The Romance in Dreams

At dawn on the second day, Xuan Yue remarkably rose early. 

In this season, the crisp morning air, laden with moisture, struck her face with a refreshing chill, instantly awakening her senses. She closed her eyes, inhaling the invigorating breeze that swept into her nostrils, reviving her spirit.

As she stretched and reopened her eyes, the guard, who had been standing at attention at the door, approached her. "Miss Xuan Yue, the young master has asked me to convey that he must leave for the barracks due to urgent matters. If you find comfort in the Bai residence, please feel free to stay in the Rose Courtyard a few more days. Should you decide to return to the barracks, the young master has arranged for a carriage."

The young soldier recounted this message as per Bai Zhanfeng's instructions.

Xuan Yue lowered her raised hand and responded with a faint, "I understand. Please have the servants prepare breakfast; I will return to the barracks afterward."

Xuan Yue was somewhat surprised by Bai Zhanfeng's decision to leave for the barracks alone. After a moment's reflection, a self-deprecating smile crossed her lips. The words she had spoken had always wounded him, and last night, she had undoubtedly hurt him profoundly. Yet, this outcome was precisely what she desired; regardless of how Bai Zhanfeng perceived her, she regarded him as a friend. His avoidance of her was beneficial for them both.

After enjoying her breakfast, Xuan Yue stepped out of the Rose Courtyard only to encounter Chen Ruoxi, who looked haggard.

"It was the mistress who instructed us not to inform you."

Initially, the young guards were taken aback upon seeing Chen Ruoxi. Although she was dressed as meticulously as ever, her face was alarmingly pale, tinged with a ghastly hue, and her sunken eyes betrayed her sleeplessness. She stood at the entrance, visibly trembling. They were merely tasked with delivering a message, but since the mistress had forbidden it, they could only allow her to wait.

Being servants of the Bai family, they understood that some truths must remain unspoken. After their master had interrogated them the previous night, he had left in anger, only to return hours later. All of them were married men, and though they were rough around the edges, they could perceive the distinction Bai Zhanfeng held between Xuan Yue and the mistress. While the mistress was his legitimate wife, he always appeared cold towards her, in stark contrast to his demeanor around Xuan Yue. The latter exuded an aura of joy, her radiant smile lighting up the room, making those around her feel inexplicably cheerful. Compared to the legendary beauty of the martial world, the mistress seemed somewhat ordinary, yet in Bai Chu, she was undoubtedly outstanding.

"I am about to leave; there's no need to keep watch over this small courtyard. You may go now."

The guards exchanged glances, understanding that Xuan Yue wished to speak with the mistress. After a moment's hesitation, they bowed in unison and departed.

"Miss Xuan Yue should be aware of last night's events."

Chen Ruoxi approached Xuan Yue, her forthrightness taking Xuan Yue by surprise. She scrutinized Xuan Yue, her pale and weary face revealing a fearless determination.

Xuan Yue nodded, smiling slightly; she found herself admiring Chen Ruoxi's courage. After Bai Zhanfeng had visited last night, she had prepared tea and pastries for him. Given her evident concern for him, she could not possibly be unaware of his feelings.

"Married couples may bicker at the head of the bed but reconcile at its foot. I often quarrel with Lan Gongzi as well."

Chen Ruoxi paused, taken aback by Xuan Yue's response. When Lan Yi Xuan was mentioned, a glimmer of recognition flickered in her bright eyes, reflecting her familiarity with the subject. This was the very same expression she wore when discussing her master.

Indeed, for ordinary couples, this might be true, let alone the dynamics between her and the king of Lan. Although the king held deep feelings for her, her master was indifferent to her emotions. No matter how much she acquiesced, he remained unaffected, disregarding her efforts.

"Miss Chen," Xuan Yue's voice lifted slightly, "this is merely a well-intentioned reminder."

Xuan Yue chuckled softly. "Bai Zhanfeng is unlike the other young masters you've encountered. He was raised in the martial world, mingling with the so-called ruffians. He is forthright and speaks candidly. Whatever he says, you need only understand the literal meaning; there's no need to take it to heart or dwell on it. Since he has willingly shouldered all of Bai's responsibilities, this includes you. He will be accountable to you, and you need not harbor any doubts. As for me—"

Xuan Yue laughed lightly. "Have you heard of dreams?" Her smile blossomed further, her eyes sparkling with yearning and contemplation. "I am but a dream to Bai Zhanfeng, not merely because he once held feelings for me, but also due to the aspirations of that spirited youth chasing his dreams."

She understood this feeling. She had once believed she would find happiness, only to confront such unforeseen outcomes. The beauty of bygone days made their loss feel doubly devastating, and she desperately clung to what she had once perceived as happiness, only to realize her powerlessness. Bai Zhanfeng's obsession with her was not solely based on his feelings; it also stemmed from his dreams, which were shackled by the Bai family.

Chen Ruoxi was taken aback, staring at Xuan Yue in shock. After a long pause, she finally managed to speak, "Why are you telling me all this?"

Xuan Yue clapped her hands and raised an eyebrow. The morning sunlight bathed her unadorned face, her snow-white skin glowing, especially in contrast to the vermilion mark between her brows, translucent and radiant. Her bright eyes sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting vibrant hues, and her upturned lips wore a smile even more radiant than the morning sun. Chen Ruoxi found herself momentarily captivated, beginning to understand why so many were smitten by this woman. Though the lady named Feng Xuan Yue did not initially strike one as exceptionally beautiful—perhaps even less so than Chen Ruoxi—there was an arresting beauty in her presence. Upon closer inspection, she believed that even the celebrated princess of Chu's first snow could not compare to her by a fraction.

"I sincerely hope you can build a happy life with Bai Zhanfeng."

Xuan Yue smiled, her demeanor light and carefree, while Chen Ruoxi found herself at a loss to comprehend her feelings. She wondered why, despite her desire to lead a harmonious life with the young master, she had come to Chu State. Had she not come, she would never have discovered the tender side of him; she wouldn't have felt this overwhelming craving. Among the many talented individuals from the kingdoms of Feng and Lan, why was it necessary for a woman to lead them here? What about King Lan? Was he truly so unconcerned?

Xuan Yue playfully patted Chen Ruoxi's shoulder, laughing softly, "I will be returning to the military camp alone." 

She deliberately emphasized the word "alone," for she had never been one to concern herself with the whispers of others. Yet, she wished for Chen Ruoxi to understand that she had never intended to instigate any discord between her and Bai Zhanfeng. She hoped that upon returning, she would ponder why he had left without waiting for her. It was clear to Xuan Yue that Chen Ruoxi was a woman consumed by obsession, driven to madness by love. She had seen too much—Liu Xinyou and Gong Shaohua's actions were alarming. Xuan Yue wished for her not to become a second Gong Shaohua or Liu Xinyou, which was why she felt compelled to explain herself in her own way.

By the time Chen Ruoxi returned, Xuan Yue had already departed from her side. Chen Ruoxi turned to see only the figure in white fading swiftly into the distance, like a gust of wind, leaving her to wonder who could possibly hold onto someone so free-spirited as described in the legends of the martial world.

Xuan Yue approached the carriage, where Bai Ao stood at the entrance, his demeanor unremarkable. Perhaps reconciled with Bai Zhanfeng, he appeared considerably more spirited than when she first arrived. Beneath the sunlight, even with a smile, his face retained an edge that was striking.

"Old Master Bai, you've come to see me off. Did you sneak a few jars of fine wine into my bags?" 

Xuan Yue casually perched herself on the carriage frame, gazing at Bai Ao. "I'm about to return to the military camp, and I'd rather not carry the scent of liquor with me. So, let's skip that."

Bai Ao chuckled but quickly regained his seriousness. "I apologize for the inadequate hospitality during your stay; I hope you can overlook it." 

Xuan Yue was well aware of what he referred to and responded with a lighthearted smile. "Old Master, do you ever regret your choices?" 

He had thought that a refined and well-educated young lady would not be as he envisioned. If she were not so proud, would the current situation be better? 

Bai Ao remained silent for a long moment, sighing deeply. "Ruoxi has grown up before my eyes; she was never like this." He had not anticipated that events would unfold in such a manner. Ruoxi rarely spoke of Feng'er, and even when he mentioned him in her presence, he could detect no unusual reactions. He could see that she had affection for Feng'er. With the Chen and Bai families intertwined, as Feng'er's wife, she would never act against their interests nor harm him. He had not foreseen that her feelings for Feng'er were so profound, to a degree that caused concern. When he had arranged for Ruoxi to marry Feng'er, Chen Lao had been opposed. Among all his grandchildren, he had cherished Ruoxi the most, while at that time, Feng'er had been infatuated with Xuan Yue, particularly after the incident at Ganquan Hall, which everyone knew about. Suddenly bringing her back to the Chen family was quite contrary to their initial intentions. Ultimately, the Bai family owed Ruoxi, while Feng'er had let her down.

"Just make sure she doesn't do anything outrageous." 

Although her patience was limited, as long as her bottom line wasn't crossed, she could turn a blind eye.

Seeing Bai Ao nod, Xuan Yue expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Old Master Bai, for your warm hospitality during this time. I shall return to the military camp now; no need to see me off further." 

With that, she turned, lifted the curtain, and settled into the carriage.