Diligence Under the Moonlight

"I grew up on Lihua Mountain. It's a beautiful place, but all it has are mountains. When I first arrived, I missed my brother terribly and worried about his health, lying awake through countless nights. Many times, I thought about escaping, but I failed every time. Liu Xinyou punished me in various ways. Back then, I often thought that if someone could protect my brother for me, if someone could free me from Liu Xinyou and return my freedom, I would willingly sell my soul to the devil. But no one came. Time and again, I endured through moments when I thought I couldn't go on. So, I learned to endure. I learned to be strong."

"Princess," Bai Pingting softly called out, her tears falling uncontrollably. Her most hopeless moment had been watching the frail prince lie in the Xuesang Hall, his face pale and devoid of life. At first, she blamed the princess, thinking that he had suffered so much because of her. But now, seeing things differently, she realized the princess had endured no less pain for his sake.

The princess in her memory had always been carefree, smiling in front of everyone. Bai Pingting had thought she was living a good life. But now, she understood the princess had only been trying not to worry the prince, harboring even more guilt. Over these years, she had indeed grown strong.

"You are all very fortunate," Xianyue said, her voice still clear despite the faint trace of drunkenness. She pointed to the rows of people seated below her. "The ones sitting next to you are not just your companions who you see day in and day out; they are the ones who have accompanied you through your loneliest and most painful moments. They are your family, your friends. I know your hearts hold me and Sister Pingting dear because when you were teetering on the brink of despair, even in the face of death, we were the ones who pulled you through. I understand your desire to repay us, but you must also cherish the ones beside you. Think about all the days you've spent together—waking, eating, training. When you are hurt, tired, or weary, there will always be a shoulder for you to lean on."

Xianyue felt the alcohol clouding her mind, making her actions and words beyond the control of reason. She wasn't even sure what she was saying—just voicing whatever came to mind. "You are all martial artists, so you know the hardships. You also understand how much I had to endure to get here. Yueying, you know better than anyone, don't you? Hitting the mark every time was not something that came overnight. That period was truly grueling."

Perhaps the thought of Lihua Mountain, a place where she had suffered what could only be described as a living death, or perhaps the alcohol had gotten to her, but Xianyue couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They spilled from her eyes like a flood, soaking her face. Though her voice was choked with emotion, it remained clear, every word striking the hearts of those listening below. Their tear-filled eyes gazed at her through a veil of mist, as her words echoed through the vast, empty training grounds like the steady beat of a drum in the silent night.

"Being alone, I often felt like I couldn't go on. Truly, at times it felt like I was about to explode, like I would lose my mind."

Xianyue turned, reached for the wine flask on the table, and began drinking again, her sobs rising along with each sip. The pain and torment she had suppressed now surged to the surface, not a physical agony, but a deep mental anguish.

Bai Pingting moved behind her and sat down, crying silently alongside her. Xianyue's frail figure seemed even smaller, as though she was swaying in the wind like a fragile willow. In that moment, Bai Pingting thought that all Xianyue must have wished for was someone to lean on.

Xianyue closed her eyes. "At that time, I would look at the vast expanse of pear blossoms on the mountain, especially when they were in full bloom. In my darkest moments, I thought of my brother, far away in Fengguo's palace. I thought about the turbulent times, how the kingdom was always on the verge of chaos, and how my brother's health was failing. I had to take on all the responsibilities myself. I had to live well so I could protect him. I gritted my teeth and endured everything, but it was you who gave me the strength to make it this far."

Xianyue wiped away her tears. The sharp burn of the alcohol stung her throat, making her eyes sting even more, causing the tears to flow faster. "I often worry that, no matter how capable I am, I can't take care of my brother on my own, let alone shoulder the burden of Fengguo. In those moments, I think of all of you—those of you who, like me, have endured suffering and hardship. I realize that I'm not alone. You are behind me."

She couldn't hold it in any longer and cried out loud, and those below, already drunk themselves, were moved by her words, embracing one another and breaking into sobs as well.

They clung tightly to their companions, their closest sisters, feeling both heartache and gratitude. Yes, in their moments of sorrow, at least they had warm arms to hold them, someone who would cry with them. They felt fortunate, joyful even. Their princess hadn't just pulled them back from the brink of despair, she had understood and empathized with them.

A fine horse may be common, but a discerning rider is rare. Though they weren't the most talented, they had found someone who appreciated them, someone who made all their hardships and sweat worthwhile. Their princess needed them, and she had said so herself: it was knowing that they stood behind her that had kept her going. With that, what more could they ask for?

Perhaps there had been conflicts and misunderstandings in the past, but after tonight, all would be forgotten. They would cherish their companions even more. But the princess's position would never be shaken. No matter what happened, they would always put her first. Losing a companion would be sad, of course, but losing the princess—their leader—would strip their lives of meaning.

Bai Pingting gently pulled Xianyue into her arms. Xianyue turned, resting her head on Bai Pingting's shoulder, and wept loudly. Bai Pingting said nothing, simply patting her shoulder gently.

After a while, Xianyue pushed Bai Pingting away and stood up. Her pale figure, like a willow in the wind, swayed slightly. She shook her head forcefully and wiped her tears away. Her face, flushed from the alcohol, took on a delicate pink hue, as if lightly dusted with rouge. Her intoxicated, hazy eyes shimmered with a heart-stirring beauty when she smiled.

"Liu Xinyou knows you exist, but so what? You belong to me. Your sweat and your tears are shed for me, Feng Xianyue. Your loyalty is mine. She has hurt me, but she cannot control me, and she cannot control you. Because of you, even here in the foreign land of Languo, I feel no fear. No matter what happens, I will not feel lost. Among all the things I hold in my grasp, you alone give me the greatest sense of security. I have complete faith in you."

She stood tall, observing those below who had ceased their weeping, merely dabbing at their tears, with earnestness and sincerity. Leaning down toward them, she acknowledged their presence. Those gathered were in varying states of inebriation, their eyes glazed as they forgot to act, lost in the moment. By the time their dazed minds began to clear, Xuan Yue had already straightened up.

"I must express my gratitude to all of you. My boundless confidence is a reflection of your unwavering support. Thank you for accompanying me through the past decade. In the days to come, I will carry you with me as we protect what we hold dear." 

Upon finishing her speech, Xuan Yue tilted her head back and drank hastily, only to choke on the liquor. Coughing and covering her mouth, she sank down to the ground, weeping openly. 

Those watching from below, gazing at Xuan Yue as she sat on the steps, joined her in tears. Each had endured their share of calamities—some had been separated from their families due to floods, others were refugees from war, and many had been abandoned by their kin. Their lives were fraught with suffering, and the bitterness they felt was something only those who had lived it could truly comprehend. Bai Pingting did not understand; her heart had perhaps endured its own torment from love, but she could not fathom the pangs of hunger and cold.

They gazed intently at Xuan Yue, weeping unabashedly, yet there was a flicker of laughter in their hearts. This young woman, genuine and unpretentious, was their leader—wise, astute, and imbued with a kind yet resolute spirit. They would not forget this night, nor the words she had spoken. Their long-held vows remained unaltered; regardless of what the future held, their hearts would remain steadfast—loyal to their princess and to the Feng Kingdom. 

From this moment on, they would no longer be the shadows supporting her from behind; they would stand proudly in front of her. Just as she had once offered them a sanctuary, they would form an unbreakable circle around her, ready to confront any battlefield. If called upon, they would charge to the frontlines, determined to safeguard her, for she was worth every sacrifice.

Had it not been for their princess, they might have long since perished, deprived of the sisterhood that now flourished. Their once-gray memories had blossomed into vibrant hues. Though the years had been arduous, life had proven itself to be resplendent and colorful. If their princess sought to hold on to them, she could do so tightly, for they were not grains of sand to slip through her fingers.

They were not delicate young ladies, confined to their chambers, engaged in poetry and embroidery. This world was on the brink of chaos, and if it meant shedding blood for their princess, they would do so without regret.

Xuan Yue laid down on the steps, legs curled, gazing up at the twinkling stars in the night sky. In that moment, she was surprisingly lucid, acutely aware of the choices before her, yet unable to summon the resolve to act; her heart was a tangled mess yearning for an outlet.

Casting aside the wine jug, she braced herself on the ground, rising to sit upright. Wiping away her tears, she looked up at the stars and laughed maniacally, proclaiming, "Everything will be alright!"

In the stillness of the night, her laughter and shouts echoed, resonating throughout the realm. She stood tall, pointing at those still sobbing below her. "How about a competition?"