“Brother, I am sorry”

"Brother, I am sorry."

Just after descending from the city wall, she spotted Yun Qinghen rushing toward her from a distance. He halted before her, bowing respectfully with clasped fists and addressing her with utmost deference, "Princess." 

Behind him trailed several commanders, a mix of both fierce and cultured types, all of whom bowed in reverence to Xianyue. The older ones were especially familiar; she vividly remembered the scenes in the Golden Luan Hall from when she was four years old. These warriors, seasoned on the battlefield, held the greatest admiration for those who possessed iron-fisted methods. The younger ones, having only heard tales of the grand ceremony a decade prior, regarded those stories as exaggerated—yet now, they were utterly convinced. To see her emerge at such a crucial moment, unafraid of death, was fitting for the princess of the Feng Kingdom. Although they were puzzled by her decision to unconditionally gift the city previously captured by the Feng army to the heir of the Bai family, they understood that it was a decision made by royalty, and they would comply. 

Xianyue nodded as she passed by them. "General Ye, you appear unchanged after all these years." 

With a smile, she greeted them, her eyes crescent-shaped, devoid of the usual artifice seen in other women. 

"General Wu, your beard is growing longer and has lost some of its previous darkness." 

She pointed at one of his fierce commanders, a smile still gracing her face. Despite not being particularly close, ten years apart hadn't bred formality, and as a princess, she bore no airs. 

After exchanging pleasantries with several senior officials, she patted the shoulders of the younger commanders. "Study well; you will soon bear the weight of our Feng Kingdom." 

The commanders gazed at Xianyue with fervent admiration, their eyes gleaming with unbridled passion, as if their blood were igniting. They reassured themselves that it was all worthwhile; their kingdom was blessed to have a compassionate prince and a caring princess, a stroke of fortune for the Feng Kingdom. 

Turning away, she noticed Yun Qinghen watching her, his expression unmistakably excited, as if he had something to convey. She dismissed the remaining commanders, leaving only herself and Yun Qinghen. 

"Is something the matter?" 

Word had it that her brother had also come along for this expedition. Not having seen him on the battlefield earlier, she sensed something must be amiss. 

"Is something wrong with Brother?" 

Xianyue leaned closer to Yun Qinghen, furrowing her brow as she inquired. 

Seeing her anxious expression, Yun Qinghen nodded before shaking his head. This only heightened her worry. She glanced around, swiftly sought a horse, and galloped toward the Feng army's camp. 

The soldiers of the Feng Kingdom did not recognize her, but they had heard of the princess revered as a deity, renowned throughout the martial world—her presence akin to a snow-clad moon. Upon dismounting, she was promptly approached, and someone took the reins of her horse. 

"Princess." 

Xianyue nodded and casually asked someone, "Where is His Highness?" 

Following the direction indicated by that person, she hurriedly ran, lifting the tent flap, and unexpectedly collided with Bai Pingting. Bai Pingting stumbled back two steps, initially failing to recognize her as she stared blankly. 

"Sister Pingting." 

Xianyue mimicked her childhood tone, drawing Bai Pingting back from her daze. 

"Princess!" 

Bai Pingting looked at Xianyue, her gentle, water-like eyes filled with surprise, before quickly kneeling before her, her tender gaze taking on a steely resolve. "I have sinned, failing to care for the princess properly." 

Xianyue helped the kneeling Bai Pingting to her feet. "This matter is not your fault; it is my own oversight that led to this situation. How is my brother? Is it serious?" 

Bai Pingting shook her head. "It's not severe, but—" 

"Princess, you know His Highness has always had poor health, especially after hearing the distressing news about you; he nearly fainted on the spot. The journey has taken its toll; upon arriving in Ye City, he fell ill due to the heavy humidity. He has been bedridden for days. Commander Yun feared that the soldiers would learn of this and become disheartened, so he allowed me to stay here and care for His Highness." 

Xianyue's heart gradually eased upon hearing there was no major issue. If it was merely a matter of the heart, she had returned, and her brother would recover soon. 

"Please, you may go now. I wish to see my brother." 

Bai Pingting regarded Xianyue, nodding. "Your Highness, you look unwell. I will go prepare some nourishing soup for you." 

With that, she turned and left. 

Feng Jiulan's tent was spacious, partitioned with cloth into three areas. Xianyue headed directly to the bedroom where Feng Jiulan lay. The table was illuminated by an oil lamp, and with it being daytime, the room was not overly dark. 

Feng Jiulan lay on the bed, his pallid face faintly tinged with green under the soft light, indicating he was unwell. The floor was covered with a thick blanket, and the fire on the kang burned brightly, filling the small space with warmth. 

Xianyue reached out to gently stroke Feng Jiulan's pale face, her bright eyes shimmering with unshed tears, filled with deep remorse. She sniffed, softly calling, "Brother." 

Despite the warmth of the room, his skin remained ice-cold. She took his hand and placed it against her cheek. "I am back; your Yue'er did not perish. She has returned." 

Xianyue tucked the blanket around Feng Jiulan and then sat on the floor, leaning against the edge of the bed, slowly closing her eyes, only to open them again gradually.

"Brother, for the past decade, I have remained on Pear Blossom Mountain, in that secluded place. I always believed I had a strong ability to adapt, thinking that even in the world of rivers and lakes, I could navigate with ease. I considered myself clever, believing no one could pull any tricks on me. In truth, I anticipated the consequences and was aware that I might not return, yet I still wanted to seize even a one-in-a-million chance because I didn't want to live with regret. I felt confident in my abilities, believing I could brave any peril, even knowing that if something were to happen to me, you would surely be distressed. Yet, I chose to act regardless, and that is why everything has come to this point today. Only now do I realize that all this was mere arrogance on my part. I thought myself formidable, but I am far from omnipotent. Brother, I'm so sorry."

Xian Yue felt she truly enjoyed talking to herself. When Lan Yixuan drank the juice of the man-eating tree, she was like this; regardless of whether he could hear her, her mouth would not cease its chatter. This period has been no different; between her and Lan Yixuan, she perpetually played a mournful solo. Perhaps it was simply that she had spent too long on Pear Blossom Mountain, long enough that self-talk had become a habit.

"I think no one should ever toy with their own life. It is only now that I realize I have been the most foolish one, becoming a tool for others to hurt those who care about me. Such a thing will never happen again. I will no longer risk myself for those unfounded matters or make those unnecessary sacrifices. Once your health improves, I will return to the Phoenix Kingdom with you. During this time, I will take care of everything, and from now on, I will not do anything that worries you, I promise."

Xian Yue turned to make a solemn vow to Feng Jiulan: "When I return to the Phoenix Kingdom, you can take a good rest for a while. I will assume all the responsibilities and obligations that rightfully belong to me. I will handle all the matters I should take care of and then find a trustworthy person to marry."

As she turned, having just finished her vow, Feng Jiulan, who had been lying with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. He gazed quietly at Xian Yue, listening to her familiar voice, feeling a tranquility he had never experienced before. A wave of joy surged through him as he realized his moon was safe; that was all that mattered. A satisfied smile emerged on his pale face.

Xian Yue turned, and upon thinking of Lan Yixuan, tears began to fall more rapidly. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and sorrow.

Noticing Xian Yue's tears, Feng Jiulan furrowed his brow, immediately feeling a pang of heartache. He was fine; he was fine. As long as she was back, he would recover quickly.

Reaching out, he gently stroked her head, "Brother is fine."

Xian Yue suddenly turned. Compared to Feng Jiulan, she was not much better off. It had been months since she fell into Death Valley, and she hadn't eaten or slept well. She felt utterly exhausted, her body little more than skin and bones, her face pale with dark circles under her eyes, a clear sign of fatigue that only deepened Feng Jiulan's heartache. "How did you become so thin?"

Xian Yue stood from the ground, crying out, "Brother." 

She threw herself into Feng Jiulan's embrace, holding him tightly as she sobbed. Feng Jiulan gently patted her back in silence, the warmth of the hug grounding him, filling him with contentment.

Xian Yue leaned in his arms, crying for a long time until her sobs gradually subsided.

"Brother." 

Xian Yue quickly dried her tears and recounted the events of the past few days to Feng Jiulan, omitting many of the perilous details but making the outcome clear: Lan Yixuan lay unconscious for her sake.

"Brother, I'm truly heartbroken."

She, too, was human. During this time, she had forced herself to suppress her sadness—the terror in Death Valley, the anxiety of waiting, and all the bothersome matters intertwined into one overwhelming wave. She felt utterly drained but had never found a place to release her emotions. Lying in Feng Jiulan's embrace, she tilted her head slightly; her delicate face bore the marks of sorrow and fatigue.

Feng Jiulan reached out to wipe away her tears. "Don't worry; he will recover."

He smiled, and that smile was as genuine as his heart felt at that moment. He felt relieved, a sense of unprecedented peace; as long as Lan Yixuan could wake up, his Xian Yue would find her support.

Previously, he had always worried about what would happen if he were to suddenly leave one day. What would become of his moon? He had considered Bai Zhufeng and Lan Yixuan, and without a doubt, Lan Yixuan was the more suitable choice. Yet, he had feared that Lan Yixuan's feelings for his moon might not be sincere. Now, it seemed those worries were entirely unfounded. Such a person, who would risk everything for a woman, must love her deeply; his moon was worth that.

His efforts were not in vain; his moon had fallen in love with him. Her life no longer revolved around just one man. He believed he would take good care of her.

For her sake, he had persevered to this day, and for her, he would awaken.

"Whatever others have done merely subjected you to further trials; everything will be alright."

Xian Yue nodded, "Brother, I also believe he will be alright. Everything will be fine. I'll wait for him to propose when we return to the Phoenix Kingdom."

"You want to marry so soon? You don't want your brother anymore?" Feng Jiulan teased, though a hint of reluctance lingered in his heart. Growing up, he and Xian Yue had little time together. The thought of her marrying someone he could trust brought him comfort, yet it felt as if a part of him was empty. If not for his health, he would have preferred for her not to go so far away.

"Who said that? Both Young Master Lan and Brother are equally important; I want both."

Xian Yue nuzzled closer to Feng Jiulan. He chuckled, gently patting her back as if everything had returned to their childhood.

Xian Yue nestled against Feng Jiulan, feeling as if a drifting ship at sea had finally found a harbor. This place enveloped her in an unprecedented sense of security, and with her current exhaustion, she soon fell asleep.

In the quiet room, her steady breathing filled the air. Feng Jiulan smiled, continuing to gently pat her back, "Young Master Lan will wake up soon."

Xian Yue slept soundly until the next morning, waking to find Bai Qingtian standing by the bed. She rubbed her eyes, feeling more refreshed than ever, stretched, and leapt out of bed, looking around, "Where's Brother?"

She yawned, still heavy with sleep. Bai Qingtian handed her the clothes, "Early this morning, the prince summoned all the generals to discuss matters."

Bai Qingtian then brought in fresh water, skillfully assisting Xian Yue with her morning routine, moving with the grace of a skilled maid rather than a noblewoman.

"Where is he? Take me to him."

Bai Qingtian replied, "Does the princess not want breakfast?"

Having slept from yesterday afternoon until now, the prince had ordered that the kitchen fire remain lit, and the food was still kept warm.

"You've prepared it?" 

Bai Qingtian nodded.

"Then bring it over! I'm starving!"

Xian Yue followed closely behind Bai Ping Ting. Before the bowl of bird's nest porridge could steady in her hands, she snatched it away, inhaling its aroma like a famished wolf that had gone centuries without tasting porridge, her eyes sparkling with delight: "It smells so good!"

With her eyes narrowed in pleasure, she turned to the slightly dazed Bai Ping Ting beside her and said, "Sister Ping Ting, please take me to see my brother."

Bai Ping Ting glanced at the half-finished bowl of porridge in Xian Yue's hands. "But—"

Xian Yue giggled, shaking the spoon in her hand, her mouth stuffed full yet her words remarkably clear: "It's alright, I can eat while I walk."

Such behavior was hardly proper; what would the soldiers think if they saw her? Before Bai Ping Ting could voice her protest, Xian Yue had already reached the doorway, genuinely eating as she walked. Noticing Bai Ping Ting frozen in place, she glanced at her spoon and the bowl, and the busy soldiers nearby soon caught sight of the commotion, bowing respectfully at the sight of Xian Yue from afar.

"I care not for what you think!" she declared, tilting her head back and swiftly finishing the porridge in her bowl. Holding the empty bowl out to Bai Ping Ting, she said, "All done! Can we go now?"

Bai Ping Ting smiled as she stepped forward to take the bowl from Xian Yue, handing it to a nearby soldier before leading her toward Feng Jiu Lan.

"His Highness is inside."

Bai Ping Ting brought Xian Yue to the tent where Feng Jiu Lan resided, pausing at the entrance without lifting the curtain.

"What are you hesitating for? Go in!" Xian Yue urged.

Bai Ping Ting, though hesitant, obeyed her command, but before she could reach out, Xian Yue clasped her hand, pulling her behind the tent before releasing her grasp.

"Sister Ping Ting, I know you love my brother and would do anything for him. I admire that quality in you, which is why I tasked you with those duties. After ten years apart, it seems you remain so indecisive. I assigned you those tasks to involve you in governance, to learn much, so that you may assist my brother in the future. Whoever you follow in the future, you must be capable on your own. Knowing more now will benefit you, me, and my brother. So long as it does no harm to the three of us, do not worry about how others may perceive it; just act."

Xian Yue glanced at Bai Ping Ting, who lowered her head in silence, and then strode toward the military camp. Before they had even entered, voices could be heard from within the tent: "Your Highness, although the casualties from our military's deployment are not significant, those places were hard-won by our soldiers' blood and lives. Especially Ye City; it's a crucial military stronghold. How can the princess simply give it away?"

Some generals had not participated in the battle that day. Seeing Ye City finally captured, yet not theirs, along with the previous territories now in the hands of the Bai family, it was no surprise that some were disgruntled.

"Yue Er handled this matter appropriately. Her orders are my decrees," Feng Jiu Lan declared.

For no discernible reason, it seemed Feng Jiu Lan supported anything Xian Yue did. Even without understanding the rationale, he knew one thing: she would never harm the people of Feng Nation.

Several older generals echoed in agreement, "I too believe the princess has her reasons."

"What reasons? To hand over what rightfully belongs to us? What do those soldiers' sacrifices mean?"

"The princess would never betray us."

"Yet, we deserve an explanation, something to convince us."

A heated debate ensued.

"What is all this ruckus? It sounds rather lively!" 

Xian Yue lifted the curtain and walked in with a smile, interrupting their quarrel.

Upon seeing Xian Yue enter, Feng Jiu Lan stood from the table, extending his hand and gently calling out, "Yue Er."

The other generals stood as well, bowing respectfully. Some were genuinely sincere, while others remained reluctant.

Xian Yue seated herself directly in front of Feng Jiu Lan. "I could hear you arguing from quite a distance."

Bai Ping Ting followed her in, standing behind her, and brought a cup of tea to her hands. Xian Yue accepted it, placing it on the table. "Now, tell me, what is all this fuss about?"

No one spoke.

"Has the war just ceased, and you are already bickering? Do you think yourselves invincible, creating chaos among yourselves?" 

Xian Yue possessed an inherent authority that the older generals recognized. Upon her birth, auspicious signs had appeared; there were rumors she was the reincarnation of a phoenix maiden. To avoid unnecessary trouble, this had been suppressed, and of those who knew, only a few trusted advisors remained—most had long since met their end.

"General Xu," she called out directly. "You seem eager to know the reason."

Xu Wei looked at Xian Yue, whose smile was both teasing and cryptic. With a raised eyebrow, she challenged him, causing his heart to race. He had heard the rumors that the princess could kill even at four years old, and now, grown and skilled, he could not help but feel a twinge of fear.

Xian Yue chuckled lightly, the sound a cold huff that revealed her displeasure.

"Do your subordinates also question your orders as you do?" 

With a swift motion, she waved her hand, and Bai Ping Ting poured the tea from her cup, shattering it upon the ground, the fragments scattering, and tea splashing everywhere. "Were there not a ceasefire, you and your kind would surely ruin Feng Nation. Questioning the commander's orders and harboring discontent? Such behavior is only for those who are idle and seeking trouble."

Xu Wei's face flushed crimson at Xuan Yue's words; he fully understood the implications. On the battlefield, timing is of the essence—hesitation could lead to the loss of critical opportunities, resulting in casualties at best or a complete rout at worst. 

"I merely wish to understand why the princess would gift the kingdom we have fought so hard to acquire to the eldest son of the Bai family." 

In his eyes, Xuan Yue was but a woman destined for marriage, especially given the widespread rumors about her relationship with Bai Zhanfeng. He could not shake the suspicion that her actions were motivated by personal interest, yet Feng Jiulan placed unwavering trust in her and yielded to her every whim. 

"Very well," Xuan Yue replied, her voice firm as she rose from her seat. "Prepare the map." 

Soon, a detailed map of the current state of the realm was laid before them, and Xuan Yue unfurled it, drawing the attention of those nearby. 

"General Xu, observe—" 

At that moment, Xuan Yue's demeanor turned grave and earnest. A brush was handed to her, and she waved it in the air, the dried ink still leaving marks on the paper. 

"This is the formidable Lan Kingdom and the Xuan Yuan, while this is our Feng Kingdom and here lies the Chu Kingdom." 

Her nimble fingers traced circles across the map, pointing out the relations between the six nations, she gazed at Xu Wei, awaiting his comprehension. 

"Feng Kingdom borders both Chu and Yan Jing, with the Lan Kingdom to the west and Xuan Yuan in the north. This time, it was Chu that opened the gates, allowing them to enter. If we were to seize half of this territory, it would indeed expand our land, but such an act would be illegal; we would be encroaching upon another's domain. You raise the banner of vengeance for me, yet I am still alive. What vengeance are you speaking of? Remaining here would only stir discontent among the Chu people. Do you think Xuan Yuan is allowing our Feng Kingdom to grow powerful enough to rival them? General Xu, do you truly believe our Feng Kingdom has become strong enough to stand against Xuan Yuan and Chu? They have a legitimate princess; all their actions are justified." 

Xuan Yue regarded Xu Wei, as if to say, "Do not harbor such delusions." 

"However, Bai Zhanfeng is different. The Bai family has deep roots in Chu, holding a status in the hearts of the people that surpasses even the royal family. Moreover, the Bai army is known for its strict discipline—this is our natural barrier," Bai Pingting interjected, following closely behind Xuan Yue. 

"Furthermore, the princess presented those gifts to the eldest son of the Bai family in front of the Xuan Yuan heir and Chu soldiers. Even if Xuan Hao wished to win favor, it would be impossible; the people of Chu would remain grateful to our Feng Kingdom. Xuan Yuan would lack a legitimate reason to act against Chu," Yun Qinghen continued, her gaze full of admiration for Xuan Yue. The rest of the assembly, their confusion lifting, looked at Xuan Yue with a newfound fervor. 

"General Xu, do you still have doubts?" 

Xuan Yue smiled at the shame-faced Xu Wei, her eyes twinkling. 

Xu Wei shook his head, kneeling before Xuan Yue, "I acknowledge my error and accept the princess's punishment." 

"Rise," Xuan Yue replied coolly. "It is good that you recognize your mistake. As your superior, I assure you that regardless of whom I may favor or marry in the future, I will never compromise the interests of the Feng Kingdom or neglect its people. I will always be the princess of the Feng Kingdom, and that will never change." 

"This world will inevitably descend into chaos. If you cannot unite with me and continue to harbor doubts, it would be better for us to yield to others. It suffices that you understand this now; I hope there will not be a second occurrence of such behavior. Do you understand?" 

"We understand," came the unified response from the crowd. 

They all knew that the princess was in poor health and could not lead them into battle. The king had aged significantly, and the Feng Kingdom's lineage was thin. The only one who could lead them in the future was the young girl standing before them—their Xi He princess. Yet they were not concerned, for they believed their princess would never be outdone by any man; she would protect the people of the Feng Kingdom, ensuring their continued happiness and comfort.