Destinies Across the Horizon

March had yet to arrive, yet Yecheng already hinted at the arrival of spring. The air grew gradually warmer, and though the coastal winds remained strong, they carried a dampness that softened winter's sharp edge. Rainfall was frequent, drenching the land every few days, leaving the air refreshed and washing away dust from the budding branches.

Xianyue pushed open the door. The rain from last night had left the ground moist. Bai Manor's stone path wasn't cemented; instead, rain-polished pebbles glistened in the morning light. Although she didn't particularly like rain, this leisurely confinement within the manor allowed her the comfort of gazing out at the rain or falling asleep to its gentle patter. These days, memories often carried her back to those simpler times with Lan Yi Xuan, where days were passed in carefree idleness—though now without someone to bicker with. Bai Manor's chef was skilled, but still fell short compared to Lei Yun's talents.

Standing at the doorway, Xianyue closed her eyes, inhaling the crisp, fresh air, relishing these fleeting tranquil days. Upon reopening them, she noticed Bai Ao's unexpected arrival. At his age, he was impressively robust. His mood seemed lifted, his eyes crinkling with a gentle smile and a warmth that conveyed familiarity.

"You're awake," he greeted her with a smile, stepping forward just as she was getting up. The manor servants had mentioned that Bai Ao rose early each morning for a stroll around the grounds, a habit he had long maintained.

"Good morning, Elder Bai."

Xianyue stepped aside to let him in.

Her residence, known as Rose Cottage, was a secluded, serene spot without the abundance of roses found in Bai Manor's capital residence. Having spent a decade in Pear Blossom Mountain, she had grown accustomed to solitude. She had once thrived in bustling places, but after leaving Lan Kingdom, she found herself seeking solitude instead, preferring to weather her melancholy in private. For this visit to Bai Manor, she hadn't even brought Pingting along.

Xianyue had just sat down when a servant arrived with breakfast. Bai Ao, having already eaten, found himself joining her, nibbling on a few pastries and taking a small bowl of porridge. His cheerful demeanor had been apparent since he entered, a faint smile never leaving his face.

"Elder Bai, did something good happen?"

Xianyue's habit of eating swiftly meant she quickly polished off her meal, especially when the food was to her liking.

Bai Ao looked at her thoughtfully, a touch of gratitude softening his timeworn gaze. His expression told her everything she needed to know—it must be about Bai Zhanfeng.

"Did Bai Zhanfeng visit you last night?" Xianyue's lips curved into a faint smile as she watched him.

Bai Ao nodded, his eyes brimming with both gratitude and fondness, red-rimmed at the memory. Though Zhanfeng's demeanor had been somewhat stiff, Bai Ao saw that he held no grudges over the past. Without saying that bygones were bygones, Zhanfeng's presence alone was enough for the old man, who had long wished for such a moment.

He knew that Zhanfeng's resentment had been simmering since his return from Chu Kingdom. Like his father before him, Bai Ao was well aware of Zhanfeng's disdain for the schemes of the court, yet what choice did he have? As a Bai family descendant, Zhanfeng was bound to a path he could not evade. The incident in Death Valley had wounded him deeply, and Zhanfeng had grown increasingly disillusioned. Bai Ao had been surprised when Zhanfeng accepted the arranged marriage with the Chen family's granddaughter, but he had never ceased to worry for the heartbroken young man.

He had longed for a chance to talk with him, yet, since arriving in Yecheng, Zhanfeng had spent most of his time at the military camp, rarely visiting the manor. Each summons was met with excuses of military obligations—a transparent evasion that Bai Ao couldn't begrudge. Fearing only to strain their fragile bond further, he had refrained from urging Zhanfeng about continuing the family line.

Most of his days were numbered, and though he had repeated this sentiment countless times to an increasingly wearied Zhanfeng, it weighed heavily upon him. He had sacrificed much for the Bai family, yet was now estranged from his own grandson. The sole source of his unspent worry was Zhanfeng.

He had resigned himself to the idea of leaving this world with that regret. Yet Zhanfeng's unexpected visit last night had softened his heart. Bai Ao knew this was due to Xianyue, that she had likely spoken to Zhanfeng. Only her words could still reach him.

The more he considered, the more he admired Xianyue, feeling both respect and a twinge of regret. Though he held no malice toward Ruoxi, her virtues paled before Xianyue's intellect, wisdom, and poise.

Xianyue cared little about what had transpired between them, for she could already guess the essence. The issues dividing them were known best to those involved, each unwilling to yield. Bai Zhanfeng, especially, still held resentment in his heart. If he could only sit down with Bai Ao, open up, and talk sincerely, all their issues would dissolve.

"So that's why Elder Bai is in such high spirits."

Xuan Yue laughed, feeling a sense of joy for Bai Zhanfeng. In their current stalemate, neither of them could find happiness, but she worried more about Bai Zhanfeng regretting his choices, feeling guiltier than she did about not cherishing the moments spent with Lan Yixuan. He was already burdened enough.

"Xuan Yue, I truly owe you my gratitude this time."

Bai Ao was exceptionally sincere as he stood up and approached Xuan Yue, bending his knee to kneel before her. She stopped him with her foot. "What are you doing, Old Master Bai?"

Xuan Yue lightly tapped Bai Ao's knee with her toes. "I cannot accept this."

As she spoke, she helped him rise and leaned closer with a smile. "You provide me with shelter and sustenance, and it's all been delightful. Surely, you should do something in return. If you truly feel embarrassed, just send over a few large jars of your finest wine from the Bai residence; that would be far more practical than this kneeling business."

Seeing her eager expression, Bai Ao chuckled and nodded. "I'll have my finest wine, which I've kept hidden for decades, sent to you, along with some snacks to accompany it. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yue's eyes narrowed with delight, her smile broadening. "Old Master Bai, you are truly a kind man."

After her joyous proclamation, Xuan Yue returned to her previous position, but then suddenly recalled something, and her smile gradually faded, the corners of her mouth lifting awkwardly.

"Miss Xuan Yue."

Bai Ao placed one hand on the table, casting a glance at her before looking away with a sigh. "I've come to a realization. Over the years, I've sacrificed enough for the Bai family. Now, having caused harm to Feng'er, I feel a sense of clarity after our talk last night. Fame and fortune are but illusions; once gone, they leave nothing behind. The Bai family has toiled for generations for the people of Chu. As long as the people can live in peace and contentment, it matters not who rules, for even if the Bai family were absent, as long as the Lan Kingdom treats its citizens well, it would suffice. Last night, I told Feng'er that I would allow him to shed his burdens and pursue his desires, but he refused."

Bai Ao sighed once more. "Miss Xuan Yue, the Bai and Chu, as well as the Feng and Lan, are now united. I hope that in the future, regardless of what transpires, you all stand together, sharing both glory and shame."

He understood Feng'er's stubbornness. Once driven by his old man's expectations, now Xuan Yue had bravely come to this place alone, he would not abandon her. Among countless women in the world, why had he chosen to love someone he could never possess so deeply?

Xuan Yue turned around, her previously carefree smile replaced by a solemn demeanor. "Old Master Bai, there is no need for you to worry about the Chu Kingdom. In the future, this land will surely belong to our Lan Kingdom, and we will treat every citizen with kindness—not just the Bai family of Chu, but also the people of Xuanyuan, who are innocent and will be subjects of our Lan Kingdom. Furthermore, after restoring peace, I will give Bai Zhanfeng the choice to remain in the court or to pursue the life he once envisioned for himself. You need not worry."

Upon hearing Xuan Yue's words, Bai Ao's furrowed brows slowly began to ease, his trembling hands resting on the table. Xuan Yue noticed and felt a pang of sympathy, realizing that this elderly man had grown frailer during this time.

"Old Master Bai, have you heard of the renowned Xuelan Luo, who has captivated the Jianghu for over twenty years?"

Bai Ao stared at Xuan Yue for a long moment, hesitating before nodding. At his age, anyone with a modicum of experience could not fail to know of him.

"I've heard he came to the Chu Kingdom over a decade ago. Do you know where he might be?" 

No matter what, she was determined to find this person.