“Go on,” she said, stepping closer with every word. “What did you just call your Master?”
Bai Zhi’er interrupted impatiently, “Little Scorpion. Does she really need to repeat it?”
“Little Scor—Xue’er! Let me explain!”
*Thud!*
“What right do you have to bully Ruo’er?”
“She is willing to let me bully her. She is my disciple; I can do with her as I please. It has nothing to do with you.”
“Disciple? You have the nerve to call her that? Seducing your own disciple into your bed... in all the world, only the Young Palace Mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace could be so shameless.”
“I suspect you’re simply bitter that the person in my bed isn't you. Since you cannot have her, you—”
*Clang! Crash!* The sounds of a fight breaking out filled the air.
***
That evening, Chu Ruo was kneeling on the bed, looking the picture of misery. “Xue’er...”
“If you make another sound, get out.”
“Xue...”
At a sharp glare from Nan Muxue, Chu Ruo shut her mouth resentfully. *Why am I the one being punished when you two were the ones fighting? It’s not fair. I’m so wronged...*
Despite her predicament, drowsiness eventually began to creep in. As the room grew quieter and the candlelight dimmed, Chu Ruo started to yawn. A heavy wave of sleepiness washed over her, and her head began to bob uncontrollably. Finally—*thump.*
Chu Ruo collapsed forward with a soft snore, landing squarely on top of Nan Muxue. The latter regained her composure instantly, her arms already circling Chu Ruo to steady her. Chu Ruo leaned in with a cheeky grin and kissed the corner of her lips. “I knew my Xue’er was the best. You’d always catch me.”
Nan Muxue’s face was full of feigned disdain. “Can you be any more pathetic?”
“What did I do?”
“I told you to kneel here and reflect, yet you actually managed to fall asleep.”
“I couldn't help it,” Chu Ruo said, taking the opportunity to snuggle closer. “Your bed is so soft and warm. It’s so comfortable that anyone would get sleepy here.”
Nan Muxue let out a soft chuckle. “Is that so? It seems I was negligent. In that case, go kneel on the floor.”
Chu Ruo began to nuzzle her neck coaxingly. “You wouldn't have the heart. The floor is so cold. If you really wanted me there, you would have sent me down ages ago.”
Nan Muxue narrowed her eyes. “Hmm?”
“Don't be angry anymore. Every time you and Zhi’er finish arguing or fighting, you take it out on me. I didn't even do anything.”
Nan Muxue pinched her ear in exasperation. “If it weren't for a scoundrel like you, would I be bickering with her every day?”
“Ow, it hurts... That’s between the two of you. Why involve me? You’ve already scolded me and punished me, so let’s just drop it, okay?”
“I leave for only a moment and you’re already making eyes at her. Do you think I’m dead? If I don't teach you a lesson this time, you’ll only get more audacious.”
“Who was making eyes? You’re accusing an innocent person!”
“Hmph. When it was just the two of you in the study, what did you call me?”
“Little Scorpion!” Chu Ruo blurted out.
Nan Muxue’s gaze turned icy. “Chu Ruo, do you truly have a death wish?”
Chu Ruo looked incredibly aggrieved. “But you asked me! I answered you, and you’re still unhappy.”
“Get off me!”
“No.” Only then did Chu Ruo realize she was still pinned on top of her. “Alright, alright, I admit I was wrong. Don't be mad, okay?”
“I wouldn't dare. After all, I am just a ‘vicious Little Scorpion’...”
“And my wife. My Xue’er is wonderful. She dotes on me, she’s so...”
“Shameless.”
“I... *Achoo!*” Chu Ruo hurriedly turned her head away, sneezing several times in a row. “Don't...”
Nan Muxue frowned, but she quickly wrapped the quilt tightly around the person in her arms. “Be quiet.”
*Mmm, much better.* A warm bed and a fragrant Little Scorpion. “Hehe, you do care about me. You’re just stubborn.”
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. “Did you do that on purpose?”
Chu Ruo shook her head and kissed her. “No. It’s so cold lately. I don't remember catching colds this easily before. I don't know what’s wrong with me lately; the slightest breeze gives me a chill.”
Chu Ruo was unaware of the true state of her health, but Nan Muxue’s eyes were filled with heartache. She reached up to caress Chu Ruo’s face. “Are you still cold?”
“Mhm. If you hold me tighter, I won’t be...”
Facing the woman who embraced her without hesitation, Chu Ruo became as happy as a child. “Xue’er, it’s so warm holding you.”
“I thought I was cold?” Nan Muxue allowed the other woman to lie on top of her. “I remember you always saying you liked holding me in the summer because I was an iceberg.”
“An iceberg beauty.”
Nan Muxue smiled. “Alright, you’d better stop talking...”
Chu Ruo took the hint and smiled back. “Back then, I said you could hold me for warmth in the winter because I felt like a little stove. But look at me now—why do I get chills so easily?”
“If you are cold, just hold me.”
“Of course I will. I’m holding you right now, aren't I? See, I’m not cold anymore.”
Nan Muxue cupped Chu Ruo’s face, forcing her to meet her gaze. “You have to hold me for a lifetime.”
Chu Ruo understood her meaning perfectly. “I will.”
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo said after a moment.
Nan Muxue was idly playing with Chu Ruo’s fingers, interlacing them with her own. “Mhm?”
“Zhi’er mentioned something to me today.”
Nan Muxue looked up immediately. “The marriage between the Holy Envoy and her 'dear friend'?”
“Can we please have a serious conversation for once?”
Nan Muxue let out a disgruntled huff. “Speak.”
“She wasn't talking about that. It’s about Miaojiang.”
“That Phoenix girl?” Nan Muxue’s displeasure remained. “You certainly seem to find 'sisters' everywhere you go.”
“You vinegar jar,” Chu Ruo couldn't help but pinch her chin. “Who else but you would even want me?”
To her surprise, Nan Muxue’s expression soured even further. “Are you questioning my taste?”
“No, no! I mean, other people... they don't know how to appreciate my strengths and virtues.”
“You don't have any.”
*You really are a sharp-tongued Little Scorpion. You could make someone’s nose go crooked with anger.* “Then according to you, if I have nothing, why do you like me? Your taste really is questionable, isn't it?”
“When did I ever say I liked you?”
“You—then what do you see in me?”
“I see a glutton.”
“Nan Muxue, that’s too much! Where are your manners?” *How do I always lose to her?* Chu Ruo thought indignantly. She leaned into the other’s ear and whispered, “I know. Is it because you think I’m good at... that?”
“The snow tonight seems quite heavy.”
*Cough, cough! You malicious woman! It’s freezing outside and you’re threatening to kick me out to stand in the cold? You have no heart!*
“Chu Ruo, if you keep cursing me in your head...”
“I’m not, I’m not! I wouldn't dare.” *Is she psychic? She catches me every time I mutter in my head.* “Let’s talk business. Remember I promised Phoenix I’d help find her aunt, Bai Xue?”
Nan Muxue looked dismissive. “The two of you promised. What does it have to do with me?”
“That’s not fair. Wasn't it all for your sake?”
“You made a decision behind my back, boastfully giving your word to someone, and now you want me to clean up your mess?”
“How is it a mess? Helping others is the foundation of happiness! You help me, I help you—it’s mutual assistance. Mutual!”
“I haven't forgotten about the time you drugged me.”
*...Why is she bringing that up again?* She had been nursing that grudge all the way back from their journey. *I only did it to save you, you Little Scorpion!* Chu Ruo tried to act cute. “Xue’er~”
“Tell me, how should you be punished?”
Chu Ruo pulled a long face. “Haven't you already punished me?”
“Do you have an objection?”
“No... none.”
Nan Muxue reached out and tilted her chin up. “As one currently serving a sentence, when you are pardoned is entirely up to me.”
“It’s always up to you anyway.”
“Does that make you feel wronged?”
“No...”
Nan Muxue finally couldn't help but laugh. “You dummy. I’m taking you down the mountain tomorrow.”
“Huh? Really? Why? We haven't been down there since we got back. It’s been so long.”
“I know you’ve been itching to go out and play. I’ll take you down for a few days to pick up some supplies. Isn't the New Year approaching?”
“Oh, right!” *Mwah!* “I knew my wife was the best.”
“Save it. What exactly were you trying to say? You’ve been holding it in all night.”
“Because you kept interrupting me...”
“So it’s my fault now?”
“Ahem. Anyway, Phoenix sent a portrait of her aunt, Bai Xue, via carrier pigeon. She doesn't want us to make a big scene of the search. I thought the few of us could go down and look for her. Even if the chances are slim, I gave my word, and I don't want to be someone who breaks her promises.”
“Do you really want to help her, or do you just want to spend time with 'her'?”
“Who?”
Nan Muxue’s tone was teasing. “Your Lady Zhi’er. Who else?”
“Please, I do not!”
“If we go together, it will be the three of us? You certainly enjoy having one on each arm.”
“I...”
“Fine. I will arrange it. I’ll have Caifeng instruct the people at Xueruo Pavilion to start looking. The New Year is almost here; we’ll go after the celebrations. I’ll use the time to settle the palace affairs first.”
“Mhm, I’ll listen to you. I want to spend the New Year in the Hundred Flowers Palace too. It’s my first time here for the holidays.” She kissed Nan Muxue’s forehead. “The important thing is being with you.”
Nan Muxue closed her eyes, a smile touching her lips. “You always use these words to coax me. You really are a...”
“I’m whatever you want me to be, as long as I can stay with you.”
“Deal with your Sister Zhi’er’s foster father first.”
“Tu Ao-zhi? Is he back?”
“Are you nervous now?” Nan Muxue snuggled into her arms and settled down. “Not yet, but likely soon.”
“Just hearing his name gives me a headache. Why is he so obsessed with forced marriages? Maybe I should just tell him I’m a woman?”
“And what if you do? Bai Zhi’er loves you regardless. He might not understand it, but given how much he dotes on his foster daughter, he will likely insist on this marriage no matter what.”
Chu Ruo scratched her head. “Then what do I do?” She shook Nan Muxue’s arm. “Xue’er, help me. You wouldn't have the heart to watch me marry someone else, would you?” She leaned in and blew softly into her ear. “The only one I’ve ever wanted is you.”
Drowsiness finally took hold of Nan Muxue. She pressed closer against Chu Ruo and murmured soothingly, “Fine. My Ruo’er doesn't need to worry about anything. I am here. I will handle it.”
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
小蛇蝎 | Little Scorpion | Chu Ruo's nickname for Nan Muxue
巫首 | Shaman Chief | The leader of the Miaojiang people (High Priestess)
彩凤 | Caifeng | A character/subordinate in the Hundred Flowers Palace
屠傲之 | Tu Ao-zhi | Bai Zhi'er's foster father
白雪 | Bai Xue | Phoenix's aunt, the missing former Shaman Chief
