establish authority

As the melody concluded, the hall fell into an expectant silence. The graceful figure resembled a phoenix soaring through the heavens, exuding an unrestrained charm that was unparalleled in any woman. High above, where the air grew thin, only such a woman could utter bold and fearless words while others desperately aspired to ascend the branches. Her gaze, cool and penetrating like moonlight, swept across the assembly before settling upon Lan Yixuan, her brows arching with a playful elegance.

She sheathed her silver sword with fluid grace and approached Lan Yixuan directly.

A sword befitting a hero, flowers bestowed upon beauty; yet in that moment, they felt as though the exquisite sword crafted from superior dark iron, Xuepo, was meant solely for the woman clad in white. The pair seated together—their talents and beauty harmoniously intertwined—truly appeared as if heaven had fashioned them for one another.

Lan Yixuan personally poured tea, presenting it to her as she took her seat. She raised the cup to her lips, sipping cautiously, only to wrinkle her brow and inquire, "Why tea?" It was lukewarm tea, no less.

Lan Yixuan remained silent, lifting the cup to blow away the mist that swirled above. She observed that he rarely indulged in wine; even in such a setting, he merely tasted the fine spirits, preferring to cradle a cup of tea, just as he did now.

"Your Highness is truly fortunate," Lan Shaocheng remarked, his gaze glued to Xue Yue, who radiated an undeniable brilliance. Even when seated quietly, she commanded attention.

Xue Yue lowered her head, her lashes casting shadows over her eyes, seemingly oblivious to Lan Shaocheng's predatory gaze. She continued sipping her tea, casting a sidelong glance at Lan Yixuan, her lips curling into a smile.

"If I could have a woman like the heir apparent as my consort, even amidst pressing affairs of state, I could never bear to let such a beauty remain solitary," Lan Shaocheng proclaimed.

Xue Yue's gaze shot up, her bright eyes reflecting an icy disdain as she fixed her stare on Lan Shaocheng. How audacious of him to express such intentions! Clearly, he dared to covet her, emboldened by the evident favoritism of Concubine Gong, showing utter disregard for both her and Lan Yixuan. The other ministers, recognizing the impropriety of his words, averted their eyes, not wanting to offend either party.

"Wherein lies your governance, Second Brother?" Lan Yixuan questioned, gently blowing across the surface of his tea. The ripples danced, and his voice was soft yet resonated through the air, echoing in the space around them like distant thunder.

As Xue Yue set her cup down, her wrist casually nudged it, causing the freshly placed cup to shatter on the floor, scattering warm water and shards. The sound, though not loud, silenced the entire Ganquan Palace. The onlookers held their breath, and Lan Shaocheng, who had intended to interject, swallowed hard and fell silent. The other ministers remained equally still, not daring to breathe.

Xue Yue waved her hand innocently, "It was an accident."

The palace maids nearby hesitated to gather the fragments.

"Your Highness's consort hails from a prestigious lineage, possessing grace and virtue, while your side consorts are equally educated and refined. Even the concubines of the royal house are as lovely as flowers. Yet, despite this, the Second Prince still indulges in fleeting romances. Human nature is inherently greedy, relishing what is in front of them while yearning for what is beyond their reach. How can one woman change such a nature?" Lan Shaocheng retorted, his anger apparent as he glared at Xue Yue. His wife beside him wore a sorrowful expression; she had previously urged him to be cautious, knowing the ridicule that came with a prince frequenting brothels, but each time she began, he would lash out, silencing her.

The others observed Lan Shaocheng's predicament with a mix of indignation for their daughters and astonishment. Xue Yue had only been in Lan Country for half a month and had spent most of that time at the royal residence. How could she possibly know of these affairs? Then they recalled her actions in Feng Country months prior, a chill creeping over them; the queen of Feng was indeed formidable.

"Lord Lan, as the heir of Lan Country, it is your duty to prioritize the military and governance of Lan, to care for the well-being of its citizens and set an example for the ministers. If you remain mired in personal affairs, indulging in fleeting passions, how can you be entrusted with such responsibilities?" Xue Yue stated in a calm tone, yet her meaning was unmistakable. Regardless of how favorably the queen favored the Second Prince, Lan Yixuan was the rightful heir. As a queen of Feng, she could not accept being subordinate to anyone, and the ministers needed to make their allegiances clear.

"Do you think the Second Prince can afford to marry a woman like me? Do you think you deserve me? Not only would my brother never consent, but if Bai Zhanfeng learned I was to wed someone like you, he would surely come storming from the distant Bai Country. Furthermore, a person like you is hardly worthy of my attention," she declared, her resolve hardening. Though she dared not confront Concubine Gong directly, she intended to teach this ineffectual Second Prince a lesson, for she could not quell the simmering anger within her. Her retribution would be focused solely on him, paying no heed to his master.

"You—" 

Lan Shaocheng, furious, slammed the table, pointing at Xue Yue as he stood. His face flushed crimson, yet words failed him.

Xue Yue smiled, unflustered as she rose and moved to the center, bowing before the Lan Wang, "By seniority, I should refer to you as 'Father,' but as the queen of Feng, our statuses are equal. I journeyed from Feng to Lan for the purpose of an alliance, yet here I stand before the assembled ministers, facing humiliation from a mere illegitimate prince. What of my dignity as the queen of Feng? While Lan and Xuanyuan vie for supremacy, my Feng, though lesser, will not yield to bullying. Without your Lan, we Feng would still stand apart from the Zhou Dynasty, yet without us, you would surely lag behind Xuanyuan."

Xue Yue turned, approaching Lan Shaocheng. Though her temper flared, she noted his sudden reticence in the face of her boldness, hands clenched at his sides, unable to speak.

"The Second Prince is reckless; does he not consider the implications of his actions toward his aunt-in-law?"

Gong Shaohua slowly opened his slightly drooping eyes to gaze at Xianyue, while the gasps of the other ministers echoed clearly throughout the Ganquan Palace. It was no wonder that people remarked on the Queen of Feng's impulsive nature; such words would scarcely escape the lips of any ordinary woman.

Bai Pingtian was momentarily taken aback, casting a glance at Lan Yixuan, only to find him displaying no sign of surprise, as if the princess's actions were entirely to be expected. 

"Our king is deeply favored by the people of Feng, and by marrying into your Lan Kingdom as a queen, she represents the diplomatic relations between our two nations. Should today's incident reach the ears of the citizens or ministers of Feng—" 

Bai Pingtian hesitated, not wishing to utter the next words: "Should it come to the attention of His Highness that our king has been humiliated in front of his ministers." 

Bai Pingtian took a deep breath, but in that fleeting moment, the gathered individuals contemplated another matter entirely. It was a well-known truth that the prince of Feng held great affection for his sister. Initially, it had been believed that the heir apparent's wife had been murdered by the princess of Chu, prompting him to launch an attack against Chu. The eldest son of Chu had harbored feelings for the heir apparent's wife, and the Bai army had offered no resistance. Their advance had been like a hot knife through butter. Subsequently, the heir apparent's wife had gifted most of the territories she had captured from Chu to the Bai family. Presently, Chu was as divided as Yan, while the remnants of its royal family were little more than a shadow of their former selves. Had it not been for Xuanyuan, they might have ceased to exist altogether. 

The prince of Feng, eager to protect his sister, would surely take drastic measures if he learned that his sister had been insulted in the Lan Kingdom, especially if no justice were served. Although Feng might not rival Xuanyuan or Lan, the combined strength of Feng and the Bai family could easily match that of the Lan Kingdom. Xuanyuan's ambitious heir, Xuanyuan Hao, had long sought to eliminate the Lan Kingdom and usurp the throne of Zhou. Should Feng and the Bai family unite, the Lan Kingdom would undoubtedly face annihilation. 

In the blink of an eye, a complete array of thoughts began to swirl in their minds. 

"You—you're spouting nonsense!" 

"Your Highness." 

The queen, seated nearby, cautiously tugged at his sleeve, only to be roughly shaken off. It must be said that Lan Shaocheng was remarkably dim-witted; a sensible person would not choose this moment to become enraged but would instead seek to remedy the situation. 

Xianyue smiled but said nothing, stepping aside to observe the Lan King and the queen, quietly awaiting the outcome. It was likely that Gong Shaohua had chosen this second prince not only due to his mother's early demise but also because his lack of intelligence made him easier to manipulate. 

"Father, I did not!" 

Gong Shaohua protested loudly while gazing at the Lan King, who furrowed his brow and snapped, "Be quiet." 

"Mother!" 

Lan Shaocheng looked at Gong Shaohua with desperate hope. 

Gong Shaohua turned to the Lan King beside her, but the Lan King's gaze remained fixed on Lan Yixuan, who still maintained his indifferent demeanor. The teacup in his hand had been set down on the table, his long fingers tapping out a rhythm on the surface: "What does Xuan'er think should be done?" 

The Lan King entrusted the matter to Lan Yixuan. 

All eyes focused on the Lan King and Lan Yixuan, while Lan Shaocheng held his breath, glaring fiercely at Lan Yixuan. Xianyue turned her head to look at him, and Lan Yixuan ceased his rhythmic tapping: "As a member of the royal family, one should set an example for the people." 

Compared to the curiosity of others, Xianyue's eyebrows arched upward, her bright eyes shining with an added luster from her faint smile. 

"If one cannot uphold such standards, how are they any different from commoners?" 

His eyes, typically so gentle, now glimmered with a piercing clarity, and the familiar smile he wore was always disarming. Xianyue, who had long detested this side of Lan Yixuan, found herself warming to it. Noticing some still appeared bewildered, especially the one at the center of the storm, she added with a smile, "Since there's no difference, then let's simply demote him to a commoner, and that way, we won't have to worry about setting an example." 

Lan Shaocheng was left utterly dumbfounded, while Xianyue beamed with schadenfreude. A person so accustomed to flaunting their status would surely find themselves humiliated if reduced to a commoner's status—life would become a torment far worse than death. 

"Princes who commit crimes are punished just like commoners; to disregard rank and jeopardize diplomatic relations is a minor offense." 

Bai Pingtian's words echoed Xianyue's sentiments. 

Finally, Lan Shaocheng came to his senses, almost crying without tears, as he looked at Gong Shaohua and repeatedly cried, "Mother! Mother!" 

Gong Shaohua turned to the Lan King beside her, who waved his hand decisively: "Let it be as the heir and his wife have said." 

He then turned and took Gong Shaohua's hand: "A ruler must keep their word; the queen has indeed spoiled Shaocheng. Xuan'er will return to the Lan Kingdom and will personally fulfill his filial duties by your side." 

Gong Shaohua appeared pained, and her expression seemed genuine, for after so many years, even favoritism could become a habit. 

"Your Majesty, I suddenly feel unwell; I must take my leave." 

The Lan King nodded and instructed those nearby to take good care of her. Xianyue returned to her previous position, where the little palace maid who had been standing behind her crouched down to clean up the shards of the cup she had accidentally dropped. The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had shifted dramatically; the earlier lightheartedness had vanished. No one dared to look down on Lan Yixuan, nor would any woman risk their lives to offer themselves to him. 

Xianyue savored her meal with gusto, while the other ministers found their food tasteless. The banquet did not last long and concluded early. Bai Pingtian and the others had already departed, leaving only Xianyue and Lan Yixuan. Aside from the patrolling guards, the busy eunuchs and palace maids were now few and far between. 

"Young Master Lan, don't you think it's immensely satisfying?" 

Xianyue walked closely beside Lan Yixuan, intentionally nudging his arm with her elbow. 

Lan Yixuan frowned slightly, the cool moonlight casting a warm glow in his otherwise dull gaze: "You are not acting like a woman at all." 

Xianyue was not offended; she laughed heartily: "Young Master Lan, why do so many women adore you, yet you chose someone like me, who is hardly a woman?" 

Having said this, she playfully nudged him again. Although she had consumed quite a bit of alcohol that night, her mind remained clear, albeit with a touch of intoxication evident in her rosy cheeks, akin to the finest rouge. 

Lan Yixuan looked at Xianyue, wondering where her regal demeanor had gone. Her words certainly did not resemble those of a queen. After being nudged a couple of times, he could only wrap his arms around her waist to keep her from moving around too much. 

Xianyue wriggled free from his embrace and stepped in front of him. Her slightly intoxicated eyes seemed to reflect all the stars in the sky, and her cheerful laughter carried a surprising earnestness: "I just find that Lan Shaocheng is utterly detestable. He's just a second prince; how dare he be so bold? Young Master Lan, you are mine now. Only I have the right to bully you. No one else is allowed—absolutely not!" 

Her domineering tone and fierce possessiveness warmed Lan Yixuan's heart. This woman before him was someone he wanted to hold onto for a lifetime, never letting go. 

"As long as it belongs to you, even if you no longer desire it, I will not allow anyone to take it from you."

This was the promise she had once made to her brother, and in her heart, Lan Yixuan held a similar place; as long as something belonged to him, she would spare no effort to protect it with her life. She understood that Lan Yixuan was unlike other men—he did not indulge in sweet nothings, and at times, one could hardly sense his concern for her. Yet, once someone entered his heart, he would grasp their hand tightly, even in the face of life and death, ready to sacrifice himself. To Xuan Yue, he was a source of warmth, akin to Feng Jiulan.

Every individual's extreme personality is shaped by their environment. Those words might not befit a queen of a nation, but what did it matter? She had left the palace of Feng Kingdom at a young age, and even if her conduct was sometimes lacking in propriety, the people of Feng would forever remember the deeds she had done for them and the promises she had made. She would do only what she felt was right and what she desired.

Lan Yixuan gazed at Xuan Yue in silence; his desires were myriad, so many that he sometimes questioned whether they were truly his. He only wanted her. Yet, the tighter he tried to hold on, the quicker she slipped away, like grains of sand. Perhaps his master had long foreseen this.

He yearned to attain what he desired but feared to reach out—not because he was worried she might leave, but rather that she might depart with bitterness.

"Lan Gongzi," Xuan Yue suddenly appeared behind him, patting his back. "Carry me, please."

Lan Yixuan pretended not to hear her, continuing forward. 

"Lan Gongzi, I had too much to drink and cannot walk." 

"I will send someone to fetch you." 

"I want you to carry me." 

As soon as she finished speaking, Xuan Yue, like a white crane spreading its wings, leaped onto his shoulder. He did not dodge; she wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, laughing. "Lan Gongzi, you secretly want to carry me."

If he truly wished to evade her, she wouldn't have succeeded no matter how hard she tried.

Xuan Yue's sudden leap caused Lan Yixuan to stumble several steps, despite his preparedness, his hands instinctively catching her calves. The force of the impact made him cough a couple of times.

"Feng Xuan Yue, are you still a woman?" he questioned, though his tone remained as calm as ever.

A pair of patrolling guards nearby was initially taken aback but quickly averted their eyes, clearing the path for them.

"Lan Gongzi, you've lost all semblance of dignity." 

Xuan Yue rested her chin on his shoulder, giggling, her warm breath enveloping his neck, not even considering who had marred his image.

After a while of playful commotion, Xuan Yue gradually quieted down. Lan Yixuan thought she had fallen asleep and chose not to speak.

Leaning against his shoulder, Xuan Yue reflected that this must be his first time carrying someone. He was like her brother, kind to himself. While her brother indulged his desires, Lan Yixuan, though outwardly dissenting, had also been silently indulging himself. This feeling was delightful; it felt different from what her brother had given her. She felt genuinely happy. 

She looked up at the beautiful moonlight, silver rays casting a cool glow upon her face. Life is filled with joy and sorrow, just as the moon waxes and wanes; this happiness, she wasn't sure how long it could last.

She sensed something impending, something that could shatter the happiness she had just managed to attain. It was akin to the flesh-eating ants from the Valley of Death—beyond Lan Yixuan's power to control, and helpless on her part. She could only accept the inevitable, perhaps destined for unending mutual suffering.

During Lan Yixuan's absence from the palace, she had felt utterly lost. If he were to ask her if she regretted her choices, she would still answer the same: she had no regrets—none whatsoever.

No regrets about meeting at Falling Petal Mountain, no regrets about their reunion at Lin'an Inn, nor about the trials and tribulations they faced along the way. To meet Lan Gongzi was indeed a wonderful thing.

"Lan Gongzi." 

She nestled against him and called softly. Surprised that she was still awake, he gently responded with a soft "Mm."

"If you cannot bear to let go, then cherish what you have." 

If there were to be a day of parting in the future, a day beyond their control, all they could do was cherish everything they possessed now, stifling the surges of sadness within, letting that belief guide them toward happiness. 

Wishing for enduring joy, sharing the beauty of the moonlight—even if separation brought heartache, as long as they knew the other was safe, it wouldn't matter if they couldn't be together day and night. 

Lei Yun, Lei An, and Bai Peiting had already returned to Xuelan Palace, waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan return, they approached, and Xuan Yue had truly fallen asleep on Lan Yixuan's shoulder.

Bai Peiting noticed Lan Yixuan tilting his head to carefully lay Xuan Yue on the bed, gently tucking her in. Even in the flickering candlelight, she could still discern the faint tenderness in his gentle eyes.

"Does the Young Master still have matters to attend to tonight?" she asked, her tone disapproving, glancing at the sleeping Xuan Yue.

"Change her into fresh clothes," Lan Yixuan replied, rising from the edge of the bed. He turned to Lei An, instructing, "Go prepare some warm water."

"And you, Young Master?" Bai Peiting asked, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure. What the princess truly wished for was to awaken with the Young Master by her side. Although she did not know the reasons behind his coldness, she recognized that his actions only caused her heartache.

"I shall remain in Xuelan Palace," he stated, pushing open the door. Standing beneath the eaves, he gazed at the starry sky. In the quiet of the night, his brow furrowed slightly, lost in thought, his hands gripping a nearby pillar tightly. The more he sought to hold on, the more elusive everything became, an inexplicable feeling of helplessness suddenly washing over him.

"Master." 

Lei Yun followed behind him, softly calling, "You clearly love the Young Master's wife. Now that you have finally come together, why do you keep your distance? I have been in the palace serving these days, and though the Young Master's wife smiles as always, I can see that she is actually hurting inside. If you have any concerns, just be honest with her. She would certainly understand."

Lan Yixuan responded with a quiet "Mm," refraining from further comment. He believed she would forgive him, but he knew that he could not remain in Lan Kingdom, nor stay by her side. He had finally discovered what he wanted, yet no matter how hard he tried, it would never belong to him.

Seeing him silent, Lei Yun also chose to remain quiet.

As the door opened, Bai Peiting emerged carrying water. Upon seeing Lan Yixuan still there, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Master," she approached him and bowed slightly. "I have changed the princess into clean clothes."

Lan Yixuan nodded and instructed Lei Yun and Bai Peiting, "You both should rest early." He then turned and returned to the room.

Xuan Yue lay in bed, sound asleep. Lan Yixuan smiled as he approached the bed, removed his shoes and outer garment, and lay down beside her, gently tapping her cheek. "Move in closer."

With her eyes still closed, Xuan Yue chuckled softly, suddenly opening her eyes to see Lan Yixuan above her. As she inched closer, she remarked, "I thought you would sleep in the study tonight."

Lan Yixuan lifted the covers and lay down, ignoring her and turning his back.

However, Xuan Yue became more alert, resting her head on his shoulder and leaning in to gaze at his face. "Lan Gongzi."

He did not respond.

"Lan Gongzi." 

"Lan Gongzi."

Lan Yixuan continued to remain unresponsive, prompting Xuan Yue to feel disheartened. With a huff, she adjusted herself back on the bed, closed her eyes, and allowed a smile to grace her lips—perhaps it was the comforting knowledge that Lan Yixuan was right beside her, not going anywhere, which soon lulled her into a peaceful slumber.

Lan Yixuan kept his eyes shut until the steady sound of her breathing reached him from behind. After a considerable pause, he cautiously turned to his side, lowering his gaze upon the Xuan Yue lying beside him. Seeing that she had not suddenly awoken, he reached out and gently pulled her into his embrace.

In the candlelit room, the night breeze was gentle, and the door was shut. The flickering candle flames cast playful shadows across her face, dancing in the dim light. The vermilion between her brows flickered in unison with the firelight, revealing a rare moment of tranquility where she was uncharacteristically still and not engaged in playful antics. Deep down, she retained a childlike essence, unlike those raised within the palace's confines. She acted on impulse, favoring her own whims, relishing a life of freedom and unrestrained spontaneity, yet paradoxically, she bore the burden of responsibility, often shouldering the weight of everything herself. At this moment, he found himself wishing she could be a little more selfish.

He had intentionally ignored her; if he indulged in her playful antics, he could not guarantee what might transpire. His pride in his self-control was tenuous when faced with this woman lying beside him. He harbored a desire for something to happen, as it might provide him with leverage to bind her to him further. Yet he understood that such actions could breed resentment, just as his abandonment of her in the palace had done. If she were to sever ties with him and leave the Lan Kingdom, she would vanish completely from his sight. Therefore, he refrained from taking that path; he dared not.

"Feng Xuan Yue." 

He called her softly, tenderly brushing her brow with his fingers. 

"Do not leave me," he murmured, his voice barely audible, yet laden with profound weight—a whisper of his innermost thoughts.

The following morning, before Xuan Yue had opened her eyes, she reached out her right hand to pat the space beside her.

"Feng Xuan Yue, what are you doing?" 

Lan Yixuan swatted her hand away from his face, annoyance coloring his tone. Xuan Yue, still with her eyes shut, could not help but laugh.

"I thought you had already left to attend to state affairs."

With her lips curling into a smile and her eyes alight with joy, she woke fully, sitting upright to face Lan Yixuan, seizing his hand to tug him up. "Get up! Have Lei Yun prepare breakfast for me; I'm nearly starving."

As she spoke, she hopped off the bed and quickly donned her attire. Lan Yixuan also rose, having already been awake and waiting for her to stir.

At the door, Xuan Yue suddenly turned around to look at Lan Yixuan, a smile dancing in her eyes. "Lan Gongzi, open your eyes. It feels wonderful to have you beside me."

Without attempting to hide her glee, her laughter bubbled forth, sweetening Lan Yixuan's heart. He feigned disgust as he gazed at her radiant face, muttering, "Sentimental."

"Lan Gongzi, don't deny it; your heart must feel as sweet as honey." 

Xuan Yue shared breakfast with Lan Yixuan, who chose not to rush into state matters. Instead, he took her for a leisurely stroll around Xuelan Palace. They also shared lunch and dinner together, and though they slept side by side at night, nothing untoward occurred. Lan Yixuan would meet with ministers and attend to official duties in the study, while Xuan Yue seized that time to grasp the current state of the Feng Kingdom. Most of the time, they were together, and nearly every day unfolded in this manner.

Half a month passed, and one early morning, Lan Wang summoned Lan Yixuan. Despite his caution, Xuan Yue was still stirred from sleep. Not long after Lan Yixuan departed, and as Xuan Yue finished her breakfast, a eunuch attending the queen arrived, inviting her to Wei Yang Palace.

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency." 

Noticing Lan Yixuan's absence and feeling the absence of any immediate matters, she recalled that the current Princess Shaohua bore the title of Lan Yixuan's mother. Following the same routine as before, she tidied herself up, exchanged a few words with those from Ganquan Palace, and then accompanied Bai Peiting to Wei Yang Palace.