Toasting Ceremony

**Toasting Ceremony**

The Second Prince, Lan Shaochen, was suddenly confronted with calamity; the late king had passed away, and the late queen was relocated from the Weiyang Palace to Lanyin Temple. The royal family was engulfed in sorrow. On New Year's Eve, although the royal banquet proceeded as scheduled, it was evidently subdued.

There were no melodies of silk and bamboo to grace the night, nor the elegant dances of graceful maidens; the celebratory fireworks and firecrackers were markedly fewer than in previous years.

Xianyue sat beside Lan Yixuan, observing the visibly awkward ministers below. Was the palace of Fengguo equally bereft of cheer, where civil and military officials gathered yet still exuded a sense of desolation?

Her brother sat alone in the center of the grand hall, devoid of her company, with even Sister Pingting absent. Did he not feel lonely? Just as she did.

Though Lan Yixuan was right beside her, a hollow sensation weighed heavily in her heart, a sense of sorrow even more profound.

"I wish the king long-lasting health, and may the queen enjoy robust vitality. May our Lan Kingdom achieve unity throughout the world for countless generations, forever etched in history," declared the elder minister, Xu He, rising to his feet, wine cup raised, bowing respectfully toward Lan Yixuan and Xianyue.

The remaining ministers also stood, holding their cups high, bending slightly at the waist, their demeanor exceedingly respectful. "Long live the king! Long live the queen!"

Xianyue raised her cup, filling it with wine for Bai Pingting behind her, and then turned to toast Lan Yixuan, offering a gentle smile as they stood together.

Such toasts had become the customary opening of the royal banquet.

"Esteemed ministers, your efforts are greatly appreciated."

Today, Lan Yixuan wore a bright yellow dragon robe, featuring a seven-clawed azure dragon, its head held high as it played with pearls, vividly lifelike. His usual affable smile retained an air of nobility, now tempered with a touch of authority.

"What is this talk of longevity and glory, of immortal renown? These are mere illusions. As ministers, I urge you all to remain diligent and faithful, to refrain from actions that betray the foundation of our Lan Kingdom and the welfare of its people."

Xianyue held her wine cup, her clear eyes sharp as a blade, piercing into the hearts of those before her. Her tone shifted from its customary languor to a grave seriousness, even laced with a hint of warning.

"Do not presume that the king's benevolence grants you license to act wantonly. If I discover any of you engaging in corruption, exploiting the populace for personal gain, be wary—for no matter who you are, your life and that of your family could hang in the balance."

The date for departure had been set for the day after tomorrow. This was likely her last opportunity to sit face to face with the full assembly of Lan Kingdom's civil and military leaders. Since Lan Yixuan had consistently portrayed himself as a benevolent monarch, while she had already become the embodiment of their collective fears, she would continue in this role, though not a king herself, her influence would rival that of Lan Yixuan in their hearts.

"Your Grace is correct," the ministers replied in unison, their voices slightly trembling, betraying their trepidation toward Xianyue. Everything she had done underscored a singular truth: she would act decisively if displeased, and should they fail in their duties, they knew well they would become her targets of ire. Moreover, none among their peers would dare speak in their defense, as the common folk were undoubtedly on her side.

Xianyue smiled, "I trust that you all possess loyalty to our Lan Kingdom and the king, and that you will refrain from actions that provoke the populace and disappoint me."

Satisfied, Xianyue nodded, signaling for them to sit.

"Your Grace, we shall depart for Chuguo the day after tomorrow. I wish to accompany General Cheng," Xu An announced, rising and kneeling before Xianyue. Compared to his prior show of hollow respect during the grand ceremony, this time, he was filled with a greater sense of deference.

In this place, his safety had relied upon the favor of the palace and his eloquent tongue, but starting from the day after tomorrow, his life would rest entirely within Xianyue's hands. As a man well-versed in the ways of the world, he understood this truth all too clearly.

According to the information relayed by the green-clad messenger, Xu An had been visiting General Cheng Qiang's residence daily of late, shedding his former disdain for obsequiousness and flattery, even bestowing lavish gifts—indeed, he had become remarkably shameless in his quest for survival.

General Cheng did not return the valuable jade and antiques but instead converted them into silver to distribute among the impoverished soldiers preparing for battle.

"General Cheng, Lord Xu has lingered in Lan City for many years. This time, embarking on an impromptu campaign, he may find it difficult to adapt; do take good care of him," Xianyue said with a smile, placing particular emphasis on the word *care*.

On that day in Yuxuan Hall, the two had stood at odds, a clear indication of their strained relationship. Cheng Qiang, born of humble origins, had achieved his current status through his very life; unlike the reckless Li Weian, Cheng was far more astute and principled, likely unable to tolerate someone like Xu An. Such a fundamental difference could not be altered in a mere moment.

Xu An's heart swelled with self-satisfaction; having received Cheng Qiang's acknowledgment of his gifts, he felt a sense of reassurance. Yet, when the time came, he would soon face the repercussions.

Since she had permitted him to accompany the troops, she had no intention of allowing him to return, intending instead for him to continue as a corrosive presence within the Lan Kingdom. In the eyes of the ministers, she had long been labeled a merciless queen, and she harbored no qualms about earning an additional reputation for taking lives.

"Your Grace possesses both literary and martial prowess, unmatched wisdom; with you leading our forces, victory against Xuanyuan is all but assured."

Xianyue and Lan Yixuan exchanged knowing glances and smiles, especially Xianyue, who turned to Xu An, kneeling on the ground, and burst into laughter, teasing, "Lord Xu, you truly are a man of many faces."

The other ministers struggled to suppress their amusement. Xu An's audacity was indeed remarkable. During the day in Yuxuan Hall, he had opposed her campaign most vehemently, presenting a myriad of arguments, and yet, in just half a month, his stance had entirely shifted.

A tree that sheds its bark is doomed to die, while a man who sheds his shame becomes invincible. Had Xu An's entire twenty-plus years been built upon this audacity? Such a man, if aligned with a foolish ruler, would surely rise to prominence as a cunning minister. Yet, such tactics would prove ineffective in her presence.

"Your Grace is too kind," Xu An responded, and Xianyue, amused by his words, laughed heartily. If Lu Yi and Ya'er were present, they would surely have much to say about Xu An. However, his days of comfort were rapidly drawing to a close, and she was eager to see if he could still laugh and speak so boldly amidst the trials of the arduous journey.

"Rise," she commanded.

Lan Yi Xuan gazed at the crescent-eyed Xuan Yue and spoke softly. 

He was aware that she had gone to Lan Yin Temple and had not returned immediately. Over the past few days, Gong Shaohua had remained inactive, suggesting that the two of them had reached some sort of understanding; she did not speak of it, nor did he inquire. 

Despite their hearts drawing ever closer, the distance between them seemed to widen. 

"Young Master Lan, since you do not wish to intervene, allow me to take care of everything," she declared. 

And she truly handled it remarkably well. 

Was it that by shouldering all his burdens, her mood would improve and she would feel less guilty? If one day she were to entrust this splendid realm to him, would he feel a flicker of joy? Would that truly fill the void in his heart? Probably not, for at that moment, she would indeed leave his side and vanish from his world. 

For her sake, he would willingly relinquish this splendid kingdom, yet even his willingness could not alter their fate. 

Lan Yi Xuan lowered his head, observing Xuan Yue. 

Soon, she would depart from his life, seeking to remedy the void in his heart by venturing into a perilous realm from which he could not see her. 

In truth, she need not feel guilty. For Lan Yi Xuan, knowing Feng Xuan Yue was the greatest fortune of his life. Had it not been for his presence, she would not find herself so troubled. She bore the weight of dual pressures, and it would not be any easier for her; just as she told Nian Xiaoyu in the first-rate building, why should one harbor regrets? They both deserved each other's sacrifices. Unlike Nian Xiaoyu and Bai Zhanfeng, at least they were in love. Regardless of what transpired in the future, whenever Lan Yi Xuan thought of Feng Xuan Yue, although he might not wear a broad smile, he would feel a flicker of happiness within, free from any resentment. 

"Young Master Lan, I raise a toast to you." 

Xuan Yue snatched the wine jug from Bai Pingting's hands, pouring herself a full cup. Lan Yi Xuan turned sideways and offered his cup to Lei Yun. 

"Young Master Lan, on the day of our grand wedding, none of the ministers witnessed our vows. Today, let us allow the ministers to bear witness, shall we?" 

Lan Yi Xuan regarded Xuan Yue, who playfully blinked at him, entwining her arm with his. She brought her cup to his lips. "Let us drink from the same cup." 

As he watched the wine being brought to his lips, he lowered his gaze to her. Xuan Yue had already turned slightly, addressing the ministers below. "Gentlemen, take note today; I, Feng Xuan Yue, am the indisputable queen of our Lan Kingdom." 

"Young Master Lan, what are you waiting for?" 

Xuan Yue extended her other hand and tugged at Lan Yi Xuan's sleeve. "Pour me your wine." 

Cheers erupted from the crowd of ministers, particularly among the younger civil and military officials, while a few stubborn elders shook their heads and sighed. 

Xuan Yue tilted her head back and finished the wine in Lan Yi Xuan's cup. He followed suit, and she smiled, raising her empty cup to the ministers below. Lan Yi Xuan returned her smile, the corners of his mouth lifting, his eyes sparkling with unspoken affection. 

"Your Majesty, I have a request, and I hope the Queen will grant it." 

Lan Yi Xuan's gaze fell upon the graying Zhou Yun, kneeling before him, and his grip on the wine cup tightened slightly. 

"Lord Zhou, you must first state your request for me to determine whether I can grant it. Without knowing what it is, I cannot agree recklessly." 

"Your Majesty has ascended the throne for several months, and the harem consists solely of the Queen. The six palaces remain vacant, and with the Queen leading troops into battle, it is uncertain when she will return. I believe the King should select a woman of virtue and grace to enrich the harem and ensure the royal lineage of our Lan Kingdom."