Chapter 3: Obsession Becomes Delusion

This painting and the accompanying poem were regarded as miraculous, treasured and kept by the emperor. When Cao Chun was ordered to view it, he was astonished and humbly declared that he would no longer dare to claim to be "skilled in painting and poetry." Xie Hanbai's reputation soared among the royal family and nobility, yet the emperor, despite his efforts, could not obtain another painting from him. Xie Hanbai, disinterested in mundane affairs, has not produced any works for over a decade. Although the general public knows little about him, he is regarded as a mythical figure by the royal family and nobility.

How could the Prince of Guangling, who played and dined together just yesterday, suddenly wake up to find himself reappointed as the King of Liang and immediately dispatched to the northern frontier?

His smile, falling into the eyes of the moon zither, becomes a memory, like a flickering firefly, still faint yet brilliant even as the years pass by

Yuezheng poked her head out of the kitchen window and asked, "Master, are you eating spicy food today?"

Feng Lin was amused by her words, and with a hint of self-mockery, he raised the corner of his lips, "I never expected that there would actually be someone who wants to be my 'King Liang' consort. However—" he narrowed his eyes, "are you truly worthy of being 'unparalleled in the world'?"

Yuezheng giggled as she picked up her latest proud creation from the table and ran into Xie Hanbai's room, swaying her head and tail, "Master, take a look at this piece."

Perhaps it was fate; from the very first glance at Yuezheng, he discovered the stubbornness hidden deep within her eyes

In the early morning, after the rain, the fragrance of flowers and grass was particularly refreshing as soon as the window was opened. Yue Zheng saw her master walking in from outside the courtyard, holding a handful of green grass. The damp mountain path had not left a trace of mud on his light blue long robe. She smiled and waved to him through the window, somewhat obsequiously: "Good morning, Master."

Xie Hanbai raised her eyes to look at her and said calmly, "It's getting late; your brother has already been shouting that he wants to have lunch."

Yuezheng, with her messy and uncombed hair, stared blankly at her brother who had rushed over early in the morning to deliver news, and for a long time, she could not utter a single word

Such a woman drew him to devote all his efforts to teaching her, even though he knew she was not the ideal disciple

In the northern frontier, Yuezheng slowly blinked her eyes. She was completely indifferent to national affairs, and only had a vague understanding of a few vassal states. She knew that Fenglin's fief was Guangling, the most prosperous region of Zhuofeng Kingdom, and the closest to the capital. A prince who had just turned twelve was expected to take up his post in the vassal state, but she had never worried about being separated from him. Her father was his teacher, and she believed it was a foregone conclusion that the whole family would accompany him to his new position. Even her mother had mentioned the possibility of moving, enthusiastically telling her about Guangling's beautiful scenery and pleasant climate.

"Wait for me, wait for me!" She definitely nodded, "How much extra space do you have in your car? Let me take a look." If it really doesn't work, I might just bring fewer summer clothes, as I probably won't have the chance to wear them anyway

He went alone to a distant and cold place

Later, when she learned that this mountain dweller was not only exceptionally talented but also skilled in martial arts, she realized that despite the emperor's efforts to find him over the years, he was still unable to do anything about it. Moreover, he was proficient in music, chess, and medicine... She estimated that there was nothing in the world that this mountain dweller did not excel in or know, which made her truly admire him. Her brother pleaded desperately, tears streaming down his face, and only then did he manage to become a disciple under him in a 'buy one get one free' manner, serving as a formal disciple while also taking on menial tasks. The Yuan siblings had clearly defined roles; her brother was only willing to learn martial arts, while his other studies were limited to not being illiterate. Her brother pleaded desperately, tears streaming down his face, and only then did he manage to become a disciple under him in a 'buy one get one free' manner, serving as a formal disciple while also taking on menial tasks. The Yuan siblings had clearly defined roles; her brother was only willing to learn martial arts, while his other studies were limited to not being illiterate. The sister was only willing to learn music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and some light body techniques, hoping to make her movements more graceful and beautiful when dancing. After six years of apprenticeship, she still had no strength to even bind a chicken.

He did not see it wrong. For six years, this seemingly lazy and innocent girl has persistently learned what she wanted to learn, and something happened

She is truly afraid that he will set off "immediately" and that she will not have the chance to tell him to wait for her

Feng Lin couldn't help but smile as she looked at the serious expression on the little girl's rosy face, feeling a twinge of softness in her heart. She patted her head, with a hint of coaxing in her tone, "Alright then, you stay here and strive to become an unparalleled woman in the world, and wait for my return"

Xie Hanbai nodded solemnly, "Indeed, there is very little left, it is entirely appropriate for him to embark on his journey down the mountain now"

Miss Yuan tugged at the braid that her maid was hastily styling for her to leave, swallowed a few times, and appeared to have a certain self-awareness. However, she said: "You must have confidence in me."

"Enough, enough." Yueque, lost in thought, stared intently at the "endangered" rabbit in his hands, "It tastes best when roasted." He smiled warmly, "Come on, sister." It was only when he called his sister to cook that he displayed the most brotherly affection.

The moon zither slumped on her shoulders, cradling her head like a bird's nest, in great pain: "I hate cold places! It takes such a long time to leave! I have so many things! How many days will it take to finish the leather coat?"

There is no one in the capital, "Xie Han said lightly, with the clouds white and the wind gentle.

The description of the situation has always been shrouded in ambiguity, but this time she felt as if she were there, witnessing the slender and gaunt figure of Feng Lin standing alone on a vast expanse of snow. The biting cold wind howled and the heavy snow fell, yet she could not make out his handsome face at all

Yue Zheng leaned closer to him, and when she smiled, her eyes resembled a pool of clear spring water under a starry sky. "Master, just tell me, besides you, is there anyone else who can discern the craftsmanship in what you say?" She truly did not enjoy painting or playing the piano; it was precisely because of Feng Lin's remark about being "proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting" that she had made a firm decision to study diligently.

"Be obedient." Feng Lin saw that the guards outside the door were already prepared to depart, and losing interest in further entanglement with her, he offered her a faint smile.

Xie Hanbai set down the freshly gathered herbs, his every movement exuding elegance and grace. He carefully examined the painting of a landscape in ink wash that was spread out on the table by Yue Zheng. The artwork depicted the Duhua Mountain with an ethereal charm, showcasing meticulous brushwork and refined ink usage, entirely unlike what one would expect from the lively girl before him.

The Northern Frontier is the northernmost vassal state of our Zhu Feng. Yue Que had just inquired in detail about the Northern Frontier and explained it to her younger sister with a hint of pride. "It is said that half of it is desert, half is wasteland, half the year is winter, and it is plagued by sandstorms all year round. We must also guard against the Mengyi Kingdom invading from the wilderness, with constant warfare and a gathering of refugees; it is indeed an unfortunate place." Yue Que clicked her tongue and shook her head in regret. The Emperor even mentioned 'bestowing' it in the imperial edict, making it seem like a favor, but the Northern Frontier is larger than Guangling, and being large is of no use!

His father, the emperor...! ... Due to the unfounded suspicions of the current empress and a few words of lament, he was sent to the desolate and distant northern frontier! What hurt him the most was the decree stating "to set out immediately"! It clearly indicated that he was given no opportunity whatsoever, and even his uncles were caught off guard by this phrase "to set out immediately"

"Master," the moon zither shook her head with a light sigh, her charming demeanor was the result of years of diligent practice in front of the mirror, coupled with the meticulous guidance of Xie Hanbai, making her absolutely flawless, especially when she frowned, she was truly heart-wrenching. "Did you take in my brother initially to exterminate the birds and beasts on Duhua Mountain?"

The moon zither blinked, and she had to provide a compelling reason for him to agree to take her along. She chuckled, placed her hands on her hips, and looked up at the tall and slender figure of him, saying, "Then I shall be your queen."

Her homework is always left undone due to her penchant for play; the couplets and essays are all written by him on her behalf. The teacher who instructs her in mathematics is a different person; she merely puts in a half-hearted effort to cope with the assignments given by her father out of fear of being punished. She has always turned a blind eye to her math homework, and when the teacher seeks to impose discipline, he steps in to prevent her and her brother from suffering physical punishment, and also to stop the teacher from reporting to their father.

Xie Hanbai furrowed his brows in thought and instructed: "Slightly spicy"

Xie Hanbai picked up the freshly gathered herbs and examined them closely, while allowing his two precious disciples to rush into the kitchen amidst their bickering and commotion. The Ru family siblings had been noisy since childhood, but he had grown accustomed to it, managing to carve out a peaceful space even amidst the chaos.

After a long silence from the master, Yuezheng shrugged her shoulders, exaggeratedly retreating a step in a defensive manner, as if afraid he might utter some unfavorable comment. Her dark, playful eyes squinted mischievously, exuding an indescribable liveliness. "Is there still a hint of craftsmanship?" Her stunningly beautiful face, combined with her extremely vivid expression, made one forget their worries upon seeing her.

Even Cao Chun cannot do it, can he? Yue Zheng smiled brightly; she did not seek to attain the so-called supreme realm of having no desires as mentioned by her master, but only wished to impress the experts and receive a compliment that she was unparalleled in the world

Looking around the smoke-filled grass hut caused by roasting rabbits, Xie Hanbai smiled faintly, recalling why he had accepted such a pair of disciples back then. Although he felt a deep sense of remorse for the birds and beasts on Duhua Mountain, he had never regretted it.

Feng Lin sneered coldly, if it were him, having a mother who would cry and plead with the Emperor all night to protect his position as Crown Prince, what would it matter to be called up in the middle of the night? He would always stay by his mother's side

Six years later, she still remembers vividly the day of their parting, when he smiled at her, his long eyelashes fluttering gently as his eyes narrowed slightly, each lash seeming to brush against her heart.

The friend who originally presented the painting to the emperor was none other than the uncle of the original Yuezheng, Xie Hanbai's only friend. When her uncle proudly told her that she could follow the White Mountain Man to learn, the young and naive her, lacking discernment, was defeated by the term "Mountain Man" and refused to enter the door of a mountain dweller no matter what.

Du Siyu became a disciple under the renowned master Cao Chun, which made Yue Zheng quite dissatisfied. She insisted that if she were to take on a master, it should be someone more formidable than Cao Chun. Cao Chun is known as the foremost talent of his time, referred to as Cao Zhaoxian, with his exceptional painting skills that astonish all, and his musical talent on the guqin unmatched throughout Zhu Feng. The only one who could rival him is the reclusive figure known as "Du Baishanren," whose existence is known only to a few due to his seclusion from the world. Years ago, Xie Hanbai painted a piece titled "Zhi Han Tu," depicting several branches of red plum blossoms in the snow, accompanied by a poem, which he gifted to a friend as a New Year’s offering. Upon seeing it, the friend marveled at its unparalleled beauty and, not daring to keep such a treasure for himself, presented it to the imperial palace.

The Guangling Prince's residence is not far from the Yuan family. Yuezheng ran hurriedly, breathing as if she were about to suffocate. Bursting into Fenglin's study, she grabbed his sleeve and was unable to speak for a long time. After finally catching her breath, she blurted out a disjointed sentence: "You wait for me to pack up some things, a lot!"

Xie Hanbai raised her eyes and smiled faintly, as if with some regret, "You do not truly enjoy painting; it is merely a result of a bit of talent." Approaching painting with such a mindset, one is nothing more than a highly skilled craftsman.

After his mother passed away, the Emperor became the father of Feng Xun, and only Feng Xun was his son! For the sake of Feng Xun, he cast him aside as if he were a pet dog, even using the ridiculous term "bestowed". If his own father could treat him this way—Feng Lin coldly observed the young girl who was gasping for breath, her pretty face flushed. How sincere could she be at such a young age? Perhaps she did not even know how barren and terrifying the Northern Frontier was; her desire to travel with him was merely youthful playfulness. If his own father could treat him this way—Feng Lin coldly observed the young girl who was gasping for breath, her pretty face flushed. How sincere could she be at such a young age? Perhaps she did not even know how barren and terrifying the Northern Frontier was; her desire to travel with him was merely youthful playfulness.

He will return! When Feng Lin brought only a dozen attendants with him, Xiao Suo rode out of the city gate and looked back at the grand imperial capital. He tightened the reins, and his eyes were filled with deep coldness. Returning is not his desire; it is his vow to himself

Yue Zheng widened her eyes and remained silent for a long time. Yue Que grew a bit impatient waiting. Isn't it said that girls are not reliable? Usually, she is quite clever and quick-witted, but when it comes to important matters, why does the information take so long to travel from her ears to her brain?

Jumping down to the ground, she had made up her mind. Even if the Emperor did not allow them to accompany him, she detested cold places and would have to travel a long distance to reach them. Although her beautiful leather outfit could not be completed in time, she still wanted to go with Feng Lin. He may be taciturn and uninteresting, with a cold temperament, but for her—every meal, she would find ways to get close to him. Whenever she could sit beside him, she would deliberately place the dishes he disliked into his bowl. The dignified Prince of Guangling would glare at her coldly, yet he still obediently finished the food.

A few unrelated sentences, after ten years of communication with my sister, the moonlight was easily deciphered, and he felt even sadder, "Sister, the emperor didn't let us go with him." He actually quite liked the Northern Frontier, as it is said that the people there are simple and robust, both men and women are skilled in horseback riding and archery, and speaking in a pedantic manner would be considered as coming from another country. Just based on this, he wanted to go.

Feng Lin! She still does not give up.

It is not difficult to diligently pursue one's own interests, but everything that Yuezheng has been studying hard day after day, she does not like

Yuezheng was hurt by his tone, clearly experiencing a case of warm face meeting a cold backside. However, she could understand his bad temper; who could still smile brightly after being let down by their own father?

Her persistence is almost fanatical

Xie Hanbai raised his eyebrows and said, "No."

His tone was almost venomous, and it was precisely because of this jest that such a conclusion was reached! Perhaps this was merely the last straw that broke the camel's back; the queen's apprehension towards him had been accumulating ever since Feng Xun was established as the crown prince. ... Yet ...! ... He still resented his own foolishness, still resented these four words!

Yuezheng laughed heartily, "That will do!"

Feng Lin looked at her with a blank expression, his youthful face shrouded in a resentment that transcended his age. "Father did not summon you to follow," he said, a clear mockery evident in his tone when he mentioned the words "Father."

His second uncle told him that after the banquet last night, the Empress cried and pleaded all night in the Qian'an Palace. At midnight, she even specially sent someone to call for Feng Xun, who had just fallen asleep and was awakened, becoming quite irritable.

Yue Que returned with two wild rabbits, running back with great excitement and showing no signs of fatigue. "Master, let's add some dishes," he said, raising the rabbits high towards Xie Han Bai. The once mischievous boy had grown into a handsome young man; when he smiled, he resembled his sister very much, with a cheeky yet endearing charm.

Feng Lin squinted her eyes and let out a shallow smile filled with mockery, "Why are you following me?"

Oh dear, my lady! At least you should tidy yourself up before going out! The maidservant attending to her was practically wailing, while Yuezheng was caught and brought back by the alert maid, forced to groom and dress herself in front of the mirror. Yueque stood by with her arms crossed, gleefully watching the commotion, looking rather foolish.

It is akin to throwing a blooming flower into the icy wilderness; she fears that it may wither at any moment