Chapter 582: Chapter 452: Slapping the White Lotus
Lan Cai’er has always had a loud voice, and now her shouting drew the attention of all the guests.
Xue Pianran froze on the spot.
When she was in Beiqing, she was always aloof, a Heavenly Maiden untouched by the mortal world, never before had she been publicly humiliated like today.
"Who exactly is the cruel one, Ye Lingyue? You know Feng Xun and I are engaged, yet you cling to him relentlessly. I think neither you nor your mother are decent people!"
Biting her teeth, Xue Pianran tore off her usual disguise and began to curse at Ye Lingyue.
Ye Lingyue raised an eyebrow.
One was Qing Bi, the other Xue Pianran - both had crossed Ye Lingyue’s red line by dragging her family into it.
"Xue Pianran, you keep saying Feng Xun is your fiancé, did he acknowledge that?" Ye Lingyue stepped forward and challenged Xue Pianran.
Xue Pianran was at a loss for words; her engagement to Feng Xun had neither an Imperial Decree nor a marriage contract, merely a verbal agreement between Master Hong Ru and Emperor Qing.
But that was also just child’s play, after all, Feng Xun’s parents had died years ago, and the only person who could decide his marriage was Feng Xun himself.
"Or are you just degrading yourself by throwing yourself at him? I’ve seen many women, but never someone as shameless as you. Feng Xun isn’t married, nor am I. Our mutual affection is clear, what right do you have to meddle? A maiden from the Dan Palace and a Heavenly Maiden running after a man, you are not embarrassed, but I feel embarrassed for you."
Ye Lingyue’s words were sharp and impactful.
"Exactly, everyone look, this is the Heavenly Maiden of Dan Palace, chasing a man from Beiqing all the way to Daxia." Lan Cai’er rolled her eyes and shouted at the top of her lungs.
The guests began to murmur, pointing at Xue Pianran, who, overwhelmed with shame, could not retaliate in front of so many people.
"Is that enough?" Suddenly, someone surged forward and shouted at Lan Cai’er.
It was Cong Lv, who had escorted Princess Qing Bi and Xue Pianran to Daxia, waiting outside initially until he heard the commotion and learned about the dispute involving Ye Lingyue and the others.
Seeing tears in Xue Pianran’s eyes and her indignant yet powerless demeanor, Cong Lv felt pity and glared fiercely at Lan Cai’er.
"Enough of what? She framed my sister, and this is not over. Someone, drive these two troublemaking mad dogs out!" Lan Cai’er, fired up now, had never been so aggressive.
"You dare!" Cong Lv was also angry, having seen many women, but none as unreasonable as Lan Cai’er.
"I dare, what about it? Thinking of hitting a woman? Everyone see, a Second Grade guard from Beiqing wants to hit a woman. Is this what your parents taught you when they trained you in martial arts? If I had a son as blind as that, I’d strangle him right after birth!" Lan Cai’er was fearless, her words sharp and mocking.
Cong Lv’s face twitched, his handsome face alternating between shades of red and white.
Born from a reputable family, he had never encountered such a shrewish quarrel.
"Brother Cong, let’s just leave," urged Xue Pianran, her face flushed with humiliation, pulling Cong Lv away.
Initially annoyed, Ye Lingyue couldn’t help but be amused by Lan Cai’er’s rant, especially recalling Cong Lv’s shocked expression just moments ago.
"Huh? Brother-in-law Feng, you’re here?" After finishing her tirade, Lan Cai’er turned and noticed Feng Xun standing nearby.
Beside him was a Sword Slave, who looked at Lan Cai’er with nothing but admiration.
It was his first time seeing someone berate Guard Cong like that, and since Guard Cong couldn’t react, no wonder Housekeeper Mu always said, "It’s hardest to raise women and villains."
True for women and true for villains; both apply to Lan Cai’er.
Ye Lingyue also just realized that Feng Xun had arrived and wondered how long he had been there, worried he might have heard everything she said to provoke Xue Pianran.
Ye Lingyue’s face felt as if it was on fire, and she dared not look directly at Feng Xun.
"Sword Slave, deliver the gift." Upon arriving, Feng Xun saw Xue Pianran making things difficult for Ye Lingyue. He was about to intervene, when Ye Lingyue, in a burst of anger, spoke those words.
The mutual affection... so she did have him in her heart.
Seeing the mountain-like gift brought by Sword Slave, Lan Cai’er, who always had an eye for money, laughed so hard her eyes disappeared. She happily accepted the gift.
"Brother-in-law Feng, you are one of us, so I won’t bother entertaining you. I’m going to go in and tally up the gifts first. Sword Slave, you’re strong, help me move these inside." Lan Cai’er winked and swiftly took Sword Slave away.
Most of the guests at the Ye Residence had already taken their seats. Feng Xun and Ye Lingyue entered the residence.
Today’s celebration was held in the Inner Court, where it was bustling with voices, while the Outer Academy remained desolate, with only the lanterns swaying wildly in the night breeze.
The lantern light fell on their faces, casting layered shadows.
"Earlier..."
"That day..."
After a moment of silence, Ye Lingyue and Feng Xun almost simultaneously began to speak, then stopped at the same time.
"You go first." Ye Lingyue lowered her head, not looking at Feng Xun.
"That day, it was my fault." Feng Xun’s breath drew nearer.
Upon hearing his apology, Ye Lingyue was firstly startled, then felt a kiss land on her forehead.
The kiss was tender, brushing softly like a feather.
She was shocked and suddenly looked up, meeting Feng Xun’s eyes.
His eyes were deep and profound, as if they could swallow someone whole.
"I shouldn’t have pressured you. Given the discord between your parents since childhood, it’s inevitable that you feel resistant towards romantic relationships. Consider what I said that day. If you are willing, join me at the palace banquet. If not, I can wait patiently." Feng Xun’s gentle voice, coupled with his heart-stoppingly handsome face, made Ye Lingyue feel entranced.
Under the night sky, they gazed at each other.
At that moment, the noisy chatter inside the residence faded away like the tide, leaving only each other in their eyes.
In that moment, time stood still, and there were no others around.
Then from inside the Inner Court, a voice announced.
"The auspicious time has arrived, the bride and groom pay respects to heaven and earth."
Ye Lingyue shivered and snapped back to reality.
"My mother is about to perform the ceremony, you take care of yourself." Saying this, she ran off as if fleeing for her life.
The air still carried the faint fragrance of Ye Lingyue. Seeing her flustered state, Feng Xun’s lips curled up slightly, breathtakingly stunning in that instant.
Suddenly, the smile on Feng Xun’s lips paused, and he slowly turned around, lifting his head to look at the sky.
The bright moon dominated the sky, yet tonight’s night felt somewhat unusual.
Next to the brilliant moon, a man was standing in the air.
The man’s features were sharp as if chiseled, with hints of gold in his black eyes—a man belonging to the night, born to look down upon the world.
At this moment, he too was scrutinizing Feng Xun.