Bai Zhanfeng did not wish to conceal the truth, nor could he; he merely looked at Xianyue, silently acquiescing to her unspoken inquiry.
Xianyue pressed her lips together, gazing intently at him without uttering a word. Bai Zhanfeng sighed inwardly. Although his mood had improved somewhat since earlier, he could not shake off the discomfort brought on by Chen Ruoxi's previous words.
"I merely wanted to have a calm discussion with her."
Xianyue fixed her gaze on Bai Zhanfeng, her expression one of disbelief. How could she not know his temperament? Old Master Bai, with good intentions, had stationed someone at the door, ostensibly to prevent idle gossip, yet to Bai Zhanfeng, this was a clear indication that someone in the Bai household was plotting against her. Today, only Chen Ruoxi had visited; given his status, he could ask whatever he wished. Once he learned of the situation, how could he possibly remain calm when confronting Chen Ruoxi? Perhaps he believed that he had shown considerable restraint, interpreting his actions as an exercise in composure. However, to Chen Ruoxi, this could be a tremendous source of pain.
In the realm of emotions, the one who falls in love first is often the one who loses; the deeper the love, the harsher the loss. Mutual affection is inherently unequal, especially when all of this rests on Chen Ruoxi's one-sided feelings. Such emotions are sensitive and fragile, incapable of withstanding much testing. If Bai Zhanfeng were to utter even a slightly harsh word, it would surely wound her deeply, particularly since he sought out Chen Ruoxi due to his own feelings.
"What did you discuss?" Xianyue asked casually, though she could already surmise the gist of their conversation. It likely revolved around why Chen Ruoxi sought her out. Bai Zhanfeng was not like Lan Yixuan; if he wished to avoid causing harm, he could question her in a manner that allowed for easy acceptance. But for Bai Zhanfeng, such inquiries would undoubtedly strike a significant blow to Chen Ruoxi. Xianyue could see clearly that Chen Ruoxi loved Bai Zhanfeng; her feelings were no less profound than anyone else's. Yet, her love had an element of selfishness. Both she and Bai Zhanfeng were somewhat proud individuals, often acting according to their own will under the pretense of considering others. This stubbornness often led to unintended consequences. If that capable and clever woman could restrain herself a little more, perhaps they could manage a relationship of mutual respect.
Bai Zhanfeng pondered for a moment but ultimately said nothing. He only inquired about what she and Xianyue had discussed in the Rose Courtyard. Even now, he could not understand how Xianyue could harbor such intense anger. Regarding her earlier comments about Xianyue, he still felt a twinge of irritation.
"Xianyue, are you planning to leave because you feel uncomfortable living in the Bai residence?"
Bai Zhanfeng hesitated for a long time before finally asking, his tone slightly stiff, sounding rather unnatural.
Xianyue was accustomed to being free-spirited; even in Bai Zhanfeng's presence, Chen Ruoxi did not bother to hide her disdain for Xianyue, let alone in front of Xianyue herself. Bai Zhanfeng knew she was indifferent to the gossip of others, yet he still felt uneasy, fearing she might take Chen Ruoxi's words to heart. After all, how coincidental it was for her to suddenly mention her departure. She had not brought it up until after Chen Ruoxi's visit, claiming that the armies of Lan Kingdom were approaching, necessitating her presence at the military camp. Bai Zhanfeng could not shake off his doubts about this statement.
"Don't take to heart what Chen Ruoxi said. As long as you wish to remain, you can stay in the Bai household. Xianyue, this is not my intent."
Xianyue was taken aback that Bai Zhanfeng was aware of the matter concerning Chen Ruoxi. Although she had not been present, she could surmise that their quarrel must have been intense; otherwise, she would not have confided in Bai Zhanfeng. It was only during a moment of emotional upheaval that she would behave this way.
"I know."
The night breeze carried a cold dampness. Xianyue observed Bai Zhanfeng's furrowed brow and understood his concerns that she might misunderstand. Yet, even without his reassurance, she already knew he would never allow Chen Ruoxi to utter such words; this was something he need not clarify. She understood Bai Zhanfeng's character well.
Xianyue nodded, pursing her lips. Conversing with either Chen Ruoxi or Bai Zhanfeng felt laborious; she knew Chen Ruoxi would not take her words to heart, and as for Bai Zhanfeng, he would invariably feel hurt by what she said.
"Bai Zhanfeng, I am not familiar with Chen Ruoxi and cannot offer a fair evaluation. However, given that she stands out among all the noble ladies of Bai and Chu, selected by Old Master Bai himself, there must be a reason for it. During my time in the residence, I have sensed her earnest feelings for you. Since your wedding, you have spent every night in the military camp. She is the cherished daughter of the Chen family, and your current behavior leaves her unable to hold her head high. Bai Zhanfeng, I understand that what I say now may discomfort you, but for your sake, Chen Ruoxi has indeed borne considerable pressure."
Having experienced the time spent in Lihua Studio in her previous life, Xianyue was more perceptive than most. Although she was not particularly fond of Chen Ruoxi, she could empathize with her circumstances. What Chen Ruoxi was doing could hardly be considered excessive. If her dissatisfaction were solely directed at herself, she would continue to urge Bai Zhanfeng to be tolerant. After all, the situation had become irreversible, and in truth, Bai Zhanfeng owed her.
If Bai Zhanfeng were merely a famous young man, and had never publicly declared his feelings for her during the Wulin Tournament, if he had returned directly to the Chu Kingdom after leaving Changtianshan Manor without ever meeting her, Chen Ruoxi would not have faced such a predicament, even if she were unappreciated.
In Bai and Chu, there were numerous daughters of officials who admired Bai Zhanfeng; how much anguish must Chen Ruoxi endure when faced with the envious disdain of those who could not attain him? Bai Zhanfeng's attitude, even towards an exemplary noble lady, would surely cause her distress.
Xianyue was also someone with deep convictions. She understood the urgency that comes with the need to fulfill one's aspirations, even at the cost of one's life. Therefore, even knowing that her words might cause Bai Zhanfeng discomfort, sadness, or distress, she spoke on behalf of Chen Ruoxi, holding Bai Zhanfeng to a far stricter standard than Chen Ruoxi.
"Bai Zhanfeng, a woman's jealousy can be a terrifying thing. If she is capable of saying such things to me for your sake, who knows what excessive actions she may take in the future? She manages the Bai residence with remarkable efficiency; you cannot underestimate Chen Ruoxi's capabilities. Therefore, for the sake of our friendship, please treat her a little better."
Xianyue lightly patted Bai Zhanfeng's shoulder, her tone a blend of seriousness and jest.
One could never predict what actions a woman might take for her own convictions. Xianyue was not worried about what Chen Ruoxi might do to her; having another enemy in her life was unnecessary, especially when that person was Bai Zhanfeng's wife.
Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xianyue, who wore a slight smile, his lips pressed together and his brow tightly knit. He understood her words all too well. After leaving Chen Ruoxi, he had already felt this underlying anxiety. He had experienced such feelings before—when one is unable to attain something, the madness of wanting to destroy it completely sets in. Yet, in the end, he had calmed down; otherwise, he would not be able to sit here face-to-face with Xianyue. But emotions are not something that can be easily controlled.
"What do you think I should do?"
"Sir, here are the pastries you requested."
As Xuan Yue prepared to speak, a servant arrived with an array of delectable pastries. Bai Chu, being a coastal region, was perpetually humid, and the local populace had a penchant for spicy flavors; thus, the regional specialties were predominantly savory and piquant.
Bai Zhanfeng turned and nodded to the maid who delivered the pastries. "You may leave now."
The maidens placed the boxes of pastries down and departed. Bai Zhanfeng took out the treats, arranging them in front of Xuan Yue. The pastries were freshly made, still warm, and Xuan Yue savored them with delight. The subtle spiciness intertwined with a hint of sweetness was a flavor many found unfamiliar, yet she appreciated it.
As Xuan Yue enjoyed the pastries and sipped water, her stomach filled quickly. Noticing her pause, Bai Zhanfeng leaned closer, resting his hands on the table, and inquired again, "Xuan Yue, what do you think I should do?"
Gazing intently at the earnest Bai Zhanfeng, Xuan Yue clapped her hands. "Do you truly wish to know?"
Bai Zhanfeng nodded, and Xuan Yue raised an eyebrow. "Give her a child, preferably a son, and then visit her occasionally."
According to the servants of the Bai residence, ever since the wedding, Bai Zhanfeng had been residing at the military camp. Though busy with military affairs, his prolonged absence from home was rather unusual for newlyweds. Chen Ruoxi loved Bai Zhanfeng, but she bore immense pressure; her husband's indifference was a heavy burden. Yet, if she had a child, especially a boy, her standing in the Bai household, bolstered by the Chen family, would be unassailable. With a child born of love, she would cherish it deeply, redirecting some of her attention away from Bai Zhanfeng. If he could treat her with more kindness, her dissatisfaction, though still present, would likely be tempered.
Bai Zhanfeng's eyes widened in shock, the darkness of his pupils flashing with disbelief. He understood all too well how effective Xuan Yue's suggestion could be; Chen Ruoxi had long desired a child, a sentiment echoed by the elder and expressed by her as well. Yet, hearing it from Xuan Yue's lips struck him with an unexpected pain, leaving his mind blank.
"It's getting late; you should rest," he said, feeling lost for words. He turned to leave, his posture slightly hunched in his fluster, his steps unsteady.
As Xuan Yue watched Bai Zhanfeng's retreating figure, she poured herself a glass of water, her cool gaze narrowing into a dangerous line. This was indeed the most effective solution she could devise, both for Bai Zhanfeng and for Chen Ruoxi.