Crimson Tearstains

Xianyue leaned against Lan Yixuan's shoulder, her hands firmly pressing down on his shoulders, her entire being frozen in place. "Lan Gongzi," she softly called out, opening her mouth, her sharp teeth like a dagger springing from its sheath, piercing directly into Lan Yixuan's skin. 

With one arm wrapped around her shoulders and the other encircling her waist, Lan Yixuan held her tightly in his embrace. As she looked up into his face, she bit down even harder, her eyes brimming with tears, misty and unclear, while the faint sound of dripping echoed in her ears. 

Lan Yixuan winced in pain, his brow furrowing slightly. He reached out to push her away, but midway he hesitated, pulling his hand back in frustration. "You, woman," he muttered. 

Releasing her grip, her snow-white teeth stained with blood, she hastily wiped her tears away and looked up at Lan Yixuan. Before he could check his injury, she suddenly burst into tears, leaving him bewildered. He took out a handkerchief to dry her tears, but she swatted his hand away and snatched the cloth from him, shutting her eyes and randomly striking him a few times in frustration. "Who told you to ask?" 

Sniffling, she continued, "Knowing in your heart is enough; why must you ask it aloud?" 

In this moment of helplessness, Lan Yixuan could only feel resigned. He took the handkerchief back from her and gently dried the tears at the corners of her eyes. "Is there anything you can't tell me?" 

With her lips pursed, it seemed she could cry out at any moment. Lan Yixuan found it puzzling that such a delicate figure, capable of bearing the weight of the world, could so easily shed tears, and in such an unrestrained manner. 

"Because I don't want Feng Jiulan to worry, suffering alone—are you planning to do that too?" 

Lan Yixuan raised his voice slightly. "Are you preparing to bear all the burdens alone?" 

Her cries ceased as she looked at him, dressed in a purple robe, his strikingly handsome face adorned with a noble smile that could charm any woman. Her gaze locked onto him, and as she seized the handkerchief from his grasp, she bit her lip, suddenly laughing. In her heart, the sour bitterness gave way to a refreshing sweetness. 

"Who said that?" 

With her chin held high, she resembled a proud phoenix, gazing into Lan Yixuan's doubtful eyes while looking up at the stars. "Lan Gongzi is exceptionally wise and deeply affectionate toward me. How could you bear to let me carry all the burdens alone?" 

She turned her head to gaze at him. "Regardless of whether I, Feng Xianyue, become the queen of Lan, in Lan Yixuan's heart, she is irreplaceable. I believe there will never be another woman who can make you sacrifice your life, leaving an indelible mark on your heart." 

Her subtle smile radiated confidence and assurance. 

"Do you resent me?" 

After a moment of silence, Lan Yixuan suddenly asked. 

His voice was soft, akin to a lover's whispered secrets, carrying not only warmth but a profound sense of sorrow. 

Feng Xianyue chuckled lightly, looking at him. "Why would I?" 

With a puzzled blink, she added, "Why would I resent Lan Gongzi?" 

Her low voice seemed to question Lan Yixuan while simultaneously probing her own feelings. 

"Besides eating and sleeping, how could someone like you take an interest in a woman like me? In this world, there are plenty of talented, stunning women. Lan Gongzi could easily beckon them with a smile and receive their unwavering devotion. If there is any resentment, it should be directed at me. For the sake of family and love, I chose my beloved brother over you. Thus, even if you have a harem of three thousand beauties in the future, I would have no grounds to resent you. You have risked your life multiple times for me, yet I feel I haven't done anything in return." 

Lan Yixuan gazed at her upturned chin, suddenly recalling what Ye Wuji had said to him during his time in Pansheng: "Xuan'er, if you love her, let her go." 

He realized that he had long known; whatever was not meant to be his would never be, even if he employed every means possible and sacrificed his life. 

Indeed, with so many women in the world, why did he single her out? There were countless women willing to give their all for him, Lan Yixuan. Why had it to be her? 

"Even stained with blood, should Feng Jiulan leave, I will keep you by my side." 

Lan Yixuan looked at Feng Xianyue, who met his gaze. "Do you think I'm selfish?" 

He raised his voice as he questioned her. Feng Xianyue chuckled softly and shook her head. "You are not virtuous, nor am I. For me, my brother is not only my closest kin but also my source of warmth, the motivation that keeps me going. Although we both dwell in the depths of the palace, it's hard for Lan Gongzi to understand my feelings. From childhood to now, surrounded by people who wish to harm me, if someone stands by you consistently for years, what does that feel like?" 

"However, I still won't resent Lan Gongzi for it. If I were in your shoes, I would do the same. Though I don't know why you like me, your willingness to sacrifice your life signifies that my place in your heart must be no less than my brother's. If I were in your position, I would do whatever it takes to keep those I wish to hold close. I understand all of this. If my brother truly leaves one day, Lan Gongzi will be the dearest and most beloved person to me. If someone told me it was you who harmed him, whether directly or indirectly, I might truly go mad, wishing to kill you. Isn't this situation the best?" 

Her clear eyes sparkled even more brightly, and her smile became more radiant. With a sense of relief, she said, "I won't suddenly disappear. Wherever I may be, I will always let Lan Gongzi know. As long as both you and my brother are safe, I will be content." 

Feng Xianyue gazed at Lan Yixuan, sighed contentedly, stood up from the ground, stamped her feet, stretched her arms, and turned to face him. "What do you think, Lan Gongzi?"

Clad in white, her dark hair flowing like the very essence of her spirit—free-spirited and untamed—she resembled a figure painted on an everlasting canvas, untouched by time. 

"Is there a better solution?" 

Lan Yixuan rose from the ground, brushing off the dust from his clothes, pausing momentarily. "Gong Shaohua may prove somewhat challenging." 

Xuan Yue nodded. Though Gong Shaohua was not in the imperial palace, her absence did not diminish the influence of her faction at court. This was precisely why Lan Yixuan chose to remain in the Lan Kingdom. 

"Let me handle this matter." 

With a playful smile, Xuan Yue pointed at his garment, walking over with a light-hearted demeanor. "Lan Gongzi, Lan Gongzi." 

She exclaimed with mock surprise, "You didn't notice the dirt!" 

Following her finger, Lan Yixuan glanced at his sleeve. Xuan Yue laughed heartily, and as he frowned, he rubbed the dust off his sleeve onto her. 

Xuan Yue shot him an annoyed glance, casually brushing off the dirt from her white attire. Suddenly recalling something, she exclaimed, handing him the wine flask. "Lan Gongzi, I haven't congratulated you yet! Congratulations on becoming the king of the Lan Kingdom, and—" 

She paused, chuckling, "The future ruler of the world." 

Lan Yixuan gazed at Xuan Yue for a long moment, his slightly narrowed eyes reflecting traces of intoxication, though he was well aware she was not drunk. 

The ruler of the world? He chuckled softly, feeling the chill of solitude. Without someone by his side to share the glory, what was the point of such a magnificent empire? 

"Very well." 

He responded with a smile, taking the flask from Xuan Yue and draining it in several gulps until it was empty, then tossing it aside. 

"Haha!" 

Xuan Yue pointed at Lan Yixuan, laughing joyfully, as if enlightenment had struck her. "Lan Gongzi, so you're quite the generous one." 

Lan Yixuan grasped her fingers and pulled her into his embrace. Xuan Yue collided against him without warning, letting out a muffled sound. She made no effort to resist, resting her head against his chest, inhaling deeply. Her long lashes fell, concealing the subtle sorrow and profound reluctance in her eyes. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, whispering, "Lan Gongzi, I seem to be rather reluctant to part with you." 

Xuan Yue sniffed, and Lan Yixuan gently patted her back. "I, too, might find it somewhat difficult." 

Xuan Yue gave a soft "Hmm," playfully thumping his back. "Just somewhat? Lan Gongzi, you'll find it exceedingly difficult." 

Tilting her head back, her bright eyes sparkled like stars, shimmering with delicate light, interwoven like a net. Her long lashes fluttered as she yawned several times, the clarity of her eyes becoming misty. "Lan Gongzi, I'm feeling sleepy." 

She chuckled softly, and Lan Yixuan furrowed his brow. "When you're not eating, you're sleeping. How could I ever find a woman like you appealing?" 

Xuan Yue's laughter grew more cheerful as she pouted playfully, poking his chest with her finger. "How should I know? You'll have to answer that yourself. Lan Gongzi, can I borrow your chest for a moment?" 

Before she finished speaking, her head drooped, her eyes closed as she sought a comfortable position, quickly falling into a peaceful slumber. 

"Xuan Yue." 

"Feng Xuan Yue." 

Lan Yixuan called her softly several times, but the beauty in his arms remained unresponsive. He chuckled, slowly relaxing his knitted brows. 

With a single arm, he lifted Xuan Yue and, as if weightless, carried her to the rooftop. He draped his garment over her and lay down beside her, gazing at the sleeping figure in his arms, holding her tightly. 

The moonlight tonight was exquisite, shimmering like jewels, yet the cold moon was not perfectly round, possessing a haunting beauty. 

A gentle breeze whispered through the night, enveloping the world in tranquility. 

Suddenly, Xuan Yue opened her eyes, rising to hover over Lan Yixuan. He widened his eyes in surprise, and before he could react, his lips were sealed by hers. "Feng Xuan Yue loves Lan Yixuan, deeply and passionately." 

On the fifteenth of December, Feng Xuan Yue, the queen of Feng Kingdom, was officially proclaimed the queen of Lan Kingdom. The royal decree was sent forth, announcing: "The two kingdoms stand united in hardship, advancing and retreating together." On the seventeenth of December, Xuan Yue represented both kingdoms in a military campaign. This news sent ripples through the entire Lan Kingdom.