The Season of Blooming Lotuses

Bai Ao gazed at Xuan Yue, neither confirming nor denying his knowledge. Over twenty years ago, he had indeed heard of the renowned leader of Xueyu Palace arriving in their Chu Kingdom, yet he was unclear about the specifics of his whereabouts.

"Old Master Bai, I've heard that Liancheng in the Chu Kingdom is a place of great talent and natural beauty, where lotus flowers bloom all year round. Is there any truth to this?"

This time, Bai Ao responded promptly. "Indeed, it is true."

Xuan Yue chose not to probe further, as she had previously tasked Luyi with investigating this matter. There was no grinding wheel in Liancheng capable of nurturing lotus flowers, suggesting that such a defiance of nature was unlikely. However, since Gong Shaohua claimed it to be so, there must have been some basis for his assertion—though possibly embellished, it was certainly not fabricated.

"The reason Liancheng is named as such is due to the perennial blooming of its lotus flowers, thanks to the Lian River. The waters of the Lian River remain warm year-round, nurturing lotus flowers that not only bloom earlier than elsewhere but also grow splendidly. Many locals rely on this for their livelihood. Each year, when the lotuses are in full bloom, the sight is breathtaking—vast fields of red, white, and pink flowers standing tall and elegant. I witnessed it once in my youth, and it was truly magnificent."

Perhaps the beauty of those lotus fields stirred nostalgia, as Bai Ao's expression revealed a hint of longing.

"At this time of year, many scholars and poets from outside flock to that place. However, over twenty years ago, the river's flow was intercepted, and the Bai army of thirty thousand was stationed there. This matter was reported, but then a plague suddenly struck Chu Kingdom, causing everything to be postponed. By the time I remembered, the issue had already been resolved, though I did not inquire into the specifics."

Xuan Yue refrained from pressing for details. Perhaps the Bai family's approach of granting power to their subordinates, coupled with a degree of centralized control, was why they remained unassailable. According to Old Master Bai, the individual responsible for intercepting the river and subsequently resolving all related issues must possess considerable capability. Luyi had also investigated this matter, and the timing coincided perfectly with Xuelan Luo's disappearance. She had reason to suspect that this person was indeed Xuelan Luo.

"Does Old Master Bai know where that individual currently resides?"

Given that it had been over a decade since those events, few would likely remember them now. Perhaps other factors were at play; the individuals she had sent to investigate had returned empty-handed. This was why she sought assistance from the Bai family, who had inhabited this land for centuries and were deeply loved and respected by the people, making their efforts more fruitful.

"I am unaware of that."

Bai Ao, reluctant to witness Xuan Yue's disappointment, added, "I have entrusted all matters of the Bai family to Feng'er now. You may consult him regarding this matter."

Though he wished not to fret over the Bai family's affairs, such concerns had become a habit over the years. The current Bai-Chu was now subordinate to the Feng and Lan kingdoms. Xuan Yue was a person of deep loyalty; if she could be of any assistance, it would benefit the Bai family immensely. He understood that Feng'er had always longed to help her, and his feelings of love, guilt, and inner turmoil had become burdensome. Contributing to Xuan Yue would alleviate his heart, if only slightly.

Xuan Yue nodded. "It seems Bai Zhanfeng has already returned to the military camp this morning. I will ask him when he returns."

This matter was urgent for her; resolving it would lift a great weight from her heart.

Bai Ao said nothing further and did not leave immediately. He sat beside Xuan Yue, quietly sipping tea. Sunlight streamed in after the rain. Glancing at Bai Ao, Xuan Yue remained silent, pondering why he lingered without speaking.

He remained silent, and she did not press for words.

"Miss Xuan Yue."

After a considerable pause, Bai Ao finally set down his tea, his stern face oddly appearing somewhat bashful as he took a deep breath. "I have come today to seek your forgiveness."

Bai Ao sighed. Initially, he had strongly opposed Feng'er's relationship with Xuan Yue, believing they were ill-suited. Feng'er, having grown up at Qiutian Mountain Villa, was steadfast and unyielding. A clever woman like Xuan Yue could compensate for his shortcomings. In these chaotic times, her strategies were indeed essential for the Bai family. Yet, she was too astute; while a woman's intelligence was commendable, excessive cleverness could arouse apprehension. Moreover, her identity was overly sensitive—she was a princess of the Feng Kingdom, known for her untamed spirit. How could she willingly accept a subordinate role? Most importantly, her heart did not belong to Feng'er. He feared she might manipulate the Bai family into a position of irreparable peril. Now, he realized these concerns were unfounded, stemming from a narrow-minded perspective. The events in the Valley of Death and this plea for assistance were all matters of his own misjudgment, leaving him feeling deeply remorseful.

Both were intelligent individuals, and while Bai Ao did not directly address it, Xuan Yue understood his unspoken thoughts.

"Old Master Bai, I've told you before, there's no need to harbor any guilt towards me. If Bai Zhanfeng had fallen from the cliff, even if no one had intervened, I would still be unable to act recklessly. You are not at fault, nor is Bai Zhanfeng. Life is but a fleeting moment, and it must be cherished. It is not right to disregard one's own life for someone like me."

Xuan Yue playfully blinked her eyes. "Moreover, you have been treating me so well, even offering me a rare vintage that you've preserved for decades. Even if it were the gravest of sins, I would forgive you. Besides—" 

Xuan Yue's smile faded, and her demeanor grew serious and earnest. "You have done nothing wrong, so do not let such matters weigh on your heart. If you continue to bring them up, I would feel quite embarrassed."

Bai Ao nodded in appreciation; he found himself lacking in comparison to her magnanimity and spirit.

"Are you settling in well here? If you have any requests, feel free to instruct the servants. Treat this place as your own home; do not feel constrained."

Xuan Yue stood up, stretching lazily and twisting her limbs, gazing at the sunlight filtering through the doorway with narrowed eyes. "In the palace of Feng Kingdom, I wouldn't dare indulge in such excesses. I had to rise early for morning court sessions. Here, life is so much more relaxed."

Her teasing smile conveyed a truth; in Feng Kingdom, she had refrained from drinking too much out of concern for Feng Jiulan. Here, although the surroundings were delightful, the hidden eyes watching her made her feel uneasy, as if she were a thief trying to remain unnoticed. Didn't they ever tire of lurking about? Despite being here for several days, if they were so curious about her, why not come to the Rose Courtyard and meet her face to face? Perhaps they would appreciate the young lady from the Chen family more if they spoke openly rather than this clandestine behavior. She had never cared much for Chen Ruoxi, which explained why she hadn't visited her and why Xuan Yue hadn't sought her out. Such a woman was not surprising in Bai Zhanfeng's indifference. However, Xuan Yue bore no resentment; she had not experienced such feelings but understood that women in relationships often had their own comprehensions. After all, she was Bai Zhanfeng's wife; as long as no lines were crossed, she could turn a blind eye.

"As long as you are comfortable, that is what matters, Miss Xuan Yue."

Bai Ao chuckled. "Stay a few more days and indulge this old man in some pleasant conversation."

From the moment Xuan Yue arrived, Bai Ao had been eager to seek her out after awakening from his drunken stupor. Yet, he hesitated, fearing the shame of appearing foolish before the younger generation. Bai Zhanfeng still seemed unwilling to have a heart-to-heart with him. Now that the weight on his heart had finally lifted, he felt more at ease.

"Unfortunately, I may not be able to stay long. In a day or two, Cheng Qiang and his Lan army will likely arrive in Chu Kingdom. Once he arrives, I must return to my post."

Xuan Yue smiled. If not for the recent unfavorable weather, Cheng Qiang would have arrived days ago. After a long period of rest, it was time to return to work. The ambush at Heifeng Ridge would surely raise questions, and she still had to account for her troops and the Feng army.

"I am truly grateful for your warm hospitality, Old Master Bai."

Leaning against the door, back to the sun, she stifled a yawn. Just as Bai Ao stood to bid her farewell, he noticed a familiar face peeking sneakily from the entrance of the Rose Courtyard.

Seeing that Old Master Bai had spotted her, Chuntao quickly withdrew her head and turned to flee, but Bai Ao called out sternly, "Stop!"

Chuntao pressed herself against the wall, too frightened to move.

"Come in!"

Bai Ao's face flushed red with anger as he glared at the girl standing at the door. "What are you doing here?"

So it was Ruoxi's personal maid; no wonder she seemed familiar.

"Please forgive me, Old Master! I won't do it again!" 

Caught red-handed, Chuntao panicked, dropping to her knees and begging for mercy without offering an explanation.

Bai Ao looked at the kneeling Chuntao, then turned to Xuan Yue, feeling utterly embarrassed. With such a humiliating incident occurring, he didn't know what to say and felt unworthy to face her.

"Having someone to share the silence on a rainy day is quite nice," Xuan Yue remarked with a smile, turning back to her room, not wanting to interfere.

This was not the first time such a thing had happened, and Xuan Yue had long been aware of it; she just hadn't exposed it.

Bai Ao's expression hardened; he couldn't believe his chosen granddaughter-in-law would engage in such antics behind his back. He felt his pride wounded and glared at Chuntao, advancing toward her, fury radiating from him. "Bring the young mistress to the study to see me."