The world knows no bounds – 4

 In the depth of night, as dark as ink, the stars and moon shimmered like molten silver.
Feng Duying gently lifted the tent flap, stepping out of her encampment, her gaze fixed upon the distant silhouette of Tao City within the embrace of the night. Once this city falls, their Northern campaign would conclude, and they could swiftly return to the Imperial Capital.
Thoughts of the people and events within the capital weighed heavily on her heart.
Within Tao City resided the renowned Princess of the Northern Seas, whose beauty was said to eclipse all others in the realm. Such a peerless beauty would be a fitting match for her Fourth Brother. The mere thought sent a sharp pang through her heart. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she heard the synchronized footsteps of patrolling soldiers. With a light step, she ascended to the top of her tent. Seated cross-legged, she looked up to see a crescent moon, its radiant silver glow casting a chilling aura even in the heat of summer.
After a long moment of contemplation, she reached into her robe, retrieving an object which she gazed upon intently. It was a circular jade pendant, not of a single hue but a fusion of white, ink-black, and jade-green. The white and black jade formed semi-circles on either side, with an elliptical piece of green jade nestled in between. The three colors melded seamlessly, as if naturally formed. The jade’s perimeter was wrapped in a layer of silver, with a silver chain threaded through its top. Holding the chain, the pendant dangled, its lustrous sheen accentuated by the moonlight. Looking through the pendant at the moon, memories of the eve of their expedition flooded back.
She recalled that night when he had come alone, both sitting under the pomegranate tree, sharing a pot of exquisite wine. The moonlight then was as it was now, with a refreshing breeze occasionally dislodging pomegranate blossoms that landed on his ink-black robe. The vibrant red of the flowers contrasted with his porcelain-like complexion, painting a picture of ethereal beauty.
The pendant, swaying gently in the evening breeze, emitted a soft glow, tempting one to touch. Yet, when she reached out, it felt as though she grasped nothing, her palm empty.
“Stones amass like jade, pines stand tall like jadeite. His beauty is unparalleled, unique in this world,” she murmured, tucking the pendant back into her robe. Suddenly sensing a presence, she turned to find Dong Shixiu seated nearby, appearing as though he had been there for quite some time.
“Big Brother!” Feng Duying exclaimed in surprise.
Dong Shixiu merely gazed at her, his eyes as deep and inscrutable as the night.
“Big Brother, why are you here?” she asked, gathering her thoughts and rising.
Dong Shixiu let out a faint smile, as if a thin sheet of paper had been placed upon his face. “Phoenix,” he began, using her affectionate nickname, “usually, the sound of a falling petal or leaf within several meters cannot escape your ears. Yet tonight, I was close, and you sensed nothing.”
“I was lost in thought,” she replied simply.
Seeing her candid admission, Dong Shixiu paused momentarily. Recalling her earlier demeanor, he said, “In the palace, I once heard a palace maiden sing a song.”
“Oh?” she raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his sudden change of topic.
“Sending you off by the vast shore. The Yangtze should not be full, it’s your tears that have filled it! How can this be? In this vast world, all my longing is solely for you,” Dong Shixiu recited, his gaze fixed on her.
Feng Duying felt a jolt, a hint of turmoil in her heart.
“What profound lyrics, ‘How can this be? In this vast world, all my longing is solely for you,'” Dong Shixiu mused, his gaze shifting towards Tao City. “Perhaps, even if the Princess of the Northern Seas is as beautiful as a celestial being, our fourth brother might not be smitten.”
Feng Duying was momentarily stunned, words failing her.
Dong Shixiu moved closer, urging her to sit. “Phoenix,” he began, his sturdy hand brushing through her raven-black hair, settling at the nape of her neck, his voice filled with a deep sigh. “Sometimes I wonder if we made a mistake back then. We shouldn’t have taken you everywhere, taught you literature and martial arts, rode horses, practiced archery, and fought battles together. You’ve walked a path different from most women. Perhaps, we should have raised you in a boudoir, teaching you poetry, music, embroidery, and cooking. You could’ve grown up like Princess Fei Ni, a delicate maiden, and then we could’ve chosen a strong man for you to marry, to bear children with. That might have been the best life for a young lady.”
“Why do you say that, Big Brother?” she asked, her eyes wide in surprise.
Dong Shixiu didn’t immediately respond, his gaze, under the hazy moonlight, unreadable.
“Big Brother, that wasn’t your mistake. It was my choice, my path,” she said, gently removing his hand from her neck, holding it within her own. “I don’t regret my life. I might have lost some things that ordinary women have, but I’ve gained things they can’t even dream of.”
Dong Shixiu’s gaze shifted from her face to their intertwined hands. Her hand, though delicate and fair like those of noble ladies, felt different. It wasn’t soft or skilled in embroidery, but strong and capable, able to shatter stones and wield a sword in battle.
In the midst of the ethereal night, under the vast canopy of stars, his voice, deep and resonant, echoed, “Phoenix, if I, as your elder brother, had fulfilled my duties, today you would be in a grand mansion within the Imperial City, grinding ink for your husband or humming lullabies beside your children’s bed. Instead, you stand here, amidst the clanging of armor, laying siege and battling foes.”
“Eldest Brother,” Feng Duying’s brows furrowed slightly, “Do you still recall the words of our second brother? The life you describe is indeed beautiful, but it might not be what I desire, nor might it befit me.”
Dong Shixiu, however, seemed lost in his own thoughts, gazing dreamily at the night sky. After a long pause, he spoke in a melancholic tone, “Phoenix, I once dreamt of a life for you akin to ordinary maidens, where you’d marry and bear children. But…” His grip on her hand tightened, causing her pain. Yet, she did not pull away or utter a word.
“Phoenix,” he continued, “You are no ordinary maiden. You are the ‘White Phoenix’, revered by all. A Great General commanding vast armies, and the Princess of our Great Eastern Dynasty. Those who wish to wed you might be drawn to your power and status, or perhaps your beauty…” His grip tightened further, revealing the strain. Yet, Feng Duying remained still, “Perhaps some genuinely cherish you, but they only see the radiant side of you, never truly understanding your essence. If they were to witness your decisive and fierce nature, your unflinching demeanor amidst blood and carnage, their fear might overshadow their affection, leading them to distance themselves. How could I, as your brother, ever let you be with such men?”
“Eldest Brother,” Feng Duying replied calmly, “I am well aware of the world’s fickle nature. I understand your concerns and the depth of your love. There’s no need for such explanations between us.” She looked at the hand that had always held hers, guiding her through life’s challenges. She placed her other hand over his, gripping it tightly, “Eldest Brother, even though we share no blood ties, you are the dearest to me in this world, like a father and a brother combined.”
Dong Shixiu’s eyes flashed with a fleeting sorrow, but Feng Duying missed it as she lowered her gaze. He gently caressed her face, lifting her chin to meet his gaze, studying her beautiful yet sharp features.
Like a father and brother… He knew she held him in the highest regard, but it would always be limited to that familial bond. With a soft chuckle, he pulled her close, resting his chin atop her head, “My dear Phoenix… My naive Phoenix…” His laughter was tinged with melancholy.
When did these feelings begin? Was it when she was trapped amidst enemies, her life hanging by a thread? Or when she single-handedly stormed the famed Feiling Tower? Or perhaps on the night of his wedding, when she, still resembling a young girl, had asked him if she still held the same place in his heart now that he had a wife?
He couldn’t recall his response, but he remembered the heartache her words had caused. Or perhaps, it was destined from the moment he held her as an infant?
“Phoenix,” the emperor, whose might shook the heavens, whispered with a tenderness that belied his stature, “I know what’s in your heart.”
Feng Duying looked up, startled.
Dong Shixiu hesitated, his voice faltering. After a moment, Feng Duying spoke, “Eldest Brother, do not dwell on second brother’s words. I made my feelings clear back in the palace.”
“No, Phoenix…” Dong Shixiu began, but she interrupted him.
“Eldest Brother, throughout our lives, there might be regrets. But today, I have none. I’m grateful for the journey we’ve shared, for the bond we eight share is rare in this world.”
Meeting her clear and unwavering gaze, Dong Shixiu sighed deeply, caressing her face once more. “Phoenix, all I wish is for your happiness. It’s been long since I’ve seen you truly joyful. If only you could be with…” He choked on his words, unable to continue.
“Eldest Brother, you…”
Pulling her into a tight embrace, Dong Shixiu’s gaze pierced the night, settling on the vast expanse of the universe. “Phoenix, as the emperor, there’s little I cannot achieve. But I need clarity before I can promise anything.”
“Eldest Brother…” Feng Duying’s heart raced.
“Say no more, Phoenix,” the majestic emperor whispered, his voice echoing from the abyss, “Once we return to the Imperial City… we’ll discuss further.”
Feng Duying held him silently.
Return to the Imperial City… Seek clarity… From whom? Could it be…
Her heart raced, then gradually calmed. “Eldest Brother, not even deities can control everything.”
That night, their conversation ended there. As the night deepened, both returned to their tents, yet sleep eluded them.
And they weren’t the only ones; within the city, countless others lay awake, lost in their thoughts.

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