Xian Yue's Choice

As Xian Yue returned to the tent, the other generals naturally followed suit. She casually found a spot to sit, accepting the tea handed to her by Ya Er. Lifting her gaze to the generals entering the tent, she placed the tea down before her lips. "Is there something you wish to discuss?"

From their perspective, the issue with Xuanyuan had been temporarily resolved, and they believed they could lower their guard. Their presence behind her was merely a testament to her authority; she did not expect them to have anything substantial to say.

Xian Yue smiled, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "Xuanyuan Hao really is something; disrupting our peaceful slumber so early in the morning. If you all are weary, perhaps you should return to rest sooner?"

Setting her teacup aside, an idea struck her, and her smile blossomed even brighter. "Or do you all wish to join me for a conversation?"

As soon as her words fell, General Bai Chu exchanged glances with Bai Zhanfeng, and they all stepped into the tent. Although the sun had risen, the riverside wind remained brisk, making the early morning air somewhat chilly. Just as Xian Yue surmised, their reason for seeking her out was not of great urgency; they merely wished to express their admiration. Previously, they had failed to recognize her significance, and now they felt the need to offer sincere apologies. Just as they prepared to leave, Xian Yue invited them to join her for a chat. After a moment of hesitation, they lifted the curtain and entered.

Bai Zhanfeng was initially reluctant to comply. Even though he was not adept at reading minds, he could sense that Xian Yue had something to say. Her gaze towards Bai Chu was equally sharp.

"Please bring a chair for Young Master Bai," Xian Yue instructed Green Pearl beside her.

"Cheng Qiang, you should come in as well," she added, gesturing with a smile to Cheng Qiang and the others. Xu Ye followed closely behind Cheng Qiang, his head bowed in silence.

"Xu Daren," Xian Yue stood up and circled around Xu Ye, "You've lost quite a bit of weight, but you look more spirited overall."

She playfully patted Xu Ye's shoulder. He instinctively shrank back, cautiously glancing at Xian Yue. He realized he was beginning to understand why the Crown Prince of the Feng state held such affection for the Queen, why the King repeatedly declined ministers' pleas to take a consort, and why exceptional men like Bai Zhanfeng and Xuanyuan Hao were captivated by her. He felt a similar admiration himself, even wishing he could be born several decades later. Yet, he also felt ashamed. What once seemed like reckless behavior now appeared as carefree elegance. Although he harbored resentment and a desire for vengeance, the Xu Ye of now had shed his combative spirit. Reflecting on his past actions towards Xian Yue, he found them almost childish; employing tricks in her presence felt utterly foolish. If he had once clung to a glimmer of hope for subterfuge, that hope had now been extinguished. Not for the sake of the Lan people, nor for the sake of virtuous deeds, but for his own sake—no matter what he did, he could never win over the Queen.

"It seems you've come to an understanding," Xian Yue said, releasing her hold and chuckling softly. Xu Ye awkwardly returned a smile, lowering his head in silence, unsure of what to say.

"Now then, what brings you all to me?"

Xian Yue resumed her previous position, casually inquiring. Although they had followed her into the tent, it did not necessarily imply they had urgent matters to discuss. Her sudden change of heart, inviting them in, piqued their curiosity, yet they refrained from voicing it.

The group fixed their gazes on Xian Yue. Despite the formidable power of the Xuanyuan army, her presence instilled an unprecedented sense of reassurance. They found themselves untroubled by thoughts of defeat, convinced that as long as Xian Yue remained, the Xuanyuan forces would never cross the Bilo River.

"Previously, we failed to recognize your worth, Miss Xian Yue, and we sincerely apologize for any offense we caused," Lu Su stood and approached Xian Yue, bowing respectfully, his demeanor as deferential as it was towards Bai Zhanfeng.

At this moment, anyone with a modicum of intelligence would avoid offending Xian Yue. In the past, their respect had stemmed primarily from her status as the Queen of the Feng state and the Queen of the Lan state—titles far beyond what Bai Chu could contend with. Now, having witnessed her wisdom, they held an even deeper respect. Above all, they understood that Bai Chu could not afford to be at odds with the Lan state; otherwise, the outcome would surely be disastrous.

"Have you truly offended me?" Xian Yue asked, tilting her head and inquiring without hesitation. Her fair face betrayed no hint of discontent, as if no discord had ever existed between them. Her words only deepened their sense of shame. People often dwell on grievances, especially holding grudges; such a magnanimous spirit was rare, even among men.

"Since Young Master Xuanyuan has come to us, why should we let him go?" 

Earlier that morning, the Xuanyuan ships had been in disarray. If they had acted then, directly taking Xuanyuan Hao's life, the Xuanyuan army—without a commander—would be nothing more than a disorganized mass. The Chu King would have been hesitant to act recklessly, leaving them with a chance to unify.

The other Bai Chu generals stood silently, recognizing the implications of Xian Yue's earlier remarks by the river. Both she and Xuanyuan Hao shared ambitions for the world. If Xuanyuan were to suffer a devastating defeat, only the Lan state would emerge dominant. Would they allow Bai Chu to exist under such circumstances? If that were the case, why hadn't she seized the opportunity to eliminate Xuanyuan Hao when she had the chance? Without him, Xuanyuan would be utterly vulnerable.

They were not fools; in this world, if Xuanyuan fell, the Lan King possessed the determination to unify the realm. As the Queen of the Lan state, she could not allow the Chu state to persist. While they might not favor the ambitious Xuanyuan, they equally harbored concerns regarding the Lan state.

"Xuanyuan Hao cannot die, just as I cannot die now," Xian Yue declared, turning to her attendants clad in green. Individuals like Xuanyuan Hao undoubtedly had loyal followers willing to die for him. With veterans like Cen Can and strategists like Ji Yunli by his side, should anything happen to him, they would retaliate fiercely. She sought victory, but not at the cost of devastating losses. She, Feng Xian Yue, would never engage in battles without certainty of success.

"Miss Xian Yue, are you interested in this world?" 

Xian Yue smiled knowingly; she had anticipated such a question. The Bai family's longevity and resilience over centuries stemmed from specific reasons. They could not afford to lack talent. Aside from Bai Zhanfeng's refusal to face reality, there were others, simple-minded martial generals who failed to grasp the situation. They should have deduced that the state of the world was as it was—no one was free of ambition. If Bai Chu were sufficiently powerful, they would not worry about Xuanyuan encroaching; rather, they would be expanding their own territory just like Xuanyuan.

"Indeed."

Xian Yue leaned back in her chair, her interest in the world evident, yet her serene face betrayed no fervor, nor the imposing charisma of Xuan Yuan Hao. From the outset, she had never been passionately invested in ruling; her desire to seize control was merely a response to the ambitions of others. What would it mean to obtain the world? That was not her primary aspiration. All she wished for was her brother's health and the happiness of those she cherished. As for herself, if given a choice, she would yearn for freedom. Yet she understood that, regardless of the outcome, freedom had long become a luxury.

"Do you not wish for it?" 

Xian Yue fixed her gaze on Bai Zhanfeng. "If Bai Chu were sufficiently powerful now, would you not desire to achieve great deeds alongside him?"

She spoke candidly, laying bare their innermost thoughts. In this life, no one wished to lead a mundane existence, especially those who considered themselves men of valor. Ironically, the most content were often those who lived in obscurity, where simplicity offered the most genuine happiness.

Cheng Qiang, standing behind Xian Yue as a general of the Lan Kingdom, naturally believed in her. From the very beginning, he had faith in the prince's discernment, a belief that had been validated and would continue to be. He realized that his king had made no error in his choice; he had not loved the wrong person. Their queen possessed a broader mind than many men, embodying the essence of a true leader. If the prince could witness this for himself, he would surely feel joy. Yet the queen was right; the prince had spent years traveling, and with many offspring in the Lan Kingdom, the late king and queen were stirring with ambition. Cheng Qiang could not comprehend why the queen would remain unsatisfied with a son as exceptional as the prince. However, it was evident that the late queen craved power. If she could install a puppet, she would continue to pursue her own desires. But the prince was different; he would never allow himself to be controlled by power. He was inherently a person who wielded control over others.

Xian Yue chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over the faces of those gathered. Sitting up straight, she remarked, "What if I claimed that I, like Xuan Yuan Hao, am determined to claim this world?"

A ripple of surprise surged through the crowded tent, her voice, though light, carried an unsettling weight, as if she were discussing matters wholly detached from her. This nonchalance stirred an uproar among the Bai Chu generals, their once-admiring eyes now brimming with wariness. They were loyal to the Bai family for generations and would not permit Xuan Yuan Hao to conquer the Chu Kingdom; the Lan Kingdom felt the same.

"Xian Yue!" 

Bai Zhanfeng shouted, pushing himself away from the chair as he rose. Cheng Qiang observed Xian Yue's calm demeanor, perplexed. Ambition was a natural trait, yet at this moment, Bai Chu and the Lan Kingdom were still allies. For the queen to voice such sentiments openly risked severing that alliance. Wasn't she granting Xuan Yuan a chance to exploit the situation?