I’ve Decided: You Will Be My Woman

As evening descended, the setting sun in the west cast a layer of rosy veil, and standing at the door, looking out, the streets and alleys, every blade of grass and tree, were draped in a thin garment, bright and radiant. The evening breeze brought with it a refreshing fragrance, indescribably pleasant and comfortable.

Xianyue stood at the doorway, lazily stretching her limbs. While others were still asleep under the sun, she had enjoyed a hearty meal the day before and slept until sunset.

"Eating and sleeping all day long, you're no better than a pig,"

Bai Zhanfeng remarked from behind Xianyue, observing her yawn and stretch, without holding back his criticism.

Xianyue stopped her movements, turned to Bai Zhanfeng, and defiantly raised her chin, turning her head aside: "Do you know why Lan Rixuan refuses to spar with you? Because engaging with someone as rude and arrogant as you would be a loss of dignity."

The last four words echoed clearly and powerfully, striking Bai Zhanfeng's soft spot.

He was not a reckless person, but for some reason, seeing the disdainful expression on this woman's face made his anger rise.

"You— you—"

He pointed at Xianyue, unable to utter a coherent word, his firm and hardened face turning red: "Then you can spar with me."

For a martial arts enthusiast, sparring was an unending topic.

"A good woman does not spar with a rude man."

In the distance, the faint rosy hue of the sky deepened, resembling a fire hanging in the galaxy above, burning brighter and more vividly, uplifting one's mood.

Bai Zhanfeng looked at Xianyue, who seemed to be in high spirits, feeling increasingly frustrated.

"Xianyue is still young and loves to joke. Bai, as a hero of his generation, why get angry?"

Lan Rixuan, draped in a purple brocade robe, with a face as fair as jade and a demeanor graceful, wore a slight, elegant smile. He exuded nobility and elegance. The two figures behind him, Lei An and Lei Yun, were equally impressive, but standing beside him, they were mere embellishments, overshadowed by the brilliance that blazed like fire, making one feel inferior yet drawn to it.

His words set Bai Zhanfeng apart.

"Oh, are you going out, Lan Gongzi?"

Xianyue suddenly turned around, her figure illuminated by the light, her face like a polished jade, her long black hair flowing, adorned with the butterfly hairpin that Lan Rixuan had given her, wearing a white dress tied at her waist, accentuating her slender figure. With her long brows and bright eyes, she evoked images of clear springs and quiet valleys, pure and untouchable. The corner of her mouth curled up in a smile that was both mischievous and free-spirited.

Bai Zhanfeng felt his heart racing. Although the evening breeze was cool, his face was flushed and burning.

Lan Rixuan's gaze fell upon the hairpin, his elegant smile growing warmer. He then heard Lei Yun behind him say, "Gongzi, the carriage is ready."

Hearing this, Lan Rixuan did not move but walked directly to Xianyue: "Are you preparing to go out too?"

Though it was a question, it sounded more like a statement. After sleeping from yesterday afternoon until now, having not complained about hunger to Lei Yun, she was undoubtedly ready to explore the culinary delights of Yanjing.

"Of course."

Xianyue opened her arms, embracing the burning evening glow: "After sleeping all day, I must go out for a stroll."

She then opened her eyes and began to stretch.

"Since you have nothing to do, I'll accompany you."

Bai Zhanfeng seemed to forget his earlier annoyance and hurried to her side, pointing to the northwest direction: "That's Qiqiao Mountain; it must be lively now."

"Are you okay, Bai Zhanfeng?"

As she turned, Bai Zhanfeng's gaze met her clear and bright eyes, as if asking whether he was sick.

Qiqiao Mountain, also known as Yinyuan Mountain, was exquisitely beautiful, home to the only Yue Lao Temple, where the statue of the matchmaker was made of natural jade and shone at night. Many young girls would go there to seek fortunes, hoping to find good husbands, and it was said to be quite effective.

She was indeed a young woman, but she didn't need fate right now; she had Bai Zhanfeng. Xianyue pointed at him with a teasing smile: "Have you sworn eternal love with Miss Nian there, causing her to chase you to the ends of the earth and still not let go?"

After saying this, she burst into laughter, and Lei An couldn't help but laugh even louder at Bai Zhanfeng's awkward expression. Meanwhile, Lei Yun merely smiled subtly.

"You ungrateful woman, are you going or not?"

Bai Zhanfeng unceremoniously swatted her hand away, feeling regretful for having thought of going to Qiqiao Mountain with her.

Xianyue retracted her hand, stopping her laughter, and shook her head: "Not going."

She longed for a pure and clean love, but in this era, living in chaotic times as a royal princess, everyone had their own responsibilities and duties. Being able to have familial love was enough for her; as for fate, she didn't dare to ask for it.

"I think it's pretty good to stroll around alone, free and easy."

Especially with enough silver on her, she could eat whatever she wanted and buy whatever she fancied. Xianyue took out her bulging purse from her bosom, proudly tossed it into the air, and caught it again, humming a cheerful tune as she prepared to leave.

Bai Zhanfeng glanced at Lan Rixuan and hurried to catch up. Lan Rixuan smiled as he stepped forward: "I heard that Yingjiang Tower has a new chef who specializes in various cuisines."

Xianyue caught the purse falling from the air and paused in her tracks.

Lan Rixuan's smile broadened as he continued, "A cup of 'Spring on Snow,' frozen underground for a hundred years, Dragon Spring Water, and a cup brewed from a hundred flowers—"

Lan Rixuan hesitated for a moment, then, facing Xianyue who was merely a few steps away, turned and smiled, "I've heard that the king of Yan treats the third prince with great favor, holding a position not inferior to the crown prince."

As he spoke, he swallowed hard: "If he invites you, the feast will surely be exquisite."

Lan Rixuan, tall and graceful, looked at the flattering Xianyue, a flicker of warmth appearing in his usually foggy eyes, illuminated by the setting sun.

"You woman, can you think of anything other than eating?"

Bai Zhanfeng strode up to Xianyue, looking at Lan Rixuan, his anger flaring as he was frustrated by the sight of the pleased expression on Xianyue's face.

Xianyue released Lan Rixuan's hand and turned to Bai Zhanfeng, nodding: "I can."

Her brilliance was dazzling and full of pride: "Sleeping, of course." She continued, "Having slept all day, I only have eating left."

"Be careful; others might sell you off."

He looked at Lan Rixuan, clearly hinting at his meaning.

"Let me eat well and sleep well; if I get sold, so be it."

She didn't take the hint at all, making him nearly choke on his words.

"Evening sun is at its best; I wonder if Xianyue would honor me by watching the sunset?"

Xianyue held back her laughter and nodded, suddenly linking her arm with Lan Rixuan's: "It would be my honor."

Lan Rixuan was caught off guard by her action, his body stiffening slightly. He turned to look at the smiling Xianyue, then quickly regained his composure.

Xianyue noticed his slight stiffness and smiled even more brightly.

"No need for a carriage."

Lan Rixuan calmly instructed Lei Yun behind him.

In the evening, with the cool breeze blowing, people came and went, and the streets were bustling with activity. Vendors had already set up their stalls, calling out, haggling, and selling, making the street more lively than at noon yesterday. Under the eaves of tall buildings, a row of red lanterns hung high, and the moonlight shone bright, almost like daylight.

On the lively street, soldiers with swords often passed by, stirring up a gust of wind. Xianyue, holding Lan Rixuan's arm, glanced at the serious-looking soldiers, looked up at the lights on both sides, and suddenly smiled. This Yanjing was indeed bustling.

"What are you laughing at?"

Bai Zhanfeng, following behind Xianyue and Lan Rixuan, asked with irritation, his dark eyes sparkling like gems in the night.

"What's it to you?"

Xianyue tilted her head back, smiling at him.

Bai Zhanfeng stared at Xianyue, frowning, unsure how to respond. After a moment of contemplation, his sharp gaze suddenly lit up like fireworks blooming in the night sky. He rushed in front of Xianyue, blocking her way, proudly lifting his chin, his slightly pursed lips sharp as a knife: "I've decided: you will be my woman."

Xianyue stared at Bai Zhanfeng, momentarily stunned by his abrupt declaration"No woman capable of defeating me in martial arts has been born yet, so I'll just have to settle for second best."

He pointed at Xianyue's mouth, indicating that the reason he liked her was because of her lips.