Under the Tide of Roses

When Chen Ruoxi returned to the courtyard, it was already time for lunch. Chun Tao remained on her knees, and while outsiders claimed that Old Master Bai was stern, she had always been treated well since marrying into the Bai family. Even in the past, he had shown her kindness, unlike today, when he spoke of doing it all for the Bai family, though she could see the hints of favoritism toward Feng Xianyue in his words. 

"Miss," Chun Tao called out cautiously upon seeing Chen Ruoxi enter, her brows furrowed. The midday sun was harsh, and her face had reddened; sweat was trickling down her forehead, and she appeared somewhat weak. Watching her only fueled Chen Ruoxi's frustration, as if something were blocking her heart. 

"What would you like to eat for lunch? I'll have someone prepare it," she offered. 

Chun Tao's voice was feeble, as she had been by Chen Ruoxi's side since childhood, taking care of her. Chen Ruoxi felt a pang of sympathy, her anger toward Xianyue deepening. To her, everything was Xianyue's fault; if it weren't for her, her husband wouldn't treat her so coldly, and Old Master Bai wouldn't have scolded her as harshly today. Moreover, she wouldn't have vented her frustration on her personal maid. This left her feeling miserable, but what infuriated her the most was that she still couldn't discern anything good about the woman named Feng Xianyue. 

"Not necessary," Chen Ruoxi replied coldly, her anger rendering her in no mood for food. 

"Let's go to the Rose Courtyard," she declared, standing up and gazing in that direction. "You may rise." 

As she spoke, she began to arrange her hair and clothing. Just as she was about to step out, Chun Tao called after her, "Miss." 

Chen Ruoxi turned, and what Chun Tao said next only intensified the knot in her heart. "Miss, Young Master Bai has instructed that no one is allowed to disturb the Rose Courtyard after lunch." 

Chun Tao, fearing Chen Ruoxi's ire, spoke softly, but despite her tone, Chen Ruoxi's anger flared. Her hands balled into fists beneath her sleeves as she recalled that no matter the time, the woman always indulged in drinking, carefree even during daylight, often intoxicated. After lunch, Xianyue would take a nap, sleeping right through to dinner, and Chen Ruoxi felt increasingly aggrieved. How could such a woman be the queen of Feng Nation and the consort of Lan Nation, receiving the adoration of all, while taking her husband's heart? He was hers, something she had coveted since childhood; after all, she was the one who had known him first. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, as if she were about to explode. She stepped forward but hesitated, gritting her teeth and burying her resentment deep within. 

For an entire afternoon, Chen Ruoxi sat motionless by her window, watching the sun descend slowly, the sky darkening until the evening glow ignited the courtyard with a soft, fiery light. Only then did she snap back to reality, with Chun Tao standing quietly behind her. 

"Chun Tao," Chen Ruoxi said, her voice hoarse from the silence, her lips parched. "Tea." 

Chun Tao acknowledged her and quickly poured a cup of warm tea. "Miss, it's already evening. Now would be a suitable time to go to the Rose Courtyard." 

Chun Tao's "well-meaning" reminder was laden with understanding. Over the years, she had served Chen Ruoxi and was astute enough to perceive her displeasure with Xianyue. Having witnessed the hardships Chen Ruoxi endured, she couldn't help but stoke the flames of her anger. 

Taking a sip of tea, Chen Ruoxi's face darkened as she made her way to the Rose Courtyard. Upon arrival, she was blocked at the entrance. "Madam, Miss Xianyue is still asleep." 

The guards, looking apologetic, did not allow her to pass. After finishing lunch, Xianyue had not emerged, and at this hour, she was likely still resting. If Chen Ruoxi disturbed her and Old Master Bai found out, they would bear the brunt of his wrath. 

Chen Ruoxi's expression grew increasingly grim, but she quickly donned her usual gentle demeanor. These men were Old Master Bai's loyal subordinates, and she couldn't afford to show any sign of discontent, even if she was seething inside. 

"I'll wait here," she said, forcing her displeasure down, her smile strained as she stepped aside. The guards exchanged glances but remained silent; they were merely following orders. 

Estimating the time, she knew that the army led by Cheng Qiang would soon arrive at Ye City. After returning to camp, her role as the commander would leave her little chance to indulge in fine wine. Meanwhile, Xianyue, having had a few too many at lunch, had succumbed to sleep and remained oblivious to the passage of time. When she finally awoke, her surroundings were shrouded in darkness. Feeling her flat belly, she thought little of it, rising swiftly from the bed and stepping outside, the day fading rapidly into night. 

Stretching and yawning widely, Xianyue, having slept to her heart's content, felt invigorated as she moved further into the corridor. 

Chen Ruoxi spotted her immediately and thought that now was the moment to enter, but she was once again stopped. "Madam, let me notify the others first." 

Chen Ruoxi's composure faltered; she had never waited so long for anyone in her life. Growing increasingly displeased, she wondered why she was being treated like a pariah. It was said that the queen of Feng Nation was formidable, yet she, an unassuming woman, posed no threat. She was Bai Zhanfeng's wife, the matriarch of the Bai family; no matter how esteemed Xianyue's status, she was merely a guest. Why should she occupy the Rose Courtyard? Even to see her, was notification required? Could she refuse her entry if she didn't wish to meet? 

"Miss." 

Chun Tao tugged at Chen Ruoxi's sleeve, bringing her back to reality. Chen Ruoxi hesitated for a moment but quickly regained her smile, having learned to wear a mask from her upbringing in the Chen household. 

Xianyue took a few steps forward, smiling at the approaching guard. She could easily guess whose directive it was; experience had taught her that Old Master Bai was as shrewd as ever, despite his age. 

"Miss Xianyue, our young mistress wishes to see you at the door."

The guard reporting to her pondered for a long moment before addressing Feng Xuan Yue in the same manner as Bai Ao, "The young mistress has been waiting at the door for nearly an hour." 

Feng Xuan Yue rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn as she regarded the guard before her. "Why was I not informed sooner?" 

Had she known that Chen Ruoxi would come, she wouldn't have slept so late. However, she found no surprise in Chen Ruoxi's arrival. Bai Ao had chosen the head of the Bai family for Bai Zhanfeng, which implied that she would be someone with great understanding. Given the circumstances, Chen Ruoxi's visit was entirely normal, though Feng Xuan Yue had not anticipated that she would be kept waiting at the gate by the Bai household. 

Her feelings of discontent were understandable; nobody likes to feel watched. Yet, she could empathize with the concerns that lay beneath, as she was to be Bai Zhanfeng's lifelong partner, and Chen Ruoxi was not simply a stranger to her. 

"Let her in at once." 

Feng Xuan Yue placed a hand on her belly, glancing down. She wouldn't linger much longer here; after meeting Chen Ruoxi, she would have her dinner. 

"Are you the granddaughter of the Minister Chen?" 

Before her stood a young woman clad in a loose blue gown, a color of exquisite simplicity that reflected her own purity. A thick fox fur cloak draped over her shoulders, and a faint smile adorned her face, radiating warmth. Yet, her eyebrows harbored a sharpness, and her chin was raised slightly, exuding a habitual pride, tinged with an undeniable disdain visible in her gaze. 

"I am Chen Ruoxi, here to pay my respects to the King of Feng." 

Chen Ruoxi performed a respectful curtsy, with her maid, Chun Tao, following suit. At that moment, Feng Xuan Yue appeared somewhat disheveled; having just awoken, her hair was in slight disarray. Despite her alertness, she bore a hint of fatigue, and to Chen Ruoxi, she looked hardly better than she had while intoxicated last time. 

"Bai Zhanfeng is indeed fortunate." 

Feng Xuan Yue smiled genuinely, impressed by Chen Ruoxi's composed demeanor despite having waited nearly an hour for her. For a young woman to handle such a situation with grace was commendable; she was indeed an astute individual. 

Yet, Chen Ruoxi perceived the smile on Feng Xuan Yue's face as mockery, radiantly shining, as if it were a taunt directed at her. 

"His Majesty has personally graced the Bai residence and has only just arrived to extend his greetings. I hope you do not take offense." 

Feng Xuan Yue waved her hand dismissively. "If you are unwell, it is imperative that you care for yourself. Greetings are merely social formalities; what matters is the sentiment behind them." 

In truth, her visit to the Bai residence was meant for a brief respite. After a tiring journey, she felt utterly exhausted. Yet, once night fell and she was alone in her tent, sleep evaded her. She was well aware that staying here was not entirely suitable, but she merely sought a place to rest properly. Moreover, she understood that both Bai Ao and Bai Zhanfeng still harbored grievances about previous events. Ye City belonged to the Bai family, and should they learn that she was residing elsewhere, it would surely cause them discomfort. Thus, she chose to stay at the Bai residence. 

"Ruoxi has come today to express her apologies to the King." 

Chen Ruoxi wore an earnest expression, and Feng Xuan Yue smiled silently, choosing not to respond. 

"Chun Tao, kneel." 

Chen Ruoxi glanced at her maid, her expression darkening as her tone turned severe. Seeing Chun Tao kneeling, Feng Xuan Yue's smile vanished instantly; it was clear that Chen Ruoxi intended for her maid to bear the brunt of her grievances.