Palace Banquet

When Xianyue and Lan Yixuan arrived at Ganquan Hall, the ministers had already taken their seats according to rank. The King of Lan and the Queen occupied the central position, flanked by the esteemed women of the palace, followed by princes and princesses, along with various ministers and their accompanying noble daughters. Two seats were left vacant in the upper left corner for them.

The banquet was held to welcome Xianyue and cleanse her of the dust of her travels, so the main guest had yet to arrive. However, the entertainment had already commenced.

As the performance concluded, a woman dressed in a pink gown rose and, upon noticing Lan Yixuan and Xianyue standing at the door, smiled and curtsied before turning to the King and Queen seated in the center. "This humble girl presents her humble performance."

Her voice rang like silver bells, gentle and soothing, reminiscent of a summer breeze that brought forth a sense of ease.

"Oh, beautiful one, did you not just greet her?" Xianyue nudged Lan Yixuan with her elbow, her smile radiant, betraying no trace of jealousy.

Lan Yixuan turned to her with a sidelong glance, and Xianyue laughed outright as he wrapped his arm around her.

Leiyun, Leian, and Bai Pingting approached the doorway where Xianyue and Lan Yixuan stood, bowing in greeting, and the other ministers turned to follow suit. Lan Yixuan nodded, leading Xianyue to the two empty seats. Under the gaze of the assembled guests, they sat down, Xianyue taking the prominent position without hesitation.

The other ministers looked on in astonishment, for although Xianyue was the princess of Feng Country, her marriage into Lan Country made her a citizen of Lan. It was said that one must adapt to the customs of the land; in this era, where men held authority over women, it was unusual for a woman's status to surpass that of a man.

"Xue'er and Xuan'er have arrived!" The Empress Shaohua greeted them warmly, her face illuminated by the light, exuding noble elegance. The King of Lan sat beside her, watching Lan Yixuan with concern, devoid of any reproach. From the moment he entered, he had maintained a smile. Having enjoyed a life of luxury, he had slightly rounded, and when he smiled, the flesh on his face gathered, making his eyes squint like those of a benevolent Buddha, giving him an amiable and approachable appearance. He wore loose royal robes, but they could not conceal his burgeoning belly.

Lan Yixuan glanced at them and merely acknowledged with a noncommittal "hmm," offering no further words, seeming entirely unfamiliar with them. The other ministers appeared unfazed, which was understandable; after all, Lan Yixuan had left Lan Country at a young age, and familial bonds within royal families were often tenuous. It was evident that the King cared for Lan Yixuan, yet such a father was hardly likable—almost more detestable than Feng Xuanling.

Though she felt a distaste for him, Xianyue did not let it show. When the King's gaze shifted from Lan Yixuan to her, she stood up with a smile, her back straight and slightly bowing her head. "Father, Mother."

"Why has the Young Princess arrived so late?" 

Just as Xianyue was about to sit down, someone spoke from across the table. She fixed her gaze on him for a few seconds, appraising him. He appeared refined, possessing the scholarly demeanor typical of the people of Lan, yet in Xianyue's eyes, he was leagues apart from Lan Yixuan. She was about to respond when Lan Yixuan interjected, "Are you questioning my wife, Second Brother?"

Lan Yixuan held his wine cup, his tone as casual as ever, yet there was a subtle authority in his smile that no king could rival.

The Second Prince, named Erzi, momentarily stunned, managed a forced smile. "I wouldn't dare."

"Xuan'er, Chen'er is merely curious," Empress Shaohua interjected, showing clear favoritism. Seeing the other ministers adopt expressions of indifference, Xianyue quickly grasped the situation. Over the years, as Lan Yixuan had been away, it was evident that this was the very Chen'er who had been close to the Queen. Empress Shaohua held a significant position in Lan Country, and if she weren't favored, he wouldn't dare to voice such inquiries in front of the ministers. They likely understood this too, hence no one spoke up.

"Mother, you spoil the Second Prince," Xianyue replied as she settled into her seat. "As the Queen Mother of Lan Country, you are also their mother. It is only right for the Second Prince to fulfill his filial duties in the absence of the Young Lord. However, he must not neglect propriety. Not to mention that I am a princess of Feng Country, but the Young Lord's position surpasses his. Curiosity is one thing, but he must remember his status. Moreover, there are many ministers present; one must understand the hierarchy."

These past few days, Lan Yixuan had left her unattended in the royal residence. She had just seen him chatting with another woman, refusing to divulge the matters at hand. While it was certainly infuriating, he was still her man, and any reproach was hers to voice; others should stay out of it. She had always been protective of him, and to criticize Lan Yixuan openly was to disregard her own dignity—especially since the person in question was an imposter.

"Xue'er speaks wisely," the King of Lan remarked, his voice resonant and powerful, embodying the authority of someone who had been in power for decades. Despite his jovial appearance, he exuded an undeniable majesty when he furrowed his brow.

Xianyue turned to Empress Shaohua and chuckled lightly. "The Young Lord often speaks highly of the Queen Mother while away, demonstrating his filial piety. Although he cannot be by your side to care for you, he still keeps you in his thoughts. Since he has been away for so long, I hope you can teach him well in the future."

Her gaze swept over the assembled ministers, deliberately emphasizing the last phrase, its meaning crystal clear: no matter how favored the Second Prince might be, he was not the legitimate heir. The realm of Lan Country rightfully belonged to Lan Yixuan, especially now that he had wed her. She believed in Lan Yixuan's capabilities, yet these fickle ministers left her feeling quite vexed.

How could the ministers fail to understand Xianyue's implication? A jolt ran through them; although they had not witnessed her formidable methods firsthand, they had heard of them often enough. They understood that the best approach was to avoid offending her, and so they lowered their heads, refraining from comment.

Xianyue discreetly tugged at Lan Yixuan's sleeve beneath the table. He turned to her, and she withdrew her gaze from Empress Shaohua, smiling at him. Lan Yixuan returned her smile, his gaze soft and gentle.

During their time in the Valley of Death, he had indeed often mentioned Empress Shaohua, deeply contemplating how to make her taste the fruits of her own actions, filled with filial piety while plotting vengeance for his mother.

"Today is a family gathering, and Xue'er is late; she should be punished."

Gong Shaohua fixed his gaze on the duo of Lan Yixuan and Xianyue, his countenance devoid of any displeasure. On the contrary, his gentle eyes brimmed with a hidden smile, as if he were plotting something or reveling in a private triumph. 

"Recently preoccupied with state affairs, I have neglected Xianyue. Today, upon her arrival at the palace, I took her to explore the Xuelan Hall." 

Gong Shaohua let out a meaningful "oh," and faced with the scrutiny of the crowd, Xianyue remained poised and unruffled, betraying no hint of the bashfulness typical of a young lady. "I have arrived late and shall punish myself with three cups." 

As she raised her wine cup, a palace maid promptly stepped forward to refill it. Xianyue tilted her head back and downed the contents in one go. Three cups of wine were but a trifle for her; however, after her earlier comments, Gong Shaohua couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment and sought to provide her with an opportunity to gracefully exit. 

"I have heard tales of the heir's extraordinary talent and beauty, yet I have never had the pleasure of witnessing it. Might I be fortunate enough to see it today?" 

It was the same woman who had performed earlier, her almond-shaped eyes fixed intently on them. Alas, while she had intent, he showed indifference. 

Lan Yixuan furrowed his brow, while Xianyue stood from her seat. "Very well, I shall entertain everyone with a song." 

As she spoke, she drew a precious sword from her waist—was it not the Xuepo that Lan Yixuan had gifted her? The moment the onlookers caught sight of it, the woman's expression shifted, and Xianyue felt a surge of pride. Accustomed to her freedom and casual demeanor, she exuded an air of nonchalance. Having consumed a few cups of wine, though still alert, she was tinged with a sense of boldness. With the Xuepo unveiled, its silver blade glimmered, flames flickering across its surface. She turned, offering Lan Yixuan a smile that was both carefree and confident. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, with a few strands brushing against her face. Her bright, sparkling eyes narrowed slightly, the soft glow illuminating her snow-white, delicate features, lazy yet enticing, while an unintentional aura of authority compelled respect. 

"Let us toast to the longevity of my father and mother, and may all present officials enjoy enduring prosperity!" 

She arched an eyebrow, her laughter ringing out—a sound both genuine and laced with irony. 

As her laughter faded, she waved her hand, and an icy chill swept through the air. The sword danced, silver light scattering around, her pure white figure melding seamlessly with its movement, creating a flurry of white shadows that obscured the distinction between her and the sword. 

"When will the bright moon appear? I raise my glass to inquire of the heavens. 

I know not the palace in the sky, nor what year this night may be. 

I long to ride the wind back home, yet fear the cold in those lofty jade towers. 

As I dance, casting my shadow, how is it akin to life on earth? 

Turning the red pavilion, lowering the embroidered curtain, shining upon the sleepless. 

There ought not be hate; why does the moon always wax and wane at parting? 

Humanity endures joys and sorrows, just as the moon experiences fullness and emptiness—this truth has always been difficult to attain." 

Her clear, resonant voice floated through the cool night air, reaching every ear. The words, new to them, stirred deep emotions within, resonating with the profound intricacies of life. They beheld her ethereal form, likening her to a butterfly taking flight, yet perceiving an eagle's powerful wings spread wide. 

"May we all endure for eternity, sharing the beauty of the moonlight, even a thousand miles apart." 

As her song neared its conclusion, their gazes locked; in silence, their connection spoke volumes. 

"Humanity endures joys and sorrows, just as the moon experiences fullness and emptiness." 

Lan Yixuan echoed the sentiment, as if he heard the sigh of his own heart. 

She longed for freedom, yet bound by her responsibilities, she found herself imprisoned within the confines of the palace, unable to leave. He studied Xianyue, clad in white, her complexion unadorned, her black hair like silk cascading down, flowing like a waterfall, her eyes bright as stars, clear as mirrors, carrying a hint of gentle laughter. He couldn't shake the feeling that she harbored some secrets.