The Choice of Xianyue

In the study of the Xuelan Palace, Lan Yixuan sat at the desk, absorbed in reviewing memorials.

Several days prior, the King of Lan had decreed that all matters, both large and small, be entrusted to the Crown Prince, resulting in a steady stream of ministers virtually trampling the thresholds of the Xuelan Palace.

It was still early, the perfect hour for breakfast. Having just returned from the morning court session, Lan Yixuan slipped into the study, where a rare tranquility enveloped the air.

As Lei An pushed open the door, blinding sunlight flooded the room. He approached Lan Yixuan and respectfully bowed, greeting, "Young Master."

Lan Yixuan responded with a soft acknowledgment, not lifting his gaze.

Leian, bending slightly, raised his eyes. From his vantage point, he could see Lan Yixuan's profile—regal yet gentle, with the corners of his lips slightly curved upward, unchanged from his usual demeanor. Yet, Lei An sensed that something was indeed different.

Turning around, Lei An set the food he carried onto the table and returned to Lan Yixuan's side. He was not like Lei Yun, keenly observant; even if he had doubts, he kept them to himself. After years of being by Lan Yixuan's side, he had learned nothing of the calm demeanor his master displayed.

"Young Master." 

Lei An called out again, standing beside Lan Yixuan, unwilling to depart. "Has something happened between you and Miss Xianyue?"

Having been close to the Young Master for so long, he had never seen him troubled by anyone else but Xianyue. Instinctively, he felt that whatever was amiss with Lan Yixuan was likely related to her.

Yet, he found it strange. When Xianyue had first arrived in Lan, Lan Yixuan, preoccupied with state affairs, had neglected her, even joking and laughing with other women at Ganquan Palace without showing any signs of anger. Afterward, they had inexplicably reconciled and spent over half a month together, inseparable, with no visible conflict. Could it be that the Queen had spoken to her about something during the recent summons?

As Lei An pondered, unable to make sense of it all, he noticed that Lan Yixuan remained silent and pressed on, "Young Master, when will Miss Xianyue return?"

Lan Yixuan looked up at Lei An, setting down the brush in his hand. "If she wishes to return, she will."

Pushing away from the desk, Lan Yixuan stood and walked to the window. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sunlight bright and radiant.

That day, when summoned by the King, Lan Yixuan returned to find Xianyue absent. The palace servants informed him that she had been summoned by the Queen to Weiyang Palace. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, knowing that if the Crown Princess truly intended to torment him, she wouldn't choose this tranquil moment to reveal the truth to Xianyue. The most opportune moment would be after Feng Jiulan's demise, when Xianyue would surely harbor deep resentment towards him—hatred directed at him and the one he loved, a scenario that could not end well. As night fell and she had yet to return, he knew he had miscalculated.

"Although Xianyue can be somewhat willful and eccentric, she is a person of loyalty and affection. Her marriage to you is not solely for the sake of Feng, but because she harbors feelings for you. Moreover, she is wise and understanding."

Though the Kingdom of Lan was mightier than Feng, as the Queen of Feng, a woman of such prominence had traveled a great distance to Lan, only to be neglected the day after her wedding. Upon their next encounter, Lan Yixuan was seen laughing and chatting with other women. Any ordinary woman would have left in anger.

"If you wish to see her, then leave the palace to find her," Lei An suggested.

For some time now, Lan Yixuan had remained in the Xuelan Palace, convening ministers and managing state affairs methodically, never mentioning Xianyue. He was unhurried, yet Lei An felt a sense of urgency on his behalf.

While unaware of what transpired between them, Lei An believed that Lan Yixuan and Xianyue truly loved one another. They had endured numerous hardships, even life-and-death struggles, to reach this point—shouldn't they cherish their bond even more?

Lan Yixuan's fingers lightly tapped against the window frame, observing the lush green leaves that stretched towards the window, glistening with moisture but not overly dense. Through the gaps, he caught sight of Lei Yun hastening in this direction, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Xianyue will return soon."

His voice was soft, as if he were speaking to Lei An or perhaps to himself.

Upon hearing this, Lei An's heart soared with joy, and just as he opened his mouth to inquire further, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Turning, he saw Lei Yun approaching, his expression dark and serious. Lei Yun, glancing at the bed where Lan Yixuan stood, directly approached him. "Young Master, the Second Prince and his consort were murdered last night. Every servant in the residence is dead."

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria of the western suburbs, Xianyue was enjoying breakfast with Yueying, Lanyi, and others. During this period, she had shared meals and accommodations with them, observing their training throughout the day and engaging in drinking contests at night, living a carefree and pleasant life. The others were more than happy, wishing for her to remain with them instead of returning. Only Bai Pingting occasionally inquired while attending to Xianyue at the end of the day, asking when she planned to go back.

The group chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere in the cafeteria. Suddenly, Lanyi rushed back to Xianyue's side, breathless. "Princess, something has happened."

"Last night, everyone in the Second Prince's residence was killed."

Xianyue set down her chopsticks, pushed her chair away, and stood up, her expression calm, revealing no signs of panic. She pointed at the group of Yueying, Luzhu, and the others gathered around the table. "Team leaders, follow me."

Upon hearing her words, Yueying and the others looked excited and hurriedly set down their chopsticks, moving to her side.

Xianyue turned to Bai Pingtian. "Sister Pingtian, you'll oversee matters here. Luzhu, you stay as well."

Luzhu parted her lips, wishing to accompany Xianyue into the palace. Xianyue patted her shoulder. "You are meticulous and prudent. Your presence here will aid Sister Pingtian. With Yueying and the others, they can handle everything just fine. I'll take you with me next time."

As her words fell, Xianyue had already moved away from her side.

A group of more than twenty women rode together through the bustling marketplace, their striking appearances causing quite a stir, especially Xianyue. Just days prior, Lan Yixuan had knelt before the citizens of Lan City and presented her with the Xuepo, causing a sensation throughout the city, with tales of the illustrious young lady being exchanged on every street corner. Coupled with the crimson birthmark between her brows and her dignified demeanor, it didn't take long for the crowd to recognize her, parting the way and kneeling in respect.

As Xianyue rode past them, she hadn't yet reached the western city gate when she spotted two familiar figures in gray from a distance. Tightening the reins, she leapt down from her horse, tossing the reins to the person behind her.

Upon recognizing Xianyue, Lei Yun and Lei An approached her. "The Young Lady has returned."

Xianyue cast a casual glance over their shoulders, not surprised that Lan Yixuan was absent. "Where is Young Master Lan?"

Xianyue smiled slightly, a hint of bitterness settling in her heart; she was, after all, unable to escape it. He was astute enough to anticipate that she would enter the palace through the nearest western gate and had stationed Lei Yun and Lei An here.

"The Young Master just received the news of the Second Prince's assassination and was summoned by the Queen to the Weiyang Palace."

Xianyue acknowledged with a brief "mm," swiftly passing by Lei Yun and Lei An, with the rest trailing behind her. "Did he instruct you to wait for me here?"

Lei Yun nodded, his taut expression betraying a touch of concern.

"The Second Prince has been murdered, and the Queen is devastated. This morning, the King, along with the officials' families, went to the Weiyang Palace to offer condolences."

How could Xianyue not understand? Lei Yun's words were directed at her. Her brow furrowed lightly. That cold-hearted woman would harm her sister, one who had grown up alongside her and shown her kindness, for the sake of a man. How could Lan Shaochen's departure truly bring her such despair? Was her thirst for revenge not yet quenched? What more did she seek? Did she truly wish to push Lan Yixuan to the brink before relenting?

Remembering the laughter of Gong Shaohua from that day sent a chill down her spine. Xianyue quickened her pace, and the palace attendants she encountered paused to bow and make way for her.

Before she even reached the Weiyang Palace, she spotted a large group of servants kneeling at the entrance, clad in white mourning attire. A golden plaque emblazoned with the words "Weiyang Palace" hung draped in white silk. The maidservants bowed their heads, weeping uncontrollably, as if they were in deep mourning.

Xianyue's brows knitted together. Their loud cries stirred no sympathy within her; she had always been cold-hearted. Lan Shaochen had been a lecher, flaunting his favor with Gong Shaohua while oppressing Lan Yixuan. She felt nothing but disdain, and the spectacle of mourning at Weiyang Palace only made her feel more uncomfortable.

"Enter."

Stepping around the kneeling maids, Xianyue stood at the entrance, listening to the heart-wrenching cries from within. Gong Shaohua sat on the floor, cradling Lan Shaochen's lifeless body, as if he were truly her beloved son. The families of the ministers surrounded her, with Granny Xu continually offering her solace, spouting platitudes about the deceased's passing and urging her to restrain her grief. The King sat at the center, glancing between Gong Shaohua and Lan Yixuan, his expression grim and filled with a hint of helplessness. Meanwhile, Lan Yixuan stood nearby, appearing unfazed, as everyone busied themselves without noticing her arrival.

"Proceed according to the situation."

Xianyue turned to Yueying and the others who had followed her, raising her foot to step inside. Suddenly, Gong Shaohua shoved away the women surrounding her, her pale face streaked with tears as she pointed an accusatory finger at Lan Yixuan. "Even if Shaochen offended you and Yue'er that day at the Ganquan Palace, he is still your brother! Though you are not of the same blood, he has spent years by my side, fulfilling the role of a son for you. He may not have earned accolades, but he has endured hardship. How could you bear to lay such a deadly hand on him? He is your brother! Your brother!"

After finishing her accusation, tears streamed down her face once more, leaving the others in a daze, staring blankly at Lan Yixuan.