stubborn. At this moment, saying too much would be futile; it was better to wait for a more appropriate time to discuss things.
With that thought, Xuan Yue quickly felt at ease, setting down the wine jar. She moved to her room, returning with a scroll of painting in her hands. She glanced at the messy table, furrowing her brows before approaching the writing desk. Bai Zhanfeng, sensing she had something to say, stood up and followed her.
"Alright, Bai Zhanfeng, I've said everything I needed to say, both the necessary and unnecessary. Let's get back on track."
As Xuan Yue approached the desk and unfurled the painting, Bai Zhanfeng leaned forward to observe the man depicted within.
Dressed in a flowing blue robe, the man's hair billowed like ink, exuding an air of nonchalance, his expression serene and aristocratic, unrivaled in the world. He pressed his lips together slightly, creating an impression of a smile, especially with those eyes that seemed veiled in a layer of mist, dark jade-like and unfathomable.
Night had fallen completely, shrouding the room in darkness, with a lamp lit casting shadows on the painting. The wind from outside drifted in, causing the candlelight to flicker, making the figure on the scroll appear almost alive.
Bai Zhanfeng felt a sense of familiarity with the man before him, furrowing his brow as he pondered for quite some time, yet failing to recall where he had seen him before. He walked around the painting several times, and upon closer inspection, he suddenly realized that the man's poise and grace bore an uncanny resemblance to another.
Xuan Yue looked up and smiled at Bai Zhanfeng. "Don't ask me; I can't answer you. I can only tell you that the person in the painting is named Xuelan Luo. I've heard that in the State of Chu, there is a Lian City with a stone disk that blooms with colorful lotus flowers anytime water is present. I sent someone to look for it, but there's been no news. I asked Old Master Bai about it, and he confirmed that it indeed exists. Initially, I wanted Old Master Bai to help, but he said that you are the head of the Bai family now, so I should come to you. Even though you didn't grow up in Chu, your subordinates are all natives and are more familiar with this area than I am; they will surely achieve results faster. This matter of finding him falls to you; no matter the method, please be sure to locate him."
As she spoke, Xuan Yue tucked the scroll into Bai Zhanfeng's embrace. Deep down, she harbored doubts about whether he would be able to find Xuelan Luo. After all, for someone like Gong Shaoqiu, who she had spent over a decade searching for without success, this task would surely not be easy. Still, she clung to hope, as this person was someone Xuan Yue was determined to find at all costs.
Bai Zhanfeng looked down at the scroll in his arms, then raised his gaze to meet Xuan Yue's. "Is it urgent?"
Xuan Yue nodded. "Xuan Yuan Hao's army will soon arrive at Biluo River, so you must accompany me to the military camp for these few days. Once I'm familiar with the camp affairs, you can lead a search party. Just focus on locating Xuelan Luo; as for Bai Chu, I will keep it safe, so there's no need for you to worry."
Regarding the previous incident in Ye City, she had already given Bai's family a significant favor, so she believed this task would not be too challenging.
Seeing Xuan Yue exude confidence and determination, Bai Zhanfeng stored the painting away. "The generals of the Bai family have always held you in high regard."
Noticing Bai Zhanfeng's elongated face, Xuan Yue realized he was displeased by her words. However, having eaten and drunk well, she smiled brightly, reaching out to press her index fingers against the corners of his mouth, lifting them upward until they nearly reached his ears. "Bai Zhanfeng, your serious face at this late hour could scare someone to death."
As Xuan Yue laughed, Bai Zhanfeng's expression grew increasingly grim, and he shot her a glare, reaching out to swat her hand away. Frowning, Xuan Yue hurriedly interjected before he could act. "Bai Zhanfeng, you hit hard."
Bai Zhanfeng stared at his outstretched hand, indignant as he glared at the smiling Xuan Yue, yet ultimately refrained from striking her, his sullen face giving way to a resigned smile.
"Master Bai, while you may not be the most pleasant to look at when you smile, it's still better than that sour face of yours."
Bai Zhanfeng, naturally handsome, seemed all the more intimidating with a cold expression; anyone would find it hard not to feel fear under his icy gaze.
Xuan Yue smiled. "Let's settle this matter. Tomorrow, I'll return to the military camp. I wonder how Lord Zhou An is faring now?"
Thinking of that person who had always opposed her in the State of Chu, living in comfort for so many years, Xuan Yue felt some anticipation in seeing him again. After such a long journey, she wondered if he still bore the bitterness of the Lan Kingdom.
Having finished speaking, Xuan Yue stood and stretched, yawning as she pointed toward the pitch-black night sky. "It's getting late. Tomorrow I'll return to the military camp with you, so I need to rest early."
Bai Zhanfeng watched Xuan Yue, the curve of his mouth unchanged, the rugged lines softened by the light. With a languid smile, she appeared utterly carefree; it was as if time had rewound, and Bai Zhanfeng felt a sudden sense of returning to the past. He chuckled and patted Xuan Yue on the shoulder. "Get some rest. I'll wait for you to go to the military camp tomorrow."
Implying she need not rise early out of obligation for their military duties.
Xuan Yue opened her squinted eyes and nodded. "You may not be able to return to the manor in the short term. Why don't you spend some quality time with Chen Ruoxi this evening?"
Bai Zhanfeng's brow furrowed slightly, a reaction that Xuan Yue noticed, though it was much better than before. She sighed inwardly, feeling an inexplicable sense of anxiety that she could not quite grasp.
"Bai Zhanfeng, she is not just your wife; she is also a young lady of the Chen family."
If this had been recognized as a political marriage from the outset, then at the very least, one should play their role well, rather than treating a piece on the chessboard that ought to be cherished so carelessly.
Bai Zhanfeng watched Xuan Yue turn away, remaining silent for a long time. He was aware of everything she said; that was why he vowed never to take another woman as his wife. He did not want to hurt another woman. He genuinely wished to treat and cherish Chen Ruoxi, but he simply did not have those feelings for her. Once, he felt guilty about this, but after that incident, even the guilt faded away. He had always been a solitary person, growing up in Qiu Tian Villa, and he had always been with his fellow disciples. He truly did not know how to relate to a woman. If Chen Ruoxi sought affection from him, it would be impossible; perhaps everything was as Xuan Yue said—he had not made enough of an effort. He had never considered forgetting the woman named Feng Xuan Yue. Even if Xuan Yue did not mention it, he would still seek out Chen Ruoxi at night, only wanting to know what she had said to Xuan Yue today.
It was not until Xuan Yue lay down on the bed that Bai Zhanfeng finally left. The guards stationed at the entrance of the Rose Courtyard stood erect, like long spears. Upon seeing Bai Zhanfeng, they all respectfully bowed. "Young Master."
Their voices were harmonious and resonant, brimming with vitality. These were handpicked by Old Master Bai from the Bai family army, and after further training, while they could not take on a hundred alone, they could easily fend off ten.
Bai Zhanfeng nodded, signaling for them to lower their voices. "Has anyone come to see Miss Xuan Yue today?"
"Under the old master's orders, I arrived just before noon. In the evening, the mistress came by while Miss Xuan Yue was still asleep. I did not allow the mistress to enter until Miss Xuan Yue awoke."
"How long did the mistress stay? What happened inside? Did you see anything?"
Bai Zhanfeng frowned; the more he listened, the more convinced he became that the old master's actions were meant to prevent anyone from disturbing Xuan Yue's rest. Just as one visitor arrived, Chen Ruoxi followed closely behind. Something felt off.
One soldier shook his head, but another quickly added, "The mistress had only just entered when I saw her personal maid kneeling in front of Miss Xuan Yue. The mistress stayed inside for nearly an hour."
"What did they say? Did you hear anything?"
"The distance was too far; I couldn't hear anything."
Bai Zhanfeng's suspicions grew stronger. Chun Tao was Chen Ruoxi's personal maid; it was odd for her to kneel before Xuan Yue without a reason. Chen Ruoxi must have done something. Bai Zhanfeng's brow furrowed, and he felt a fire of anger ignite within him. He needed to confront Chen Ruoxi and get to the bottom of this matter.