Chu Ruo walked into the study. "Master."
"You may leave," Nan Muxue said.
"Yes." A-Yue bowed respectfully and exited.
Chu Ruo sat down unceremoniously. "Why are we in the study? Aren't we going to practice martial arts?"
"Come here."
"Huh?"
Nan Muxue set down her wolf-hair brush. "Have you lost the ability to understand speech as well?"
*Tsk, this Little Scorpion really has a way of grating on one’s ears,* Chu Ruo thought. She walked over reluctantly. "What is it?"
"From today onward, in addition to your martial arts training, you will begin learning how to read the ledgers. You will assist me in managing the palace’s affairs. Start by looking through these."
*Say what?* Only then did Chu Ruo notice Nan Muxue’s left hand resting on a stack of account books nearly half a person tall. *Oh, for heaven's sake. I’ve been a math failure since I was a kid. Martial arts is already killing me; are you trying to finish the job?* She gave a nervous laugh. "Um, I..."
"No."
"I haven't even said anything yet!"
"And what... does... my... disciple... wish... to... say?"
"...Nothing." Defeated, Chu Ruo let out a dejected groan. She dragged a stool over to the other side and began flipping through the ledgers with a face full of misery.
Half an hour later...
*This is a nightmare.* Even though she could read the characters of this era, these ledgers weren't meant for human eyes. Expenses here, income there—it was a chaotic mess that made her head spin. She tossed the book aside and wailed, "Have mercy! I’m about to vomit from looking at these."
"If you don't finish them today, don't even think about resting."
Chu Ruo nearly slid off her chair. "Look, you have so many disciples. One more or one less of me won't make a difference. Why are you so fixated on me? Did I owe you money in a past life and you've come to collect in this one?"
To her surprise, Nan Muxue nodded thoughtfully. "Not in a past life, perhaps, but certainly in this one. You owe me a great deal. You often say you eat my food and use my resources, that I am the one supporting you. Now is the time to repay me."
"There are many ways to repay someone, you know."
"Oh?" Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "Then, in your own words, do you intend to 'repay me with your body'?"
*Whoa, I’m usually the one flirting with pretty girls, but today I’m the one being played? And she’s still using that against me?* Chu Ruo leaned in, intentionally acting suggestive. "If Master doesn't mind, I certainly don't."
Nan Muxue’s face instantly flushed crimson. She snapped back, "Get back to your ledgers!"
*Hahaha, the Little Scorpion is embarrassed!* Risking her life, Chu Ruo pulled her stool even closer. "Why has Master gone silent? How about..."
"Young Palace Master," A-Yue’s voice sounded from outside. "The Fourth Protector has returned. She and the Second Protector are waiting for you in the main hall."
"Understood. I will be there shortly."
"Yan'er?" Chu Ruo’s face transformed in a second. Her eyes lit up as she moved to head out. "I’m going to see her." Come to think of it, she had never seen Yan'er during the day, except for that one time from a distance for less than five seconds. It couldn't be helped; Yan'er was busy, and Chu Ruo was always stuck training with the Little Scorpion. Now that she had to learn all this miscellaneous paperwork, she feared they’d have even less time together.
Nan Muxue’s cold voice cut through her thoughts. "Stay here. Continue with the ledgers."
"I want to see Yan'er..."
"You are not permitted to go!" Nan Muxue ignored the desperation in her tone. "You are too easily distracted. If these aren't finished by the time I return, you won't rest tonight, and you certainly won't be allowed back to your room!"
"You!" *Little Scorpion!* Chu Ruo glared at the retreating back, wishing she could charge forward and strangle her. But as the saying goes, one must bow when under another's roof. Missing rest was one thing, but if she wasn't allowed back to her room, she wouldn't see Yan'er tonight. *Fine, fine, nighttime is more precious anyway. If I go now, the others will be there discussing business with the Little Scorpion. It’d be boring.*
Of course, given Chu Ruo’s personality, she wasn't about to actually study ledgers while no one was watching. Before long, she had her legs kicked up, drifting off into a very comfortable nap.
In her hazy slumber, she heard people entering and the sound of voices. Chu Ruo opened her eyes halfway. Several women had entered, all dressed in the uniform of Baihua Palace. Judging by the style and quality, they seemed to be senior disciples. She had never seen them before—or rather, she didn't remember them. With thousands of disciples in the palace, it was normal not to know everyone.
The leader was a woman of about seventeen or eighteen. She was quite pretty but had a fierce, unpleasant expression. Sure enough, before Chu Ruo could speak, the woman spoke first with ill intent. "Who dares to nap so boldly in Master’s study? How insolent!"
*Master? The Little Scorpion’s disciple?* Oh, right. Xiao Guo'er had mentioned that the Little Scorpion had other disciples, though she took few and rarely taught them personally. Realizing she was the only one the Master kept by her side for daily, hands-on instruction, Chu Ruo felt a sudden surge of smugness.
"I asked you a question! Why do you not answer?"
*Yikes, this ferocious tone and attitude... she’s definitely the Little Scorpion’s student. Exactly the same. Not cute at all.* She wondered what the disciples Yan'er taught were like.
"Sister Caifeng, I think... this is that 'freak' Master recently took in," a disciple behind her whispered.
The woman called Caifeng raised her hand to strike. There were no men in Baihua Palace, so she had guessed who this was the moment she entered. The fact that the intruder wore clothes similar in quality to the Master’s only confirmed it. She let out a cold sneer. "Sneaking around and refusing to answer? Perhaps you are an assassin. Let’s see how I deal with you!"
A palm strike whistled through the air. Chu Ruo finally snapped to attention and nimbly dodged. "Hey! You just start swinging without a word? That’s not very honorable."
Caifeng didn't reply, continuing her assault with no intention of holding back. Seeing that she was serious, Chu Ruo stopped joking. She dodged to the side, intending to bolt for the door, but Caifeng wouldn't allow it. She drew her sword to block the path. Just as Chu Ruo reached the exit, the blade barred her way. She felt a flash of annoyance, but it was brief, as the sword immediately thrust toward her throat. The blade was merciless. Startled, Chu Ruo leaned back sharply to evade the strike, then leaped back several meters. "You’re playing for keeps!" Well, obviously. This woman was going for the kill. How vicious.
The opponent remained silent, lunging again. Chu Ruo’s temper flared. Catching an opening, she kicked the sword aside and simultaneously landed a precise palm strike on the woman’s chest. Caifeng looked on in disbelief. Chu Ruo hadn't used much force, but Caifeng hadn't expected to be hit at all. She had heard this person was a lazy do-nothing whose only talent was playing around. Moreover, she had been training for less than six months; how could she possibly land a hit? Caifeng realized she had underestimated her opponent. This time, she would not be careless. She sneered and focused entirely on the fight.
"You're still coming?" Chu Ruo began a game of cat-and-mouse, running around the room. "Are you sick in the head? We just met and you're trying to murder me."
Caifeng refused to engage in words, her moves growing deadlier by the second. Several chairs and tables had already been smashed. She even began to channel Cold Ice Sword Qi, making the scene increasingly intense. Seeing that Chu Ruo kept running instead of fighting back, both were slightly winded after several rounds. Caifeng shot a look at the disciples behind her. "What are you standing there for? Help me take this wretch down!"
"But..." someone hesitated.
"She is an assassin! What 'buts' are there?" Caifeng turned and glared at the disciple, her voice practically a snarl. "Hurry up!"
"Hey, hey, how am I an assassin?" Chu Ruo shouted anxiously. "I’m also Master’s disciple..."
"Sisters, move! Capture the intruder together! I will take full responsibility for whatever happens!"
Almost as soon as Chu Ruo spoke, Caifeng swung her sword, creating a din. Intimidated by her warning glare, the other disciples drew their swords and charged, despite their inner doubts. "Kill her!"
*Oh boy, we’re going this far? I didn't go through the trouble of transmigrating just to die at the hands of someone like you.* Real anger finally took hold of Chu Ruo. She dodged again, retreating behind Nan Muxue’s desk. Seeing she was empty-handed, she turned and pulled a chilling, blue legendary sword from the wall—Ice Soul.
At that moment, a fleeting, triumphant smirk crossed Caifeng’s lips. "Ice Soul is a supreme treasure of our sect. Aside from the two Palace Masters, anyone who touches it shall be executed without mercy. Furthermore, you intend to steal it!"
*Is this Baihua Palace toxic? Why are all the rules so weird? It’s always 'sever their tendons and throw them off the mountain' or 'execute without mercy.'* And the triggers for these rules were bizarre. Going to the Cold Ice Cave? Death. Touching a sword? Death. Everything was a forbidden act or a punishable offense. No wonder the women here were either malicious or a bit dim-witted. *Heaven above, couldn't you have let me transmigrate into the family of a prince or a wealthy landlord so I could be a useless, unambitious youth who just eats and waits to die?*
"You were going to kill me whether I drew it or not," Chu Ruo sneered. "Now you’ve got your wish. Come on then!"
The group lunged at her. She observed them, picking out the one on the far right with the weakest foundation; her footwork wasn't as steady as the others. Chu Ruo struck first, breaking through from that spot. She flicked Ice Soul with force, and the sword qi immediately sent the disciple flying. Chu Ruo hadn't expected the sword to be this powerful. No wonder it was a supreme treasure. In truth, Ice Soul was coveted by the entire world, not just Baihua Palace, though others could only grit their teeth in envy while it remained in the sect's hands. Aside from Caifeng, the other disciples' martial arts were mediocre. With a series of parries, thrusts, and strikes, Chu Ruo knocked them all down within dozens of moves. Only Caifeng remained.
"Now do you see why I took her in?"
Unbeknownst to them, Nan Muxue and Yin Liuli had been watching from outside the study for some time. They were far enough away that those inside hadn't noticed them, but with their level of cultivation, they could see and hear everything clearly. Yin Liuli nodded. "To take down four or five senior disciples in just a few months, and to be able to immediately learn their moves to counter and evade... she is indeed a talent. However..."
"However, she hasn't used her full strength yet. She still lacks a bit of refinement."
Yin Liuli chuckled. "And whose fault is that? Isn't it because of you, her 'good master'?"
Nan Muxue’s face reddened. "I didn't..."
"You didn't? The entire Baihua Palace knows you've nearly spoiled her to the heavens. But shouldn't you go in and help your precious disciple now?"
"She is too lax. If I don't let her learn a lesson, she might be fine within these walls, but how will she cope in the martial world later? How can she be of use to me and share my burdens? If she cannot help me, what was the point of all my effort in tempering her?"
Yin Liuli gave a mischievous smile. "Is that so? Then why were you so anxious during that incident with Hu Nuo?"
Nan Muxue turned her head away. "She didn't know martial arts then. Besides, I needed to warn Liu Shaopeng and the others."
"I have one more question."
"What?"
"Yan'er," Yin Liuli said playfully. "For the past few months, you’ve constantly sent Yan'er down the mountain. She’s barely spent ten days in the palace. And if I recall correctly, she hasn't met Chu Ruo even once. I wonder what the Young Palace Master means by this?"
The flush on Nan Muxue’s face didn't fade; instead, it became even more awkward. "You’re overthinking it."
"Oh? Really? Then why didn't you let Yan'er come to the study with us? Instead, you sent her back to rest for the night, only to have her leave again tomorrow morning."
"That was for the sake of the Heavenly Demon Palace..."
"Fine, fine," Yin Liuli said, covering her mouth as she laughed. "I get the picture. You’d better go in now. I’m afraid if they keep fighting, your study will be gone."
Inside, the fight continued. As Chu Ruo focused on the battle, Caifeng suddenly retreated to the desk and slashed the ledgers into pieces with several sword strikes. Then, she struck herself, spitting out blood to feign injury. She wasn't done; she messily tore open the buttons at her collar and collapsed against the desk, looking weak and pitiful. "You... you are lecherous beyond belief... destroying the palace ledgers... stealing Ice Soul... and even daring to... try and force yourself on me... Even if you are Master’s disciple... today... even if it costs me my life... I will have your head!"
*Wait, what are you doing?* Chu Ruo’s jaw nearly hit the floor, and Ice Soul almost slipped from her hand. *This is the legendary 'Ultimate Green Tea' manipulator!* She quickly looked toward the door. Sure enough, the Little Scorpion entered with the Second Protector and A-Yue. Chu Ruo swallowed hard. "How much of that did you see?"
"Master!" Caifeng crawled toward her, weeping like a rain-drenched pear blossom. Chu Ruo almost started doubting herself—*did I actually assault her?* "You must seek justice for your disciple, Master! This person has foul intentions. Not only did she intentionally destroy the ledgers and try to steal Ice Soul, she even... even tried to..."
*What an actress. Tsk tsk. Sister, if you came to the modern world with me, you’d definitely win a golden trophy. I’d be your manager and we’d split the profits eighty-twenty. Too bad this is ancient times in Baihua Palace. Besides, you think you’re the only one who can act? I’ll give you an improv performance right now.*
Chu Ruo tossed the sword aside. *Thud!* She dropped to her knees so hard that even Yin Liuli felt a phantom pain in her own. Then, with snot and tears flowing, she shuffled over. "Master! You have to help your poor Ruo'er! This female hooligan—no, this female lecher—she brought a gang of people trying to assault me... waaaaah!" *You can blame me for anything else, but accusing me of assault? The Little Scorpion knows I’m a girl. You’re dead meat.*
Everyone felt as if a flock of crows had just flown overhead. Even Caifeng was dumbstruck. Chu Ruo continued her tale of woe. "Just now, I was here following Master’s orders to study the ledgers. Then this female hooligan burst in with a bunch of little hooligans. The moment she saw me, she gave a greasy smile, ripped open her own buttons, and came at me! She had her hands out like she was trying to grab something, muttering, 'What a handsome little face, come and have some fun with me and my sisters!' Now, I know I’m exceptionally good-looking, but I have a sense of shame! I immediately refused and called her a harlot, telling her to get out. But I didn't expect... she actually... she actually..." Chu Ruo clutched her chest as if she had suffered a great trauma. "I didn't expect this lecherous woman to be so shameless. She just laughed even harder and said, 'I like them with personality!' Then she tried to hug me and puckered her lips for an indecent act! They say men are lecherous, Master, but only today did I learn how thirsty a woman can be when she loses her mind! Waaaaah!"
The only person who could hear such things and keep a perfectly straight face was Nan Muxue. Yin Liuli couldn't take it anymore; she stepped outside, clutching her stomach in laughter. A-Yue tried her best to keep her head down, her shoulders shaking visibly. The injured disciples were too busy dealing with their pain to argue—the cold sword qi of Ice Soul was no joke. Only Caifeng, who had never encountered such a thick-skinned person, managed to snap out of it and retort, "Bullshit! Master, don't believe her! She’s making it all up! She also tried to steal your Ice Soul, she..."
"Aren't you the one talking bullshit? I’m just beating you at your own game," Chu Ruo’s expression returned to normal as she wiped the tears from her face. "If you want to frame me, you need actual skill. Please, take a look in a mirror. Me, assault you? In Master’s study? I’m not *that* desperate. And you say I tried to steal Ice Soul? Why would I steal it in broad daylight when people are around, and try to assault you at the same time? Do you think your charms are so irresistible that people can't control themselves, or do you think Master is foolish enough to believe a ghost story even a ghost wouldn't believe?"
Caifeng looked up at Nan Muxue, who remained expressionless. She called out weakly, "Master..."
But Nan Muxue reached out and helped Chu Ruo up. With that single gesture, Caifeng’s face turned ashen. "Master, have mercy! Master!"
Nan Muxue used a white handkerchief to gently wipe Chu Ruo’s face. Despite her minor injuries, Chu Ruo felt quite pleased. Then, Nan Muxue spoke. "The task I sent you down the mountain for... is it completed?"
She was speaking to Caifeng, who nodded frantically. "It is all done. Please, Master, forgive your disciple this once."
"Forgive? Do you even know where you went wrong?"
"I shouldn't... I shouldn't have framed Chu Ruo."
*Slap!* A crisp sound echoed. Nan Muxue didn't even look at her as she struck. "Wrong. You used your own selfish desires to drag other disciples into this, causing them injury. But your greatest sin is jealousy. You are jealous of Chu Ruo. Baihua Palace does not permit a heart of jealousy."
Caifeng clutched her burning cheek, her teeth gritted. "Yes! I am jealous! Which disciple in this palace doesn't hate her? Why does she get to go to the Cold Ice Cave with you? Why does she receive your personal instruction? Why can she ignore every palace rule and sleep in this study? Why is there no equality? Every disciple here hates her to the bone! A freak of unknown origin—why does she get to stand above us?"
*Slap!* Another strike, even harder than the first. "I, Nan Muxue, will favor whoever I please. There has never been equality in this palace, and there never will be. Even now, you remain stubborn. You are only angry because you feel you were the one favored before, and now you are not. You were the disciple I taught the most, but that does not mean you are above anyone else. You are no different from anyone else in this palace. Today, I am telling everyone: in Baihua Palace, now and forever, there is only one person I will favor—Chu Ruo. Do you all understand?"
The other disciples nodded frantically. "We understand!"
Even Yin Liuli and A-Yue were stunned. Such a display was truly unlike the Young Palace Master.
"Heh... she used Ice Soul without permission. Regardless of the reason, the palace rules cannot be defied," Caifeng laughed. "Master, don't forget, those rules were set by the Palace Master herself."
"I gave Ice Soul to Chu Ruo long ago. There was no 'unauthorized use,'" Nan Muxue said. She suddenly gripped Caifeng’s jaw. *Crack.* Chu Ruo swallowed hard. *No way... did the Little Scorpion just dislocate her jaw? I’ve survived with her for so long and aside from being fed a Hundred Flowers Poison, I’m still in one piece. I’m lucky to be alive.* But hearing that high-profile declaration of favoritism and the lie about gifting her the sword... it felt pretty good. *The Little Scorpion isn't bad. She’s beautiful, and even if she’s a bit wicked, she’s good to me. That 'only favor Chu Ruo' speech was amazing.*
"Also, do not use the Palace Master to pressure me. Men, take her to the dungeon!"
"Yes!"
"As for the rest of you," Nan Muxue’s cold gaze swept over the others on the floor, "each of you will receive fifty strokes of the staff."
*Fifty strokes!* Xiao Guo'er had said that one stroke meant hitting until the staff broke. Terrifying.
"Why didn't you kill Caifeng?" Yin Liuli asked, puzzled.
"She is talented and hardworking. She was the only disciple I taught ten moves to. Unfortunately, her heart is crooked," Nan Muxue sighed. "But her background is tragic. Her mother is blind and bedridden. She was sent to Baihua Palace in the hope that she could make something of herself and not be bullied. Her mother is old; I don't want her to outlive her child. Keep her locked up for now. If she can reflect and change, it might not be a bad thing."
Chu Ruo chimed in, "That’s so sad. Why don't you just kick her out and let her go home to take care of her mom?"
"You certainly are kind-hearted."
"I’m not doing it for her," Chu Ruo said. she wasn't the type to pity someone who had just tried to kill her. "I just think her mother sounds pitiful."
Yin Liuli smiled and answered for Nan Muxue. "She entered the palace at ten and has been here for seven or eight years. She knows too much. Letting her go would cause endless trouble."
"Oh. Then what about her mother?"
"I will send people to look after her."
Chu Ruo clapped her hands and sat back down. "Well, since the ledgers were shredded by her, I guess I don't have to—"
"You don't have to?" Before she could celebrate for even two seconds, Nan Muxue’s next words made her want to pick up Ice Soul and end it all. "You will piece them back together and continue reading. I give you seven days."
"Are you—"
"What did Ruo'er say?" A hand suddenly gripped her chin. "Master didn't hear clearly."
Chu Ruo quickly shielded her jaw. "Nothing! I said Master can rest easy, I’ll get the job done!"
Yin Liuli stifled another laugh. This master and disciple pair—especially Muxue—were becoming increasingly dishonest with their own hearts.
***
"Yan'er."
Time: Night. Location: Chu Ruo’s room. Characters: Chu Ruo and "Nan Gongyan."
The two were sitting on the bed. Unlike previous times, Chu Ruo was the one holding the other, letting "Yan'er" lean into her embrace. She called her name and asked, "What do you think of the Little Scorpion?"
Nan Muxue found the embrace exceptionally comfortable and warm. "Why ask that all of a sudden? Don't you call her the Little Scorpion?"
"Well, yeah," Chu Ruo scratched her head. "Even though she’s often grumpy, loves to threaten me, and finds all sorts of ways to torture me... I think she’s actually quite good."
Nan Muxue had been ready to get annoyed at the first part, but the last sentence made her heart smile. "Didn't you say she forced you to piece together ledgers today? How is she 'quite good'?"
"Well, she was definitely malicious about that. But let’s not talk about it. I just feel like she’s decent to me, and to others too. She’s the 'cold on the outside, warm on the inside' type."
"Is she?"
"Yeah. I think she’s a contradiction. Both good and bad." Chu Ruo tightened her hug. "But you’re still the best."
Nan Muxue toyed with the grass butterfly Chu Ruo had given her. She had two now. A smile touched her lips. "Perhaps one day, you’ll discover that I *am* the Little Scorpion."
To Chu Ruo, this sounded like: *What if you find out I’m just as wicked as her?* She shook her head. "You two are different. She’s too ruthless. You wouldn't be like that."
*Two hundred and sixteen times.* Nan Muxue moved to leave, but Chu Ruo wouldn't let go. "Don't go yet."
"It’s late."
"Then don't leave tonight. I’ll hold you while we sleep, just like this. Isn't it nice?" Chu Ruo coaxed her. "Why go back? Your bed is probably cold and hard anyway. Here, you have me to talk to and hold you. Isn't this comfortable? If you don't like this, we can just lie down." She finished speaking and actually pulled the other woman down with her. She refused to let go, keeping her in her arms. "Sleep, sleep. I’m a very quiet sleeper. I won't kick the blankets or you."
"Rogue," Nan Muxue whispered, her face flushing in the dark. She turned her back to Chu Ruo but didn't get up.
"Hehe," Chu Ruo hugged her tightly from behind. "Yan'er is the best. Let’s sleep." She never expected Yan'er to agree to sleep with her. She loved this. *Wait, why am I suddenly thinking of the Little Scorpion? This is so inappropriate. Like Xiao Guo'er said: 'Isn't it great to like both?' and 'You're just thirsty for her body.' Fine, whatever. If I'm thirsty, I'm thirsty.*
***
Morning.
Before dawn, Nan Muxue opened her eyes to find Chu Ruo’s face inches away. she immediately shifted back slightly, then couldn't help but look again. She didn't know what had possessed her to actually stay the night, let alone turn around and curl into this person’s arms. She usually hated physical contact. She reached out to brush a stray hair from Chu Ruo’s brow. Seeing her sleeping so soundly, Nan Muxue actually smiled. She rose carefully, tucking the blanket around the sleeping girl before she left.
"Young Palace Master."
Nan Muxue reached her own door only to find an unexpected figure. Nan Yunshuang was standing there. Her heart skipped a beat, but her face remained impassive. "What is it?"
"The Young Palace Master is up early."
"I always am."
"Then why are you just returning now?"
Nan Muxue glanced at her coldly. "Must I report my every move to the First Protector?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Just as she was about to push the door open, Nan Yunshuang broke the silence again. "Last night, I came to your room to find you."
Nan Muxue’s hand froze on the door.
"You weren't there."
"The Young Palace Master was with me last night," the Fourth Protector said, walking toward them. "I didn't realize the First Protector was so bored that she’d started playing night watchman."
Nan Yunshuang looked at her, said nothing more, and turned to leave, disappearing into the pre-dawn light.
"Yan'er."
"Don't you dare thank me; we don't need that between us," Nan Gongyan said with a mischievous grin. "Were you out meeting a lover last night?"
"Since when did you learn Yin Liuli’s habits?"
"I bet you went to see your Ruo'er," Nan Gongyan pouted. "What a shame I never get to see her. I have to head down the mountain again soon. I swear, you’re intentionally keeping us apart. Are you afraid she’ll find out I tried to kill her at the foot of the mountain?"
"You..."
"Enough, I’m leaving. I’ll trade barbs with you next time."
Nan Muxue was confused. "Then why did you come here so suddenly?"
"I saw *her* heading toward your room, so I rushed over."
Nan Muxue finally gave a knowing smile. "You certainly care about her, keeping such a close eye on her."
The other woman’s face turned red. "I’m not talking to you anymore. I’m off. Next time, I’m definitely meeting your precious Ruo'er."
Nan Muxue smiled, but then shook her head. Even Yan'er was starting to get suspicious. It seemed this secret wouldn't stay hidden for much longer. *When that girl finds out I am Yan'er... how will she react?*
***
