Oath Under the Moon

Xuan Yue averted her gaze, fixing her eyes on Bai Zhanfeng, nodding earnestly and sincerely. 

She truly held such thoughts, especially upon seeing Luo Cheng. As for Nian Xiaoyu's feelings for Bai Zhanfeng, perhaps she still had not completely let go. For him, as her husband and a man who still loved her deeply, this was undoubtedly a painful and helpless circumstance. What sort of magnanimity must he possess? A man like that deserves a woman's utmost cherishment. 

Had it not been for the recent events in the Death Valley, she would have lacked the courage to confirm her feelings for Lan Yixuan. Yet even if she found clarity, if she were to be compelled to marry Bai Zhanfeng, then Lan Yixuan would inevitably be buried deep within her heart. In this era, where polygamy was commonplace, it was cruel to hurt a man with such profound affection in this manner. Furthermore, everything was a matter of personal choice; they were no longer children and ought to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. Moreover, clinging to something unattainable was futile; it would be better to let go and start anew—for both her own sake and for others. 

Bai Zhanfeng stared at Xuan Yue, his rugged features and deep-set eyes clouded with suspicion. 

Xuan Yue smiled, uncertain whether Bai Zhanfeng had ever entertained such thoughts before. Perhaps he had, or perhaps he hadn't, but taking action was invariably more challenging than mere words. She would do her utmost, believing in her capacity to achieve it, just as she had in the past—if only she could resolve to do so. 

Xuan Yue took several hearty swigs of her drink. Noticing Bai Zhanfeng still gazing at her with skepticism, his eyes fixed on her, she realized that, like herself and Nian Xiaoyu, he too was someone who wouldn't turn back until he collided with a wall. Compared to them, the stubborn Bai Zhanfeng seemed even more obstinate. At this moment, further words were futile; it would be better to wait until a more appropriate occasion arose. 

With this thought, Xuan Yue quickly let go of her burdens, setting down the wine jug and rising to leave the room. When she returned, she held a scroll of painting in her hands. She glanced at the disheveled table, frowned, and approached the writing desk. Bai Zhanfeng noticed her demeanor indicated she had something to discuss, so he stood up and followed her closely. 

"Alright, Bai Zhanfeng, I've said everything I needed to, both what should and shouldn't be said. Now, let's get to the point." 

Xuan Yue reached the writing desk and unrolled the painting. Bai Zhanfeng leaned forward, following the scroll, observing the figure depicted. 

Clad in a flowing blue robe, with his hair cascading like ink, the man exuded an air of nonchalance. His demeanor was calm and noble, an unparalleled figure whose lips were slightly pursed, giving the impression of a smile. His eyes, veiled in a misty sheen, resembled dark jade—deep and inscrutable. 

Night had fallen completely; the room was illuminated by the lamp's glow, casting light upon the scroll. The wind blew in from outside, causing the candle flames to flicker, and the figure on the scroll appeared almost alive. 

Bai Zhanfeng felt an inexplicable familiarity with the figure before him, frowning as he pondered where he had seen him before. After circling the painting several times, he suddenly realized that if one disregarded the detailed features, the calmness and grace of the man mirrored someone he knew very well. 

Xuan Yue looked up, smiling at Bai Zhanfeng. "Don't ask me; I cannot answer you. I can only tell you that the man in the painting is called Xue Lanluo. I heard there's a Lotus City in the State of Chu, where there's a stone disc that blooms with colorful lotus flowers whenever there's water. I sent someone to search for it, but there has been no news so far. I already asked Old Master Bai about it, and he confirmed its existence. Initially, I wanted him to assist me, but he said the Bai family is now under your command and suggested I come to you. Although you didn't grow up in the State of Chu, your subordinates are all locals, familiar with the area and likely to achieve results more efficiently. I must trouble you to find this person; whatever it takes, you must locate him." 

As she spoke, Xuan Yue rolled up the painting and tucked it into Bai Zhanfeng's embrace. Deep down, she wasn't sure if Bai Zhanfeng could find him. She had spent over ten years searching for Gong Shaoqiu and had yet to succeed. This task was undeniably challenging, but she clung to hope. This person was someone Xuan Yue felt she must find at all costs. 

Bai Zhanfeng looked down at the painting in his arms and then back at Xuan Yue. "Is it urgent?" 

Xuan Yue nodded. "Xuan Yuan Hao's army will soon reach Bi Luo River. You must stay with me in the military camp for the next few days. Once I become familiar with the camp affairs, you can then send people to search. Just focus on finding Xue Lanluo; as for the Bai State, I will keep watch, so you needn't worry." 

After the incident in Ye City, she had given the Bai family a tremendous favor, so she believed this matter wouldn't be too difficult. 

Bai Zhanfeng saw Xuan Yue's confident demeanor and assured expression, and he tucked the items away. "The generals of the Bai family hold you in high esteem." 

Noticing Bai Zhanfeng's long face, Xuan Yue realized he was displeased by her words. Nevertheless, after a hearty meal and drink, she felt cheerful, reaching out to pinch the corners of his mouth upward, lifting it into a smile, making him appear more amiable. "Bai Zhanfeng, your solemn face at this hour could scare anyone." 

As she laughed, Bai Zhanfeng's expression grew even darker, shooting her a glare and reaching out to swat her hand away. Frowning, Xuan Yue hurriedly spoke before he could act, "Bai Zhanfeng, your slap really hurts." 

Bai Zhanfeng looked at his raised hand, glaring at the smiling Xuan Yue, but ultimately refrained from striking her, his grim countenance softening into a reluctant smile. 

"Although you don't look great when you smile, Bai Da Gongzi, it's still better than your usual frown." 

With his naturally striking features, Bai Zhanfeng appeared intimidating when his expression darkened, and his icy gaze could easily instill fear in others. 

Xuan Yue chuckled. "Then it's settled. I'll return to the military camp tomorrow. I wonder how Lord Zhou An is faring now." 

Thinking of the man who had opposed her in the State of Chu, living in ease for many years, Xuan Yue felt some anticipation to see him. After the long journey, she wondered if he still harbored resentment towards the Lan State. 

After finishing her words, Xuan Yue stretched and yawned, pointing to the pitch-black night sky. "It's getting late. I'll return to the military camp with you tomorrow, so I need to get some rest." 

Bai Zhanfeng gazed at Xuan Yue, his smile unwavering. The harsh lines of his face softened under the light. With a lazy and carefree grin, reminiscent of a time long past, Bai Zhanfeng playfully patted Xuan Yue's shoulder. "You should rest. I'll wait for you to head to the military camp together tomorrow."

The implication was that she need not rise early just to go to the barracks. 

Xuan Yue opened her squinting eyes and nodded, "For the time being, you may not be able to return to the residence; do spend some quality time with Chen Ruoxi tonight." 

Bai Zhufeng's brows furrowed ever so slightly, yet Xuan Yue still detected it. However, compared to earlier, this reaction was considerably better. Xuan Yue sighed inwardly, inexplicably feeling a sense of unease that she could not quite grasp. 

"Bai Zhufeng, she is not merely your wife; she is also a lady of the Chen family." 

If this had been viewed as a political marriage from the outset, then one should at least fulfill their role, rather than discarding a pawn that deserves kindness and care. 

Bai Zhufeng gazed at Xuan Yue's retreating figure, remaining silent for a long time. He understood everything she said; thus, he would never take a second wife nor wish to harm another woman again. He wanted to treat Chen Ruoxi with kindness, but he simply did not feel for her. Initially, he harbored guilt, yet since that incident, even that had faded. A man of his solitary disposition, having grown up at Qiu Tian Mountain Manor alongside his brothers, he truly did not know how to interact with a woman. If Chen Ruoxi sought affection from him, it was an impossibility. Perhaps everything was as Xuan Yue said; he truly hadn't tried hard enough, for he had never intended to forget the woman named Feng Xuan Yue. Even if Xuan Yue remained silent, he would still seek out Chen Ruoxi at night, wanting only to know what she had spoken with Xuan Yue that day. 

It wasn't until Xuan Yue lay down on the bed that Bai Zhufeng finally departed. At the entrance of the Rose Courtyard stood guards, standing upright like a row of spears. Upon seeing Bai Zhufeng, they all respectfully bowed and saluted, "Young Master." 

Their voices were harmonious and bright, filled with vigor; these were handpicked by the old master from the Bai family army, further trained to ensure that while they could not take on a hundred foes, they could certainly fend off ten. 

Bai Zhufeng nodded, signaling them to lower their voices. "Has anyone come to see Miss Xuan Yue today?" 

"On the orders of the old master, I arrived just before noon. In the evening, the madam came, but Miss Xuan Yue was asleep at the time, so I did not allow the madam to enter. I informed her only after Miss Xuan Yue awoke." 

"How long did the madam stay? What transpired inside? Did you observe anything?" 

Bai Zhufeng frowned, increasingly convinced that the old master's actions were to prevent others from disturbing Xuan Yue's rest. The moment one visitor left, Chen Ruoxi arrived, which seemed suspicious to him. 

One of the soldiers shook his head, and another quickly added, "The madam had not been inside long when her personal maid knelt before Miss Xuan Yue; she remained in there for nearly an hour." 

"What did they say? Did you overhear anything?" 

"The distance was too great to hear." 

Bai Zhufeng grew more certain of his suspicions; Chun Tao, Chen Ruoxi's personal maid, would not kneel before Xuan Yue without reason. Chen Ruoxi must have done something to provoke this. Bai Zhufeng's brow furrowed, and he felt a surge of anger rising within him. He would have to confront Chen Ruoxi and demand clarity on the matter.