Edict
This was the first time Xianyue had observed death so closely. Her father, the emperor, lay quietly in a millennium-old crystal coffin unearthed from the depths of the East Sea. His face wore a serene and tranquil smile, devoid of any trace of pain. According to her brother, moments before his death, he seemed to have hallucinated, claiming that their mother had come to take him away, her own face radiant with the same beauty as before. She professed her love for him, never casting judgment on his age or appearance. Indeed, she remained understanding, ultimately forgiving him. He reached out his hand, which, frail and aged, slowly fell away. A smile of satisfaction and happiness adorned his wrinkled face, and then he gradually closed his eyes.
Before his passing, the emperor had decreed that he and the empress should be buried together. The other women of the harem were forbidden from entering the imperial tomb after their deaths. Those who had not enjoyed his favor were allowed to leave the palace, but the reality was that he harbored only resentment towards those women, especially the ones he had once been tender with. Their existence was a testament to his betrayal of the empress.
Perhaps having absorbed Xianyue's words, Feng Jiulan displayed little emotional turbulence. Yet, Xianyue was acutely aware of his underlying sadness; after years of being in such a high position, he had become accustomed to concealing his emotions. The chill of high status was unforgiving; the loftier one stood, the more helpless they felt.
Xianyue stood numbly beside Feng Jiulan. The royal family of Feng was sparse in numbers, and behind them stood the ministers of the court, each adorned with white sashes and belts. The concubines knelt on the ground, weeping incessantly. According to tradition, women who had borne the emperor's children could accompany their sons to their fiefs for a peaceful retirement. However, in this lineage of the Feng royal family, only Xianyue and Feng Jiulan remained, as none of the concubines had given birth. They could only languish in the cold palace or depart to the temples for silent reflection, which meant that those once accustomed to luxury would now face a life of poverty. Were they genuinely grieving for the one in the coffin, or were they merely worried about their own futures?
Xianyue gazed upon the youthful faces around her, listening to their muffled sobs. The palace was filled with people, the sight a sea of white—such a sorrowful color. Yet, the wind blew emptily, chilling her to the core.
Pressing tightly against Feng Jiulan, she still felt cold. Suddenly reminded of Bai Pingting's question, a shiver coursed through her. If the person lying in the coffin was the one she was clinging to, what would she do? Her heart began to ache once more.
"Yue'er."
Xianyue turned abruptly, looking up at Feng Jiulan, who called her softly. Stupidly, she replied with a nod, her face pale and lips tinged with a hint of purple. Feng Jiulan smiled, his expression as warm as ever. He mistook her worry for concern about him, gently patting her head. "I'm fine."
Xianyue smiled and nodded. Feng Jiulan was unaware of her current apprehension. Though she did not hold deep feelings for Feng Xuanling, he was still her closest kin, and she had only him left.
Li Dequan, holding the imperial decree, stepped over the threshold of the Qian Cang Palace, raising the edict high. All those below knelt, proclaiming, "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, ten thousand years!"
Xianyue knelt alongside Feng Jiulan, her heart lifting as she looked at the edict in Li Dequan's hands.
"By the divine right of Heaven, the emperor declares: In the land of Feng, the worthy shall dwell. I have received my mandate from my ancestors, to rise early and toil late, striving for prosperity. Yet, I have been ensnared by indulgence, leading to political turbulence, leaving the scholars and officials unable to enjoy the serenity of the bamboo grove, while the millions of my subjects live in fear. Thankfully, there is the virtuous and talented Crown Prince, who stabilizes the realm and ensures the peace of Feng. However, surveying the current world, nations are brimming with talent, and the winds of change are imminent. The balance among the six states cannot endure, and alas, Heaven has not favored me. While the dynasty remains, how can I bear to sacrifice the lives of the citizens of Feng for the desires of a single family? The Crown Prince cherishes his people as his own children and is beloved by the citizens. Alas, his health is failing; he cannot don the crown and lead the troops into battle. Now, I entrust my daughter, Xihe, whose noble character, martial prowess, and strategic acumen are commendable, to govern Feng. The sage king has made his choice; I hope the people of Feng will support and cherish my beloved daughter. Thus it is decreed!"
As Li Dequan concluded the proclamation, his face mirrored shock. He glanced at Feng Jiulan, his anxious heart finally at ease, while the ministers below erupted in chaotic murmurs.
Feng Jiulan, too, looked at Xianyue. This outcome had entirely surpassed his expectations.
"Brother."
Xianyue called softly, bowing her head in gratitude. "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, ten thousand years!"
Then, amid the astonished gazes of the ministers, she stepped forward to accept the edict from Li Dequan's hands. He looked at her with a face full of confusion, as she stood confidently, exuding an air of authority.
Raising the edict high, the civil and military officials remained frozen in place, motionless.
"How can the matter of the heir be determined by a mere decree? The emperor is wise; he cannot pass the throne of Feng to a mere woman."
The other ministers echoed this sentiment.
"Is it fair to allow General Li to decide the succession based on the emperor's last words?"
Ten years prior, at the tender age of four, Xianyue had slain his beloved daughter, employing such brutal means that even this martial general found himself in awe. Though no new grudge existed, the old hatred had burned deeply, making Li Wei'an resent her to the core. The Crown Prince was benevolent, yet if Xianyue ascended the throne as queen, how could the Li family continue to live well?
"On what grounds does General Li look down upon women? The founding monarch of Feng, Feng Ying, once followed the first emperor into battle, which is why we have the Feng we know today, including your position, General Li."
"The Crown Prince treats his people as children, dedicating many years to the welfare of the citizens and earning their deep affection."
"The Crown Prince's health has suffered; he has devoted himself to his people, rising early and retiring late. His body is already exhausted. Considering the current state of affairs, the Zhou dynasty has long since declined and must now rely on Xuanyuan, whose ambitious heir cannot be ignored. Can the Crown Prince lead you into battle? In the fray, the morale of the troops must be high, seizing opportunities with unwavering spirit. If the commander cannot be present on the battlefield, how can the troops be inspired? But I can do that; I can lead the soldiers into battle, defending every inch of Feng's territory."
Li Dequan regarded Xianyue, a sudden understanding dawning upon him. In this chaotic world, the throne was a hot potato. A girl as wise as she was undoubtedly acting for the sake of the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's health was precarious; on the battlefield, the conditions were harsh. Every year, the Crown Prince fell ill. During such times, what would the troops of Feng do without a leader?
Li Weicheng wanted to say more, but Bai Shou, the head of the Bai family, suddenly stepped forward: "I recall that on the eve of the princess's birth, the stars shone brightly in the night sky, and a phoenix soared above, surrounded by golden light. It wasn't until dawn that the birth of the princess pierced through that golden radiance, dispelling days of gloom. This is a heavenly omen; the princess is a phoenix bestowed upon us by the heavens, destined to safeguard the tranquility of our people, just as our ancestors did."
As soon as Bai Shou finished speaking, he knelt before Xianyue and declared, "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"
Though the Bai family of Feng Kingdom could not compare to the Bai family of Chu, they had a history spanning several centuries. Bai Shou had assisted three successive monarchs, and as a veteran of three reigns, he naturally held significant influence within the court. Moreover, his reputation for fairness and extensive knowledge made him a respected figure among various factions. After he knelt, a significant number of others followed suit, bowing to Xianyue and their cries resonated throughout the Qian Cang Hall. Li Dequan looked at Xianyue and felt she was brimming with spirit. The king's choice of princess was indeed the right one.
"Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"
Li Weian turned around, glancing at the multitude of ministers kneeling behind him, his teeth clenched in anger, yet he remained standing. Li Dequan raised his head and confronted him: "Do you intend to defy the late king's decree, General Li?"
Feng Jiulan gazed at Xianyue, his gentle and clear eyes flashing with a mixture of helplessness and tenderness. He took a few steps forward and knelt before Xianyue, exclaiming, "Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"
Seeing Feng Jiulan kneel, Li Weian's faction felt their spines chill under Xianyue's icy gaze. They hastily knelt, lowering their heads in silence, afraid to speak. If it were anyone else, they would have recognized the futility of resisting and knelt long ago. Yet Li Weian, stubborn as ever, glared at Xianyue, refusing to yield.
"Kneel," Xianyue commanded, her brows furrowing, her bright eyes narrowing into a straight line. The imperial edict in her hand flew through the air like a hard stone, striking Li Weian's thick thigh. He let out a cry, losing his balance and collapsing before Xianyue.
"This is the decree of the late king demanding your submission. Anyone who disagrees can question the late king immediately."
Upon hearing this, the others comprehended the veiled threat; questioning the late king was tantamount to confronting the deceased. They could only accompany him to the underworld to seek answers. Besides, even if they reached the realm of the king of hell, he would still be a king while they remained ministers. A monarch demands the death of his subjects, and the subjects have no choice but to comply. They fell silent, not daring even to breathe loudly.
"To show filial piety, three days from now, I will personally escort my father to the tomb on Xianyue Mountain and bury him alongside my mother."
Xianyue proclaimed loudly, her lips curling into a smirk as her cold gaze swept over Li Weian, who was supporting himself on his knees. In the Snow Mulberry Hall, Feng Jiulan and Xianyue sat facing each other, while Yun Qinghen and Bai Peiting stood behind them, silent and composed.
Feng Jiulan looked at Xianyue for a long moment before letting out a long sigh filled with helplessness: "Yue'er, why must you do this?"
He patted Xianyue's hand, his face full of guilt: "It is I who have harmed you."
Xianyue shook her head and gestured to Bai Peiting and Yun Qinghen: "I wish to speak with my brother alone. Please guard the door and ensure no one approaches."
"Understood."
They both responded in unison before leaving.
"Brother."
Xianyue held Feng Jiulan's hand tightly, leaning on the table as her bright eyes stared earnestly at him: "To be an ordinary person and lead a simple life, I know this is your wish. The lives of common folk may indeed seem simple, revolving around the mundane concerns of daily existence. Such a life is utterly uninteresting to me. I am an ordinary person now, leading a simple life—protecting those I wish to safeguard and fighting for what my loved ones desire. There is nothing wrong with this kind of existence."
"Yue'er," Feng Jiulan interrupted her, "the lives of ordinary people at least come with peace of mind."
"Whether in prosperity or ruin, the most pitiable remain the women. During times of flourishing, commoners must pay taxes to fill the private coffers of nobles and ministers. In times of national downfall, their plight is even greater. Ordinary women can sometimes preserve their lives, but their husbands may be far away on the battlefield, facing death at any moment. They live in constant worry. You should understand this feeling, brother. I refuse to live in such a state of fear. Rather than be separated and worry for one another, I would prefer to join them on the battlefield. Brother, whether I am the queen of Feng Kingdom or not, I am destined for the battlefield."
Feng Jiulan gazed at Xianyue, gently smoothing her hair. She always had such compelling convictions.
"Knowing I will worry, why do you still act this way?"
Why must she shoulder all the burdens alone?
"Brother's feelings towards me are mirrored in my sentiments for you. I will do everything within my power to protect you and safeguard the entire Feng Kingdom. I believe I possess that ability. Will you blame me, brother?"
Feng Jiulan looked into Xianyue's serious gaze and pulled her into his embrace, softly whispering, "Fool."
If she desired it, not just the throne but even his own life, he would willingly relinquish it. Yet, how could he bear to let her shoulder such a heavy burden?
"Before long, the Young Master Lan should come to Feng Kingdom to propose, right?"
Xianyue smiled: "Brother, this Feng Kingdom will always belong to you. I will never usurp what is yours; it cannot be taken from you. Over the years, you have devoted yourself to Feng Kingdom, while some have only pursued their own interests, mistakenly believing they have achieved some minor merit, indulging in corruption and amassing wealth."
Xianyue withdrew from Feng Jiulan's embrace and stood up: "Now is the perfect time to make them relinquish those ill-gotten gains, replenishing the treasury for military expenditures and reforming the court to eliminate corruption."
It is a win-win situation; why not take advantage of it?
"It is my brother's shortcomings."
Xianyue shook her head: "You are too kind, and our father is too soft-hearted. If those ministers admit their mistakes, it will pass swiftly. This has allowed so many parasites to flourish within the court. As the saying goes, 'A new official's fire burns brightly.' Besides, I am still the new ruler."
Xianyue raised her brow; her intentions were evident.
"If so many are suddenly removed at once…"
Feng Jiulan had previously considered this issue, but there were too many corrupt individuals; if they were to be eradicated all at once, it would only plunge the entire Feng Kingdom into chaos.
"Brother, do not worry. I will ensure the stability of Feng Kingdom."
Feng Jiulan gazed at Xianyue, who was indeed contemplating this concern. Whatever course Xianyue chose to take, he would wholeheartedly support her. Over the years, the power of the Li family had grown increasingly formidable, deeply intertwined within the political landscape. He had initially intended to address this issue personally after his ascension, yet now, it seemed that Xianyue was ready to uproot them all at once. Li Weicheng was a brash man; he still harbored resentment over the affair with the late Concubine Li. If Xianyue were merely a princess, it might have been easier, but given the current circumstances, he would undoubtedly not back down.
"Are you concerned that Li Weicheng may take action against me?"
Xianyue smiled confidently as she noted her brother's nod of affirmation. She walked over to the window, where the sun shone brilliantly—typical weather for the Feng Kingdom. Turning back, she was enveloped in golden rays, her smile radiant as the sunlight. "What I desire is for him to make a move." Just as her brother feared, the Li family's influence was deeply entrenched. Li Weian could easily deflect any accusations of corruption, but if it came to an assassination of the new monarch, she intended to ensure he could not escape unscathed.
Today, within the Qian Cang Hall, it was evident to all that Li Weicheng harbored discontent towards her; everyone recognized his brash nature. When the time came, she would uproot them completely.
"Xianyue," Feng Jiulan approached her, increasingly anxious. "Your actions will undoubtedly provoke discontent among the ministers."
At four years old, Xianyue had already taken lives in the grand hall for her own sake. Although some ministers admired her resolve, many believed her actions to be excessively cruel. Should she act against the Li family now, despite any justification of assassination, many would perceive it as an act of vengeance against old grievances.
Xianyue, however, dismissed their concerns. "I am indifferent to their opinions."
She grasped Feng Jiulan's hand. "As long as they remain loyal to you, that is sufficient. Soon, I shall be marrying far away in the Lan Kingdom, and I will leave all matters of Feng Kingdom in your capable hands. With you overseeing things, I can find peace. I know the generals of Feng Kingdom well; they respect me even more than they do you. When the time comes, we shall stand united as brother and sister, and show them the consequences of underestimating our kingdom."
Her ruthlessness would only deepen their appreciation for her brother's kindness. He was benevolent, and the battlefield was a place of death and bloodshed—completely unsuited for him.
Even knowing she possessed the capability to protect herself, Feng Jiulan couldn't help but worry; in his eyes, his Xianyue would always need his care and protection. "In three days, I shall take responsibility for escorting Father's coffin."
Xianyue shook her head, suddenly entwining her arm with Feng Jiulan's, leaning into his embrace, her laughter bright. "Brother, just wait for my good news."
She pulled him to sit at the table, inviting Bai Pingting and Yun Qinghen to join them. Concerned that Feng Jiulan might insist she remain behind for the next three days, she cleverly shifted the topic.
"Brother, when will you find me a sister-in-law?"
As she spoke, her gaze flicked to Bai Pingting, who was lowering her head, nervously clutching her skirts, seemingly at a loss.
Feng Jiulan's attention remained fixed on Xianyue; he hesitated to reply. "Let's discuss that in the future."
Bai Pingting released her clenched fists, cautiously glancing at Feng Jiulan before quickly lowering her gaze once more.
Xianyue continued to chatter about various matters, mostly amusing tales from her adventures in the martial world. As she animatedly gestured and laughed, her exuberance washed away the shadows clouding his heart, gradually bringing a smile to his face.
Three days later, Xianyue set out from the Xuanwu Gate, escorting Feng Xuanling's coffin. Although Feng Jiulan wished to send the Yulin Army for protection, Xianyue refused. The fewer people accompanying them, the greater the likelihood of Li Weian acting against them. The Yulin Army merely looked impressive; in a real conflict, they would only serve to perish in vain.
Feng Jiulan stood atop the city walls, watching as Xianyue's party departed, taking only Bai Pingting along with her.
That day, she had merely asked a passing question—thoughtless words spoken, but they had taken root in her heart. Her brother possessed a kindness that was unbecoming of a prince; aside from those who had harmed her, he seemed to harbor goodwill toward everyone. He likely held back from taking a consort out of concern for his own health and the welfare of those women. In truth, Bai Pingting was genuinely admirable; for her brother's sake, Xianyue believed she could endure a lifetime of solitude. Perhaps her feelings were not entirely devoid of affection; it was precisely because of those feelings that she maintained such a safe distance.
These were merely her speculations; she would never pose questions that might place Feng Jiulan in an uncomfortable position.
On that day, they arrived at Xianyue Ridge. After traversing the lengthy mountain range, they would soon reach the royal mausoleum. It was noon, surrounded by dense forest; though the sun shone brightly, a cool breeze drifted through the mountains, rendering the heat bearable.
Xianyue and Bai Pingting rode at the forefront, but when Xianyue halted, Bai Pingting followed suit. They both looked up, quickly scanning the thick canopy overhead. A sudden gust of wind brought with it an ominous presence not typical of the forest.
As they stopped, a group of men brandishing large swords rushed toward them. Xianyue smirked, spurring her horse into action. Bai Pingting placed her thumb and index finger to her lips, producing a sharp whistle that echoed through the jungle, setting everything in motion.