The Army Belonging to Me, Feng Xianyue

Feng Jiulan, guided by Xianyue, traveled alongside Yun Qinghen, passing familiar landscapes as day turned to night and night transformed back into day. The pace of the carriage was steady, neither too fast nor too slow, as Xianyue, concerned for Feng Jiulan's health, would occasionally disembark to catch her breath. They hardly paused until the dawn of the fourth day, when the carriage finally came to a halt.

Yun Qinghen was the first to leap from the carriage, followed by Xianyue, and lastly, Feng Jiulan, whose complexion appeared somewhat pale, yet his spirit was remarkably high. As he surveyed the familiar surroundings and turned to Xianyue, a gentle smile graced his lips. "The royal tomb?"

Xianyue nodded, linking her arm with Feng Jiulan's. "You'll know once you see it, brother."

She then turned and issued a few commands to the accompanying carriage drivers before departing with Feng Jiulan and Yun Qinghen.

They journeyed through dense thickets, where the bushes reached waist-high. Following the direction indicated by Xianyue, Yun Qinghen led the way, wielding a blade to clear the underbrush that obstructed their path. The surroundings were tranquil, interrupted only by the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of the wind as it brushed past their ears.

Xianyue took a shortcut, walking for roughly an hour until the towering bushes gave way to a rugged landscape strewn with rocks. On either side rose verdant mountains; the walls were damp, devoid of trees, only dotted with patches of moss clinging to the stones. From Feng Jiulan's vantage point, a long tunnel-like passageway lay shrouded in shadow, leading to an unknown depth.

Feng Jiulan turned to Xianyue. He had visited the royal tomb each year for the rituals, yet had never ventured to the back, unaware of the secrets Xianyue harbored there.

Yun Qinghen, still leading the way, halted upon noticing that Xianyue and Feng Jiulan had stopped. He had just been clearing the path, and was now drenched in sweat; the cool mountain breeze was invigorating.

"Once we get past this, we'll be nearly there."

In the distance, beneath a cerulean sky, wisps of smoke rose, accompanied by a fragrant aroma wafting through the mountains. Gazing towards the horizon, large tree canopies, resembling massive discs, obscured the world below, evoking a sense of artistry in nature, as if everything were meticulously crafted by human hands.

Descending a rugged slope, Xianyue effortlessly carried Feng Jiulan, as though traversing level ground. Upon reaching the flat terrain, both Yun Qinghen and Feng Jiulan were momentarily awestruck. Beneath the cover of trees lay an expansive plain dotted with undulating tents, all uniformly white, resembling a vast expanse of snow-capped mountains.

As they arrived, Xianyue set Feng Jiulan down, then raised her thumb and index finger to her lips, producing a long, piercing whistle that resonated throughout the skies, akin to the roar of a tempest at sea, seemingly capable of lifting the very treetops.

Both Feng Jiulan and Yun Qinghen were taken aback as they pressed on. Before long, a group of women clad in vibrant green appeared before them, their bright hues melding seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, yet standing in stark contrast to the white tents.

They approached Xianyue in unison and knelt. "Princess."

Xianyue acknowledged them with a brief sound, pointing to Feng Jiulan at her side. "The prince has come today as well."

The green-clad women raised their heads, all notably young and vibrant, exuding a sense of spirited energy. With admiration in their eyes, they regarded Feng Jiulan and spoke in unison, "We greet His Highness, the Crown Prince."

Feng Jiulan looked at Xianyue, who smiled back. "You'll see soon enough, brother."

She smiled as she intertwined her arm with Feng Jiulan's once more, leaning against him. "You may rise."

As Xianyue led Feng Jiulan onward, they continued for several minutes, navigating past the tented expanse that resembled snow-capped mountains. As the setting sun cast its rays, they finally beheld a boundless plain. However, this vastness was far from empty; it was filled with a sea of heads.

There were formations practicing, archers firing, and the clashing of weapons echoed through the air, a vibrant spectrum of colors swirling together—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—each head adorned with ribbons of different hues, creating a tapestry of movement that made everything else fade into the background.

Colorful flags fluttered on either side, surrounding the pristine white of the central area. "Brother," Xianyue called gently, leaping gracefully to the central platform, where she removed the white flag planted before her.

In that moment, an undeniable shift occurred, as the world around them fell silent in a blink of an eye. Even the birds flitting through the branches sensed the hush, refraining from uttering a single sound.

Xianyue waved the white flag, shattering the stillness, and the warriors, previously absorbed in their tasks, surged forth like a tidal wave, converging towards the central position in an orderly fashion. Despite the crowd's size, there was no jostling; as soon as Xianyue lowered the flag, the soldiers formed into precise formations, each square resonating with grandeur. The women who had welcomed Xianyue and Feng Jiulan earlier positioned themselves at the forefront, standing resolutely.

They raised their long spears high, glinting silver in the sunlight, exuding a chill that contrasted with the warmth of the day. From her elevated position, Xianyue felt the flames of determination reignite within her as she gazed into the resolute and devoted eyes of her soldiers. It was a passionate blaze that threatened to consume her whole, yet invigorated her spirit. Each time she stood in this place, her heart raced, brimming with strength. These people were with her, united for the Feng Kingdom. In that moment, she firmly believed that with such a fierce army at her side, she was invincible.

"Feng Kingdom's valiant women, how do you fare?" 

Xianyue's voice, amplified by her inner strength, resonated through the azure skies, reaching every corner.

"Good! Good! Good!" 

The heavens trembled, the earth quaked beneath their voices, akin to the explosion of a bomb. The sharp cries of the women were infused with power, echoing in her ears and striking a resonant chord. The faces before her, though lacking the alabaster complexion of some, radiated vitality, their hands wielding spears infused with strength, as if they could hold up the very sky.

Yun Qinghen and Feng Jiulan staggered back several steps, and in that moment, without Xianyue uttering another word, they understood the profound respect these women held for her. The reverence in their gazes toward her pristine figure mirrored that of fervent devotees worshiping their deity, truly stirring the heart.

"Your Highness."

Yun Qinghen gazed at the faces below, her mouth slightly agape, and called out to Feng Jiulan in a daze.

Feng Jiulan turned, his gentle eyes sparkling like firecrackers, illuminating the vast expanse of sky and earth. "Qinghen."

He uttered her name, then pointed in the direction of Xianyue. "Have you noticed?"

Yun Qinghen looked at Feng Jiulan, bewildered and unsure of what he was referring to.

Feng Jiulan continued to stare at Xianyue, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Her majesty."

She resembled a slumbering phoenix, awakening suddenly, causing the dim sky to burst into brightness. With her wings spread wide, she surveyed her subjects. He had always known that Xianyue possessed an authority that commanded respect; she harbored no ambitions, yet exuded an air of dominance. She appeared effortless, yet instilled a sense of trust and reassurance.

In contrast to Xianyue, he seemed indecisive. Though he cared for his people as if they were his own children, his frail demeanor could hardly inspire confidence. He lacked the imposing presence of a sovereign. In times of peace, he might maintain a stable and prosperous life for the populace, but in such turbulent times, that was hardly a virtue. Like his father, he was overly compassionate, which allowed the parasites led by Li Wei'an to plague the Feng Kingdom for far too long. His indecision had led to turmoil, potentially casting the people into deeper strife. Therefore, upon discovering his father's edict, he did not vehemently oppose it; he wished to spare Xianyue from bearing such immense burdens and pressures. Yet, the outcome left him feeling helpless, as he resented his own ineptitude, yet felt powerless to change it.

"I don't know if you are subjects of the Feng Kingdom, but your blood flows with its essence. After all these years, who has nurtured you? Who has provided for your needs?"

Xianyue waved the flag in her hand, positioning it prominently to her right, facing the crowd below.

"It is the princess! The princess!" 

Xianyue gestured for silence, and immediately, the throng ceased their cheering, thousands of eyes fixated on her.

"The greatest gratitude belongs to the Feng Kingdom, for it has given you a home. Your companions beside you are your kin, as well as the common folk of the Feng Kingdom. Everything you wear and eat comes from their diligent labor. If one day the gates of the Feng Kingdom are breached, who will suffer the consequences?"

"Our hard-earned homeland will be reduced to ashes, and those who nurtured you will be left destitute. We do not desire war, but the ambitious will not spare the Feng Kingdom. Do not think you are sacrificing for the Feng Kingdom, for its people. If that day truly comes, you will be repaying the kindness of those who raised you. I, too, as a princess of the Feng Kingdom, will do everything in my power to ensure that those hardworking souls can continue to live peacefully and that you, my sisters who have fought alongside me, can have a harmonious and united home. We bear a natural responsibility to protect our homeland."

"To protect our homeland!"

"To protect our homeland!"

"To protect our homeland!"

The fervent cries surged like a tidal wave, echoing across the land. Feng Jiulan beheld the fluttering white garments and felt an overwhelming swell of pride and exhilaration. In that moment, he was compelled to shed his ornate attire, seize a spear, and join the chorus of voices shouting to protect their homeland. He believed, with unwavering conviction, that one day he would fight alongside those white-clad women on the battlefield, fulfilling Xianyue's promise to secure a peaceful life for the people of the Feng Kingdom and provide a stable home for these valiant women.

The resounding voices lingered in his ears, unwavering and unending. Xianyue turned and smiled at Feng Jiulan, waving her white flag. He met her gaze and nodded, an affirmation of his support and the most sincere recognition of her resolve.

"Today, our esteemed Crown Prince has joined us! My brave women of the Feng Kingdom, shouldn't you showcase your prowess?"

"Yes!"

Feng Jiulan stood beside Xianyue, holding the white flag she had previously carried. Following her lead, he waved it to the left three times, and in an instant, the formation dispersed in all directions, creating a vast open space in the center. Soon, targets were brought forth, and the front rows retreated in an orderly fashion. The teams in the center quickly filled the gaps, arrows in hand, aiming at the targets and shooting with precision; at least nine out of ten arrows hit their mark. Yun Qinghen stared in disbelief, while Feng Jiulan felt a fire ignite within him, his blood boiling with excitement. This was the first time he regretted his lack of physical prowess, longing to join these warriors on the battlefield. It was also the first time he truly understood why so many were drawn to this position, to command and direct the forces of battle.

As a group retreated, another emerged with swords drawn, the melee resembling the chaos of an actual battlefield. The wooden swords, though crafted from timber, were still sharp, and the combatants deftly evaded every strike.

Xianyue watched as Feng Jiulan's face flushed with excitement, taking in the nimble women below, pride and joy swelling within her. This was her army, the army of Feng Xianyue. In this place, they were united against a common foe, and together they would serve as the steadfast backbone of the Feng Kingdom.

Leaving the platform, Xianyue led Feng Jiulan to explore other areas. This place was almost entirely enclosed, with provisions and daily necessities regularly delivered from outside. The female warriors trained here year-round, maintaining a structured lifestyle along with their own forms of entertainment. With so many together, solitude was never an option.

Even after their departure, Feng Jiulan's emotions remained unsettled. The faces that came to mind were not particularly glamorous, some bearing rough skin, yet they were brave and steadfast, exhibiting a loyalty that rivaled any man's.

Xianyue and Feng Jiulan leaned against the carriage, facing each other. Despite traversing a long mountain path, neither felt weary; rather, they were more invigorated than ever.

"Some of these women were abandoned by their parents due to poverty, others separated from their families by disaster, and some are orphans from war. Many are not even subjects of the Feng Kingdom; they were brought here by Sister Pingting and have remained in training ever since."

Xianyue leaned against Feng Jiulan, recounting the past with a calm demeanor.

Before departing the Feng Kingdom years ago, she had sought out Bai Pingting, whom she admired greatly. As the daughter of a noble family, she hadn't expected much, yet Pingting had persevered and thrived, all for her brother. The power of love was truly remarkable, something she had once found hard to believe. Now, it seemed achievable for herself, provided it was worth the effort—if one dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, what could not be accomplished?

The tides of the world have always shifted this way: separation leads to reunion, and reunion leads to separation. It has been over five hundred years since the First Emperor unified the realm, yet the Zhou dynasty has long been in decline, poised to fall apart at any moment. Xuan Yuan's ambitions were ambitious, but he faced an equally formidable rival in the Lan Kingdom. War was inevitable, and the Feng Kingdom could only survive in this narrow margin. Her discussions with Bai Pingting had always centered around protecting her brother.

"Why did the king think to recruit these individuals?" 

Yun Qinghen inquired, gazing at Xianyue.

"Qinghen, have you heard the saying, 'It is easy to add flowers to a brocade, but hard to send coals in snow'? If you are a high-ranking official, you are likely to disdain those who come to curry favor with you. However, if you extend a helping hand to those in distress, they will surely be grateful, remembering your kindness for a lifetime, even if it is merely a small gesture. This illustrates the disparity between situations. Have you ever experienced the brink of starvation? Qinghen, you should try it." 

Xianyue said playfully, then turned serious: "In such a moment of desperation, when hunger threatens to consume you, your heart would undoubtedly yearn for someone to offer you a bun, and you would willingly serve them for life in return. Those who have faced such hardships understand this. I not only provided them with the buns they desired but also with water, clothing, and even the warmth of familial care. Patriotism and love for one's country are built upon the foundation of being well-fed and clothed. If one cannot even fill their belly, who cares about anything else? Basic needs are akin to parental love; the common folk are indifferent to who the emperor is, as long as he can provide them with a stable life. It is those in power who yearn for control. Our army in Feng Country does not train intensively, nor is it particularly targeted. Those who have never faced death do not comprehend the value of survival." 

Yun Qinghen nodded; he understood the concept of 'adding flowers to brocade and sending coals in snow.' However, he remained somewhat bewildered by the rest of her words. Though his parents had passed away, being the orphan of loyal officials had placed him by the side of the crown prince since childhood. The prince treated him as a brother, and who in the entire Feng Country would dare to mistreat him? Let alone find themselves in a desperate situation of near starvation. 

Yet he understood that resolve, akin to what he felt for the crown prince. After his father's death, his mother also succumbed to illness shortly thereafter. He was sent to the palace; ostensibly, he served the crown prince, yet in truth, it was the prince who offered him companionship and solace, helping him emerge from his low point. Therefore, he vowed his unwavering loyalty for life. Those women, too, shared a similar bond, regardless of why they had lost their parents or what calamities they had endured. Ultimately, it was the princess who allowed them to survive until now. Despite their hardships, they lived freely; their loyalty to the princess mirrored his loyalty to the prince—a pledge of unwavering fidelity. 

"Brother, this matter is thanks to Sister Pingting. Lord Bai must also be aware that when I am no longer in Feng Country, you can rely on Lord Bai more." 

Sister Pingting was but a woman, yet she endured rigorous training daily, and even as a woman, her appetite was astonishing. The cost of merely feeding her was a considerable burden, let alone other expenses. Over the years, Bai Shou, like Li Weian, had accepted numerous bribes, yet he remained untainted and true to himself. Before dealing with Li Weian's case, Sister Bai had mentioned that those funds were spent on her own welfare. Individuals like Bai Shou, who were steadfast and upright, truly worked for the benefit of Feng Country and deserved admiration. The officials he promoted, on the other hand, were corrupt, yet it was not his desire for such corruption. As long as their actions were not excessively egregious, she did not dwell on it too much. 

Feng Jiulan nodded; in fact, he was aware of everything Bai Shou had done previously. Initially, he found it puzzling; after all, how could such an upright person accept bribes? It was only due to Sister Pingting's care that he had remained silent about it. Now, it seemed that Bai Shou acted for Yue'er's sake, and he was grateful that he had refrained from harsh criticism at the time. 

"Brother." 

Xianyue tilted her head, hesitating for a moment before softly calling out. Feng Jiulan looked up at her: "Do you truly harbor no feelings for Sister Pingting?" 

Feng Jiulan stared at Xianyue, and after a long pause, Yun Qinghen quietly lifted the curtain and stepped outside, leaving only Xianyue and Feng Jiulan in the carriage, locked in their gaze. 

"Yue'er." 

Feng Jiulan softly called her name, unsure of how to begin. In his life, he did not wish to hinder the happiness of any woman, even if that woman was willing. 

After ten years of companionship, her careful nurturing—how could she possibly feel nothing at all? Yet, for him, he had lost all interest in love. 

He had witnessed firsthand the sacrifices his father made for his mother. However, after his mother's passing, pressured by circumstances, he too had taken on a harem of three thousand women. He understood his father's burden and the helplessness of his situation, but ultimately, this experience had hardened his heart against love. How many people could truly keep a lifelong promise? Thus, he would not promise anyone a lifetime; he was incapable of doing so, and he would not. 

"Sister Pingting has always loved you, you know?" 

Feng Jiulan nodded, leaning forward to stroke Xianyue's hair: "I cannot give her the life she desires." 

Xianyue remained silent, recalling what Sister Pingting had confided to her that day. She understood, for she knew her brother well. Hence, she never openly expressed her feelings. Her brother was aware of this too, and so they continued to drift along like this. Yet, to miss this opportunity—wasn't it a pity? 

Xianyue propped her chin on her hands, gazing at Feng Jiulan in silence, unsure of what to say. Perhaps it was just as Sister Pingting had said, that this outcome was for the best. At least in their hearts, each had a unique place for the other, one that could never be replaced. Regardless of what the future held, in her brother's memories, Sister Pingting would remain the gentle and caring woman, while Sister Pingting would view her brother as her one and only love, never to find affection for another. 

With this thought, Xianyue's initially buoyant mood turned somber. Though she had already come to terms with the outcome, bringing it up now still made her feel melancholic. She looked at Feng Jiulan, whose long lashes drooped like her own; he, too, seemed to share her sentiments. 

Some love, perhaps, is not defined by possession. It resembles a blooming flower; when observed from afar, the memory forever holds the image of its petals in full blossom. 

Xianyue smiled, sitting beside Feng Jiulan, intertwining her arm with his, resting her head on his shoulder. She turned to hold his fingers, their hands clasped together, and smiled at him: "As long as you are happy, I will support you in whatever you do, just as you support me." 

Xianyue leaned quietly against Feng Jiulan's shoulder, slowly closing her eyes. Feng Jiulan smiled, tenderly embracing her. Yet, Xianyue suddenly opened her eyes, breaking free from his grasp: "Brother, do not worry about me. I promised to help Lord Lan avenge him; I will keep my word. You just need to trust me; everything in Feng Country belongs to you, and I will not interfere." 

"Did you see that? Those people are fiercely loyal to me; just like Lord Lan, they will vow to protect my safety. And Sister Pingting, she will accompany me to Lan Country, just as she took care of you before." 

She turned around, her face beaming with a smile, resting her hands on Feng Jiulan's shoulder. 

"Wherever I go, do not worry about me; as long as you are well, I will be well too."