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Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Two: Where Can We Find the Vastness of Heaven and Water? If Only Life Were Like Our First Meeting (Part Two)

Chapter word count: 3785 Update time: 08-12-21 16:24

If only life could be like our first meeting (Part 2)

Xi Lan hadn't returned yet. Only King Tian Qing and I sat at the wooden table in the garden of Zhi Lan Palace. There were only a few exquisite dishes on the table, and all the others had already left. I wondered if it was just my imagination, but King Tian Qing in Zhi Lan Palace seemed to lack some of his usual majesty and coldness. Although he was still taciturn, I could sense that the intimidating aura of danger emanating from him had faded considerably.

Xi Lan hadn't returned yet, and I was getting worried. The dishes on the table were my usual favorites, prepared by the small kitchen of Zhilan Palace, but now I had no appetite. Prince Tianqing ate at a leisurely pace, seemingly not waiting for Xi Lan, or perhaps he was unsure if Xi Lan would even join the meal. After all, he had previously mentioned that Xi Lan wouldn't even initiate a conversation with him, let alone dine with him. But not having hope didn't mean he didn't have any expectations.

"Father, Xiyue, go and see if Xilan has arrived yet." The atmosphere was rather somber. The Heavenly King hadn't uttered a single word since the beginning, so I had to make conversation.

"No need, let him be. If he doesn't want to come, no one can force him." Even the strongest person has a weak side, just like the current King Tianqing. The fleeting loneliness in his words and expression always makes people feel a little sorry for him. But soon, he returned to his normal expression, as if everything just now was an illusion, and said in a tone that was hard to hear, "Logically, you should call him Sixth Brother now."

"Huh?" No way, King Tianqing's thinking is really jumping around a bit. And it seems that I've had quite a few brothers since I came to this place: the real ones, the fake ones, the biological ones, the adopted ones, the ones who are willing, the ones who are forced upon me... Although according to the rules I should call Tian Xilan Sixth Brother, I really can't bring myself to say it. I'm still used to calling him Xilan, it's more equal that way.

"Father," I called out timidly, wondering if I should try to be charming or flattering. It seemed that I was currently the most favored, so discussing such a small matter as addressing someone shouldn't be a problem, right? I calmed myself down, forced a fawning smile, and said ingratiatingly, "Father, I think I've gotten used to calling him that, and I feel more comfortable calling him Xi Lan. Besides, Xi Lan is happy for me to call him by his name directly, so how about we leave it at that, hehe."

He looked up at me with a strange, unprecedented gaze—a mixture of surprise, novelty, disbelief, and embarrassment. I inwardly cried out, "Oh no!" How could I forget that this man was used to being domineering, cold, and deep? It seemed none of the concubines or princesses dared to negotiate with him in this manner; they all acted like lambs before him, barely daring to breathe. I'd walked right into his trap. With a pained expression, I racked my brains for a way to smooth things over, when I saw the Azure King's lips twitch a few times—it wasn't exactly a smile, but it made me breathe a long sigh of relief. Then, his slightly odd voice rang out: "So be it."

"Thank you, Father!" I patted my chest lightly, thanking him with a beaming smile. Good heavens, while flattery and cultivating relationships are necessary, I'll have to be more careful next time; otherwise, it might backfire if people can't accept it all at once!

"Did you just see Han Dan?" He resumed his usual dignified and aloof demeanor.

"Yes, Father," I replied respectfully.

"What did she say to you?" he asked casually, picking up a bite of food.

"She begged me to promise her that I would take good care of Hao'er." I glanced at the door out of the corner of my eye, but still didn't see Xi Lan appear.

"You agreed?"

"tide Yue wouldn't dare!"

"Oh? Why wouldn't you dare?" His eyes held admiration, and even more so, a hint of expectation.

"Father, with my grandfather and father here, how could I, your aunt, have any say in this? If my sister-in-law were to pass away first, with my grandfather taking care of her, I have nothing to worry about."

"Then tell me, Xiyue, what should we do next?"

He nodded almost imperceptibly, looking at me, his pupils turning a deep brown again, unfathomable and unfathomable. I smiled bitterly to myself. In front of someone like the Azure King, one cannot be careless in the slightest. I am now a woman, and although we both already know the topic we are discussing, it is too sensitive, so it has never been said aloud. If I speak too bluntly now, I fear it will only invite suspicion and murderous intent.

"Father, how could Xiyue understand so much? Xiyue has only heard one saying: 'The higher you're lifted, the harder you fall,'" I replied with a smile. In truth, with just a slight mention, how could the Azure King not understand the meaning behind my words?

"And then?" His expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp.

"When people are praised too highly, some will become complacent and do things that overestimate their abilities. In that case, the snipe and the clam fight, and the fisherman benefits." I said calmly, as if I were talking about something completely unrelated.

"What a perfect example of 'when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits'!" He stared intently at me, as if he could see right through me, and said softly, "In the war between Wangyue and Longyao, why doesn't Xiyue suggest that I also have a 'when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits' scenario?"

"Father, you're just trying to make Xiyue happy." I smiled sweetly, picked up a dish, placed it on the plate in front of me, and said frankly, "How could Father not have thought of the principle of 'the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind'?"

If Tianqing Hanxing truly intends to wait until Wangyue and Longyao are both weakened and their armies exhausted before making a move, it risks giving Ye Cang and Xiu Ruo an opportunity, resulting in a net loss. If it weren't for this opportune moment to catch Wangyue off guard, no one would dare rashly use another country for military training. For relatively weaker nations, a three-way alliance is the bare minimum for launching a military campaign. If Wangyue falls this time, it can only blame itself for underestimating its enemy. I believe that Longyao, being small and few in number, wouldn't even have a chance to retaliate. If Tianqing Hanxing and Longyao can conquer Wangyue without expending too much military force, I anticipate that Ye Cang and Xiu Ruo wouldn't dare to rashly try to share the spoils.

"Hahaha, I have heard that Prime Minister Yun of Longyao Kingdom has outstanding political achievements and a good reputation throughout the world. He is deeply loved by the people. I think my Xiyue is also very capable. If she can enter the court, she will surely be able to accomplish great things, proving that women are no less capable than men." He laughed, but the laughter did not reach his eyes.

Ha, that was indeed a test, King Tianqing. Is he starting to suspect that I am Yunfeng?

I laughed even harder, and said noncommittally, "Father, if Xiyue really goes to court, those old fogies with their belly full of knowledge and their heads full of pedantic ideas will be so angry that they'll blow their beards and glare. They'll just throw Xiyue out of court with those books on female precepts, female virtues, female appearance and etiquette. They might even go around talking about it, using Xiyue as a negative example. At that time, even if Xiyue is a princess of a country, I'm afraid no one will dare to marry her."

"Who says no one dares to marry Xiyue?" A voice came from the side. Who else could it be but the fake immortal Tian Xilan in white?

The kid finally showed up, and I was so excited I almost pounced on him. This meal was incredibly frustrating; I almost got indigestion. I've always believed that "eating and clothing are the two most important things in life," so eating is a very important and enjoyable thing for me. I've only eaten with Tianqing Wang twice, and neither time was peaceful. It seems I should stay away from him whenever I eat in the future to avoid hurting my stomach and health.

"Xi Lan, you're finally here! Sit down and eat, sit down and eat." I said obsequiously, hoping that his arrival would end the endless conversation between Tian Qing Wang and allow me to eat in peace.

Tian Xilan didn't say anything, but bowed to Tian Qingwangwei before sitting down. She smiled and looked at the food I had just picked up with my chopsticks and placed on the plate. Her tone was exceptionally gentle as she said, "It seems that Xiyue has already eaten. In that case, why don't you play a tune first?"

I frowned immediately. "Little Lan, you fake immortal! I haven't even eaten a few bites yet! Your old man was bombarding me with questions, I barely had time to answer, let alone eat." I patted my still-empty stomach, about to speak up to defend my rights, when the Azure King didn't even glance at me, casually remarking, "Yes, didn't Xiyue say this morning that I need to hear you sing a little tune every day to relieve my boredom? This is perfect timing."

I glared resentfully at Tian Xilan and said listlessly, "Yes, Father."

Then I got up listlessly, walked back to the little white house to pick up my pipa, walked back listlessly and climbed up the flower stand, tilting my head and racking my brains to think of any tunes that would affect my appetite and digestion. Finally, with a flick of my right hand, "Ambush from Ten Sides" poured out.

I played with unusual resentment and anger, so the piece sounded exceptionally majestic and powerful. When it ended, King Tianqing and Tian Xilan were somewhat stunned. Uh, could it be that in this remote place, the pipa has always only been used to play lyrical and gentle literary pieces? What a sweat!

"Xiyue, what is the name of this piece?" After a long while, Tian Xilan finally came to her senses and asked in a rare daze. Perhaps she was too shocked just now, so she forgot to put on the fake smile on her face.

"Ten steamed buns!" I replied curtly. Good heavens, I'm starving!

Little White is gone.

Xi Lan said that Xiao Bai seemed reluctant to leave, as if he had something to say. Reluctantly, I told him to leave, and he forcibly ushered Xiao Bai out. Thinking of Xiao Bai, my heart ached with bitterness. When I turned and ran away, Xiao Bai didn't chase after me. I thought that meant he didn't forgive me and would never be my Yun Bai again.

I don't regret telling him the worst, but also the truth. The truth will eventually come out, and I don't want to lose even this last chance to be honest. Xiao Bai, will he understand the boundless guilt and sadness in my heart? Is he still willing to talk to me? Even if his words are filled with coldness and anger!

I spent the entire afternoon holed up in Zhilan Palace, but Xilan didn't show up. I wonder what Xilan is busy with when he's not around. Maybe he was drawing my portrait in the secret passage behind the flower wall before, but after that day, he probably won't continue doing that anymore.

That evening, I unexpectedly received a message from the fox via carrier pigeon, saying that he would arrive in Tianzhou early the next morning. My heart was filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. I tucked the little black pigeon into my arms and ran to the small house on the west side of Xilan Palace. Sure enough, Ye Feng was already waiting for me inside.

"Night Breeze, is Big Brother really here?" I asked, plopping down on a stool, panting.

"Yes, Madam," Night Wind replied respectfully, dressed in black.

"Didn't I tell him not to come? Why didn't he listen?" I didn't bother to correct Ye Feng's way of addressing him anymore. How could that fox be so willful?

"Madam, the master wants you to see him tomorrow morning." Ye Feng was too lazy to bother with my question, after all, my question was practically a waste of time.

"Huh?" I was stunned for a moment. 5555, am I really going to see that fox demon tomorrow? I looked down at my moonlit floor-length dress. What should I do? Should I appear as a man or a woman? If the fox knows I'm now the princess of the Azure Kingdom, will he call me an idiot?

"But Ye Feng, can you take me out of the palace without anyone noticing?" Before Ye Feng could answer, I waved my hand. "No, no, with my current status, if you secretly take me out of the palace, it will cause a huge uproar and everyone will know."