"Yan'er, look!" By the side of the Silent Lake at night, Chu Ruo was excitedly darting back and forth using her lightness skill. However, she hadn't quite mastered it yet; she could only stay airborne for a few moments before tumbling back to the ground and starting over. Her flight was erratic, rising and falling, yet she was thrilled. *Lightness skill! In the future, leaping over walls and walking on rooftops will be a piece of cake.* "I can fly... ahhh!"
Just as she started showing off, she lost her balance and plummeted toward the earth. Just as she was about to have a heavy, intimate encounter with the green grass, she was caught in a firm embrace. Together, they descended steadily and landed on the ground.
The grass beneath them was uneven, perhaps hiding a few pebbles. Still unsteady from the landing, Chu Ruo lurched forward and instinctively hugged Nan Muxue, who was standing right in front of her. She let out a sigh of relief. "Phew, luckily I didn't fall." Realizing what she was doing, she didn't let go; instead, she tightened her grip. "Hehe, Yan'er, you're the best. Thanks to you, I didn't eat dirt."
Even though she had been caught and was standing firmly, she still claimed to be unsteady. Was she not clearly taking advantage of the situation to cop a feel?
Nan Muxue was both speechless and amused. Was this girl doing this on purpose? "Are you going to let go or not?"
"Let me hold you for a bit. You're so fragrant and soft; it feels so good to hug you."
If she hadn't added the next part—"Just like that fat cat I used to raise"—Nan Muxue might have actually let her keep hugging. Instead, Chu Ruo was heartlessly pushed away and met with a massive, icy glare.
"Don't be mad, Yan'er," Chu Ruo said, pulling the other woman down to sit. "The food is almost grilled. Sit for a while." As she spoke, her hand unceremoniously draped over Nan Muxue’s shoulder, pulling her close.
Nan Muxue rolled her eyes again, her face flushing crimson, yet she allowed the intimacy. Seeing the girl beside her grinning ear to ear, her own mood inexplicably lightened. "What are you always acting so silly for?"
"I'm happy," Chu Ruo scratched her head with her free hand. "You're so good to me."
How many times had she said that now? Nan Muxue shook her head; she had lost count. "Am I really that good?"
"Mhm, mhm!" Chu Ruo nodded vigorously. "You let me hug you, and you just saved me from falling. That Little Scorpion, on the other hand—every time she sees me fall, she acts like she's blind and just barks at me to get up and keep practicing. Don't you think she's excessive?" *But actually, she's alright, I guess. Ever since that day she fed me medicine, there's always a hot meal waiting in my room after practice. And there's meat! The Little Scorpion specifically had the kitchen make a private stash for me. Xiao Guo'er and the others are so jealous. I can't finish it all anyway, so I often invite them to join. They've all put on quite a bit of weight lately.*
"That is to urge you to practice diligently," Nan Muxue blurted out.
"But you teach me at night sometimes, too. Why aren't you like her?"
Nan Muxue didn't know how to answer. She herself didn't understand why she acted so differently toward this girl at night compared to the day. It had started as a misunderstanding that she hadn't bothered to clarify, but now, why was she continuing to interact with her as 'Yan'er'? Their meetings were becoming more frequent, and she even found herself seeking the girl out instinctively.
Fortunately, a simpleton like Chu Ruo didn't dwell on the lack of an answer. She handed over a piece of grilled food. "Try this."
"Mm."
"Yan'er, look at the fireflies over there, twinkling so beautifully. I wanted to invite the Little Scorpion to join us, but she wouldn't come. It's her loss—missing out on the view and the food."
Nan Muxue felt another urge to laugh but remained silent. After watching her finish the food she had specially grilled, Chu Ruo asked expectantly, "How is it? Is it good?"
Nan Muxue nodded. She wasn't one for flowery praise, but in all honesty, it was delicious. Even a simple nod was enough to satisfy Chu Ruo. "If it's good, I'll make it for you again tomorrow."
"Not tomorrow. The day after, I... and the Little Scorpion have to go down the mountain for a few days. I won't be coming to see you tomorrow."
"You're going down the mountain?" Having been here so long, Chu Ruo realized she was becoming a bit dull. A fun-loving person like her had actually overlooked the prospect of going out to play; she had been too focused on hoarding antidotes to escape. "You and the Little Scorpion... both of you are going?"
"Why?" Seeing her reaction, Nan Muxue felt a sudden urge to tease her. "Can't bear to be away from the Little Scorpion?"
"Yeah, and I can't bear to be away from you either," Chu Ruo said. This sentiment warmed Nan Muxue's heart for all of two seconds before the next sentence made her want to strangle the girl. "If you both leave, who's going to protect me if someone bullies me?"
...*So that's all it was?* She replied crossly, "Would anyone dare bully you?" In this Baihua Palace, who would dare touch Chu Ruo? It was a joke.
"Why wouldn't they? Like that disciple Peng and his gang from last time. And the Little Scorpion—she bullies me every single day."
Unable to take it anymore, she snapped, "Chu Ruo!"
The girl looked at her blankly, her oblivious expression enough to drive one mad. "What's wrong, Yan'er?"
Nan Muxue simply turned her head away and ignored her. Chu Ruo tugged at her sleeve. "Are you mad?"
"No."
"Yan'er, I've noticed you've been a bit strange lately."
Nan Muxue froze. *Was I?* "How so?"
"How come every time I mention the Little Scorpion, you get upset?" Chu Ruo looked as if she had just had a grand epiphany. "Wait... you're not jealous, are you?"
"In your dreams."
"Haha! Yan'er, why won't you turn around and look at me? You're blushing, aren't you? You look so pretty when you're shy."
"If you keep running your mouth," the flush on Nan Muxue's face deepened, "believe it or not, I won't give... I'll tell the Little Scorpion not to give you the antidote."
Chu Ruo's jaw dropped in an exaggerated expression. "I just finished praising you and now you're being un-cute. How could you do something so wicked? You've clearly been corrupted by staying around the Little Scorpion. But really, would you have the heart?"
"You!"
"Haha, Yan'er is so cute. Wait, you mentioned the antidote," Chu Ruo suddenly slapped her own forehead, making Nan Muxue wonder if she was having a mental breakdown or self-harming. She continued, "Oh right! If the Little Scorpion goes down the mountain, what happens to my antidote?"
"She will naturally give it to you in advance tomorrow. Don't worry."
To her surprise, Chu Ruo shook her head. "I'm not worried about that. What I'm afraid of is if something happens to her on the road, or if she gets kidnapped to be someone's child bride—what do I do then? Wouldn't I be a goner?"
...Nan Muxue felt her veins throbbing and her head aching. She stood up abruptly. "We're going back."
Chu Ruo, completely lacking self-awareness, trotted after her and shamelessly grabbed her hand. "Wait for me!"
Nan Muxue felt a flicker of disdain in her heart but allowed it. As they walked, someone—it was unclear who—shifted the simple hand-holding into a firm interlocking of fingers. "Um, Yan'er, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"Could you... lend me some money?" For the first time, Chu Ruo looked a bit embarrassed.
That mix of a cheeky grin and a fawning expression was truly amusing. Nan Muxue masked her smile with her hand. "What do you need money for?"
"Since I arrived in this era, I haven't even seen what the money looks like, let alone touched it. Every time Xiao Guo'er and the others hear someone is going down the mountain for supplies, they give them money to buy things. I want to buy things too! I haven't even seen what it's like at the foot of the mountain."
"And how will you pay me back?"
"I... I..." Chu Ruo frantically rubbed her head with her other hand. "I'll borrow it from the Little Scorpion to pay you back!"
Borrowing from her to pay her back. Moving money from the left hand to the right. Truly... "And what if the Little Scorpion makes you pay her back?"
"Huh? She's so rich; she wouldn't come debt-collecting over a little bit of pocket change, would she?"
Nan Muxue said irritably, "You call this 'borrowing'?" It was practically highway robbery.
"Well, it's her fault for not giving me any! Xiao Guo'er and the others get a monthly allowance. I've been here so long and she hasn't given me a single cent. What choice do I have?"
"It has always been the disciple's duty to honor the master. You, on the other hand, expect your master to give you money. How shameless."
"Then how come Xiao Guo'er and the rest get paid?"
Nan Muxue explained, "Strictly speaking, they are only considered half-disciples. They have to do chores, and every disciple's situation is different. Those who are homeless or were raised by the Palace since childhood are given a small amount every month."
"Oh. So the Little Scorpion isn't so bad after all. But I've always been curious—where do you martial arts sects get your money from?"
How could someone be so lacking in common sense? No wonder they called her a freak; it was as if she had popped out of a rock knowing nothing of the world. "As I told you, disciples honor their masters. When wealthy families send their children to apprentice, they pay fees. Furthermore, every sect holds various property deeds and land titles that generate rent. We also engage in trade, such as selling intelligence, forging weapons, or claiming bounties issued by the imperial court or the martial world. These are all ways to earn money."
"Oh," Chu Ruo had previously thought these sects lived carefree lives of leisure; she had wondered how they stayed fed and clothed. Now it sounded like managing one was no easy feat. It was too hard. She sighed. "The Little Scorpion has to manage such a huge sect all by herself. It must be exhausting."
"Chu Ruo..." Nan Muxue saw the genuine pity in the girl's eyes. For a moment, she murmured her name softly. But then Chu Ruo continued:
"So, it's understandable that her personality is a bit twisted and she's so cruel."
... "I've arrived." Nan Muxue spat out those three words and stormed off, leaving a bewildered Chu Ruo standing behind.
***
The next day.
"Chu Ruo," Xiao Guo'er came in and handed over a heavy silk pouch. "The Fourth Protector sent this to you." *But why didn't the Fourth Protector's maid bring it? Why did Sister A-Yue deliver it?*
"Yan'er gave this to me?" Chu Ruo took it and immediately looked outside. "Where is she?"
"She's not here. Sister A-Yue gave it to me to give to you."
"Oh." Chu Ruo was trying to see how much was inside, but the drawstring was stuck. She gave it a hard tug, and the contents spilled out. "Whoa!"
Both girls cried out in unison. There were several ingots of gold and silver, plenty of loose copper coins, and a stack of hundred-tael silver notes. Xiao Guo'er's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "My goodness... I've never seen so much money. The Fourth Protector is really good to you." *Wait, is a Protector really this rich?*
Chu Ruo was also stunned. She spoke in a daze, "I didn't expect her to give so much. I only wanted to borrow a little bit." *Waaa, what kind of fairy is this? Yan'er, I freaking love you. You are the embodiment of truth, goodness, and beauty—and you're rich! What do I do? I'm completely smitten. Even though I wasn't exactly straight before I crossed over.*
"Oh, right. Sister A-Yue said the Young Palace Mistress mentioned she'll be busy for the next few days. She wants you to practice on your own and find time to read more in the Library. Also," Xiao Guo'er handed over a pill, "this antidote will last for a month."
"A month? Are they going to be gone that long?" Chu Ruo stood up to leave, then remembered something. She put a few silver notes and some copper coins back into the pouch and pushed the rest toward Xiao Guo'er. "Ask the disciples going down the mountain to bring me back some tasty snacks. The rest is for you and the other girls."
Xiao Guo'er looked like her eyeballs were about to fall out. "You're... giving this to us?"
"Yeah, take it. I know you don't get much each month, and I've eaten plenty of your food. It's only fair. I'm going out for a bit—don't forget to tell them to bring me snacks!" Chu Ruo chatted as she walked away. After talking to Yan'er and Xiao Guo'er, she realized these girls were the lowest-ranking disciples—mostly orphans or abandoned children. They practiced until they were dead tired, did chores, and served others. She got along well with them, and now that she was flush with cash, her compassion moved her to share. She kept just enough for her future escape. If Nan Muxue knew she was being generous with *her* money, she would likely have another fit.
"Young Palace Mistress—"
A-Yue had just opened her mouth, but before Nan Muxue could refuse any visitors, Chu Ruo burst in. "Master! Your disciple has a matter to discuss!"
With a look from Nan Muxue, A-Yue immediately withdrew. Nan Muxue picked up her tea, clicking the lid against the cup. "No sense of rules. Do you even see me as your master?"
The words were harsh, but the tone wasn't angry. Chu Ruo walked over. "Well, it was an emergency. I heard you're going down the mountain tomorrow."
"And if I am?" She chuckled inwardly. "Hasn't the antidote already been given to you?" *In truth, I'm only going for a few days, but seeing her look so terrified last night, I somehow ended up giving her a month's worth. What is wrong with me lately?*
"Are you... going for a long time?"
"It seems Ruo'er is quite idle, having the interest to pry into her master's affairs." Nan Muxue's finger traced the rim of the cup. "Since you have so much free time, memorize three more chapters of the mental cultivation techniques."
"I'm just showing some concern. What will I do if you leave?"
"I didn't know Ruo'er was so inseparable from me."
"Well, don't I rely on Master to protect me?"
"Is the Baihua Palace so dangerous that I must guard you all day?"
...*Actually, no. So why am I here? I don't know. Leaving seems... inappropriate.* "Are you bored? Let me sing you a song to pass the time. *Waiting for a thousand years~ waiting for one time~*"
She arched an eyebrow. "What are you really here for?"
"No, I... I just..."
"Oh? What is it?" She finally took a sip of tea. "I know. You've come to pay me back."
"Pay you back? Pay back what?"
Nan Muxue didn't know why she was engaging in such childish, time-wasting nonsense, but she did it anyway. "The money given to you... I," she paused intentionally, "lent it to Yan'er."
"A-ha?"
"You don't understand?" Seeing the honest shake of the head, she continued, "In other words, I am now your creditor. So, what do you intend to use to pay me back?"
...*Holy crap? Yan'er went to the Little Scorpion to borrow all that money for me? What now? Repay the debt with my body? Pfft, I'm such a beautiful, handsome, and cute 'Gong.' I'd rather be a shattered jade than a whole tile! But if the creditor were Yan'er, I wouldn't mind...* She grinned until a bit of drool escaped; she quickly wiped it away. *Wait, that won't do either, I'm the Gong!* After a fierce mental struggle, she swallowed hard and said, "Anything except 'repaying with my body' is fine."
"Cough... cough, cough!" Nan Muxue nearly sprayed her tea across the room. "Get out!"
"Aiya, you woman, really. Just because I won't pay with my flesh, is there a need to be so dramatic?" Instead of leaving, Chu Ruo went over to pat her back to help her catch her breath. "Don't get excited. Anyway, I'm penniless. I eat your food, wear your clothes, and live in your house. You're raising me. If you see anything on me you like, just take it."
...*A true rogue.* Nan Muxue immediately thought of a way to get back at her for the choking incident. "In that case, gouging out your eyes or chopping off your hands to sell seems viable."
*This wicked Little Scorpion! I curse you to marry a freak! Wait, am I the freak?* Driven by survival instinct, she maintained her cheeky grin. "Those aren't in demand. Not worth a cent, not worth a cent. Oh, right!" *Rule one of the 'Distraction Technique': Change the subject.* "How long are you actually going to be gone?"
"A few days." Nan Muxue didn't press the previous topic. Seeing the girl's crestfallen look, her heart stirred. "Why do you care so much? Do you want to go?" This girl was naturally restless. She had mentioned her curiosity about the world below many times. That dejected look yesterday wasn't just about missing 'Yan'er'; she had even borrowed money. She likely wanted to go down and play.
"Can I go?" Chu Ruo's eyes instantly lit up.
"Does Ruo'er really want to go?" Nan Muxue smoothed her sleeve. "Then why don't you beg me? If I'm in a good mood, I might consider reluctantly agreeing."
*Going down the mountain... it's so tempting. But I wanted to use this time to steal the antidote. What should I do? Succumb to the sugar-coated bullet of a trip, or stick to the revolutionary path of stealing the antidote for a bright future? Argh, it's so hard!* Chu Ruo was caught in a painful dilemma.
Nan Muxue, seeing her look so conflicted and pained, misunderstood. Her face immediately darkened. "What? Is it so difficult for you to beg me just once?"
"I... no, I..." After agonizing for a long time, Chu Ruo finally spoke dejectedly. "I think I'll stay."
*Fine, Chu Ruo. You're something else. You'd rather not go than show me a shred of vulnerability. Is that so-called Fourth Protector the only one in your heart?* Furious, she smashed the teacup in her hand. "Get out!"
In the end, Chu Ruo left with her head hanging low. As she walked, she lamented, *Sigh, the mountain... such a big temptation. But what can I do? I'm helpless too.*
A-Yue hurried in to clean up the shards but was stopped. "No need. You may leave." "Yes."
Nan Muxue didn't understand why she was so angry. And why did she keep comparing herself to the 'Yan'er' she played at night? What was the connection between the two?
***
First day after Yan'er and the Little Scorpion left: Miss Yan'er.
Second day after Yan'er and the Little Scorpion left: Miss Yan'er.
Third day after Yan'er and the Little Scorpion left: Still missing Yan'er... and maybe a tiny, tiny bit of missing the Little Scorpion.
But today, she finally found the perfect opportunity to sneak into the Little Scorpion's room and steal the antidote. Perfect. Chu Ruo slipped away, avoiding everyone, and crept into Nan Muxue's room. Just as she was rummaging around, sweating profusely from the effort, the door opened. She was so focused she didn't notice anything was wrong. "The Little Scorpion hid it too well."
From behind her came that icy, mountain-chill voice: "What are you looking for... my. dear. disciple?"
The beads of sweat instantly turned into a cold shiver running down her spine. The heat of the moment vanished. Chu Ruo lamented inwardly—if she had known, she shouldn't have thought about the Little Scorpion today. Truly, one shouldn't speak of the devil. A thousand regrets! *But why the hell did you come back so fast?!*
As the shadow and footsteps drew closer, only two words remained in Chu Ruo's mind: *I'm dead.*
***
