The First Bloom of Spring

Though March has yet to arrive, Ye City already hints at the arrival of spring. The weather gradually warms, and being close to the sea, the winds here are brisk but devoid of winter's harsh chill, carrying a noticeable dampness. With ample rainfall, it seems there's a shower every few days; the air after the rain is fresh, and the branches that have sprouted tender buds are cleansed of dust, sparkling under the sun. 

Xuan Yue pushed the door open. Following last night's rain, the ground was still damp in the early morning. However, the Bai Manor's pathway was not paved with cement; the black-and-white cobblestones glistened after being washed by the rain. Fortunately, the weather during her journey had been pleasant, and though she wasn't particularly fond of rain, spending an entire day in the manor, idly gazing at the rain outside the window, was a delightful option. Falling asleep to the sound of raindrops hitting the ground had given her the sense of time reversing, as if she had returned to those days spent with Lan Yixuan, where they indulged in the simple pleasures of eating and sleeping together—only now, there was no one to engage in playful banter with her. The chef at Bai Manor had decent culinary skills, but they paled in comparison to Lei Yun's. 

Standing at the doorway, Xuan Yue closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh air. Such tranquil days were numbered. Just as she opened her eyes, Bai Ao appeared at the entrance. For someone his age, he was remarkably robust, and his mood seemed quite buoyant, his eyes crinkled in a gentle smile, the wrinkles at the corners evoking a sense of warmth. 

"You're awake," he said, stepping forward to join her. He had arrived shortly after she had just gotten up. The servants in the manor had informed her that Bai Ao was an early riser, often taking a stroll around the estate, a habit he had maintained for years. 

"Good morning, Old Master Bai," Xuan Yue said, stepping aside to let him pass. 

The small courtyard where Xuan Yue resided was named the Rose Courtyard, although it boasted fewer roses than the grand Bai Manor. In this season, not a single rose bloomed in sight. The courtyard's ambiance was serene and refreshing. Having spent a decade at Pear Blossom Mountain, she had grown accustomed to solitude. Although she had once loved bustling places, ever since leaving the Lan Kingdom, she had found herself desiring quietude. Even in loneliness, she wished to be alone, not wanting anyone to notice her. Thus, she had come to Bai Manor without even bringing her sister, Ping Ting. 

Just as she settled down, a servant brought in breakfast. Bai Ao had already eaten, but watching Xuan Yue enjoy her meal sparked his own appetite, and he indulged in a small bowl of porridge and a few pastries. 

His demeanor appeared genuinely cheerful; since his arrival, a smile had graced his face. 

"What good fortune has befallen you, Old Master Bai?" 

Xuan Yue, known for her swift eating, especially when encountering delightful dishes, finished her meal in a matter of moments. 

Bai Ao regarded her, pausing before answering. His eyes, weathered by life's storms, now reflected gratitude and contentment rather than their former sharpness. Sensing this shift, Xuan Yue surmised the cause of his joy; it undoubtedly had to do with Bai Zhanfeng. 

"Did Bai Zhanfeng visit you last night?" 

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. 

Bai Ao nodded, his gaze toward her filled with appreciation. Remembering last night's events, his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Though his grandson's demeanor had been somewhat stiff, it was evident that Bai Zhanfeng sincerely wished to let go of past grievances. While he hadn't voiced that the past was forgotten, his mere willingness to behave this way filled the old man with joy. 

He understood that long before returning to Chu Kingdom, Bai Zhanfeng had harbored prejudices against him, mirroring the sentiments of his own father. Bai Ao knew well that his grandson loathed the intrigues of the court, yet what could be done? As a scion of the Bai family, such entanglements were inescapable. The recent incident in the Valley of Death had left him disheartened, leading to increasing dissatisfaction with himself. He had reluctantly followed the arrangement to marry Chen Ruoxi, only to find his grandson despondent, as if life itself had been stripped away from him. Bai Ao felt the weight of this pain more deeply than anyone. 

He had long wished for an opportunity to converse with Bai Zhanfeng, but since arriving in Ye City, most of his time had been spent in the military camp, hardly ever staying at the manor. He could count on one hand the number of nights he had spent at home. Whenever he sent for Bai Zhanfeng, the excuse was always the same—overwhelming military duties. Did he truly believe that Bai Ao was unaware? His grandson was unwilling to converse with him, and Bai Ao could not compel him, allowing their relationship to deteriorate further. Concerned that he would only drive Bai Zhanfeng away, he had swallowed his words about succession time and again. 

With most of his life buried in the ground, he knew he didn't have much time left. Yet he had spoken too many of those words before, and Bai Zhanfeng was undoubtedly weary of hearing them. He had borne the burdens of the Bai family for a lifetime, only to be met with his grandson's resentment. He had sacrificed enough for the family, and in this world, the only person he genuinely worried about was Bai Zhanfeng. 

Having thought he would leave this life with such regrets, he was taken aback when Bai Zhanfeng sought him out last night. He understood that this was entirely due to Xuan Yue's influence; she must have said something to Bai Zhanfeng. At this moment, her words were the only ones he would heed. 

The more he reflected, the more he admired Xuan Yue, mingled with a sense of lament. He did not think poorly of Ruoxi, but in terms of magnanimity, wisdom, and strategy, she was far surpassed by the young woman sitting before him. 

Xuan Yue was not curious about their conversation. In truth, even if Bai Ao remained silent, she could surmise the general idea of their exchange. Both of them were acutely aware of the roots of their conflict. The two of them were burdened by pride, especially Bai Zhanfeng, who still harbored resentment towards Bai Ao. If only he were willing to sit down and speak candidly with him, all their problems would be resolved with ease. 

"I wondered why Old Master Bai was in such high spirits," she remarked with a chuckle. She felt a surge of happiness for Bai Zhanfeng; neither of them could find joy in this standoff. She worried more that Bai Zhanfeng would regret his decisions, feeling even more remorseful than she did for not cherishing her time with Lan Yixuan. He was already struggling enough. 

"Xuan Yue, I truly owe you my heartfelt thanks," Bai Ao said sincerely, rising from his seat. He moved closer to Xuan Yue, bending his knee as if to kneel. 

Xuan Yue swiftly stopped him with her foot. "Old Master Bai, what are you doing?" 

She lightly tapped his knee with her toe. "I can't accept this." 

As she helped him back up, she smiled brightly. "You provide me with food and shelter, and it's all been wonderful. Surely I must do something in return. If you truly feel indebted, how about sending over a few barrels of your fine wine from the Bai Manor instead of kneeling?" 

Seeing the greedy look in her eyes, Bai Ao chuckled and nodded, "I'll have someone bring you all the fine wine I've kept hidden for decades, along with some delightful snacks. How does that sound?" 

Xuan Yue's eyes sparkled at his words, her smile growing wider as she nodded eagerly. "Old Master Bai, you truly are a wonderful person." 

Once Xuan Yue finished speaking, she settled back into her seat, but then suddenly remembered something, and her smile gradually faded, the upward curve of her lips appearing forced. 

"Miss Xuan Yue…" 

Bai Ao rested one hand on the table, casting a glance at Xuan Yue before withdrawing his gaze with a sigh. "I've come to terms with things now. After all these years, I have done more than enough for the Bai family. Yet, I have also caused harm to Feng Er. After our conversation last night, I suddenly felt enlightened. Names and wealth are but illusions; once one passes, nothing remains. The Bai family has labored for generations solely for the well-being of the people of Chu. As long as the citizens can live in peace and prosperity, it matters not who reigns as sovereign. If the Lan Kingdom treats its people well, it would be the same even without the Bai family. Last night, I told Feng Er that I would permit him to lay down the burdens he carries and pursue his own desires, but he refused." 

Upon finishing, Bai Ao sighed again. "Miss Xuan Yue, now that the countries of Bai Chu and Feng Lan are unified, I hope that regardless of what happens in the future, you all can share both honor and disgrace, advancing and retreating together." 

He understood Feng Er's stubbornness; it had once been due to his own demands, and now, seeing Xuan Yue venture here alone, he knew that Feng Er would not leave her side. Among countless women in the world, why was it that he was so infatuated with one he could never possess? And why was his love so profound? 

Xuan Yue turned to him, her face no longer adorned with a playful smile but rather marked by a grave expression. "Old Master Bai, you need not worry for the kingdom of Chu. The world will undoubtedly belong to the Lan Kingdom in the future, and we shall treat every citizen with kindness. Not just the people of Bai Chu, but also those of Xuanyuan, who are innocent and will, in time, become citizens of our Lan Kingdom. Furthermore, once peace is established, I will grant Bai Zhanfeng the choice to decide whether to remain in the court or to live the life he has always desired. You may rest assured." 

Hearing Xuan Yue's words, Bai Ao's furrowed brows slowly began to ease, his hand trembling slightly on the table, dry and frail. Xuan Yue felt a pang of sympathy; the old man before her had visibly lost weight during this time. 

"Old Master Bai, have you heard of the renowned Xuelan Luo, who has made waves in the martial world 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 knowledge would surely recognize such a figure. 

"I heard he came to Chu over a decade ago. Do you know where he might be, Old Master Bai?" 

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