Chu Ruo wanted to hold the wedding as soon as possible, but unfortunately, before they could make the arrangements, other matters arose.
"Another Alliance Leader election? The New Year festivities aren't even over yet," Chu Ruo grumbled.
Duan Ning mocked her, "If you two can get married 'again,' why can't they elect a leader 'again'?"
"Shoo, shoo! Does it hurt you not to needle me for one day?"
Nan Muxue, who had been silent at the side, spoke up. "It was my idea. The various sects of the martial world are currently in shambles. It is the perfect opportunity for the Hundred Flowers Palace."
"Your idea? I was wondering how those remaining sects dared to stir up trouble again. You’re really striking while the iron is hot—or rather, kicking them while they’re down."
"The martial world has always been thus. This is the most advantageous moment for us."
Chu Ruo nodded. "That’s true. We really have Tu Ao-zhi and Nan Menghua to thank for making such a mess of things. We have to seize the chance. After all, unifying the martial world has always been the long-held ambition of the Hundred Flowers Palace. I suppose we’ll succeed this time. But isn't the timing a bit tight? Can't we at least wait until the New Year is fully over?"
Nan Muxue caressed her face. "Don't you like lively atmospheres? If we go now, you can see how the New Year is celebrated in different regions."
"Hehe, so you set the date so early just for me?"
"Mhm."
Watching them, Duan Ning felt goosebumps break out all over her body. "Muxue, do you have to spoil her so much? Honestly, you might as well just give her your position as Palace Lord."
"If Ruo’er wants it, I will naturally give it to her."
"No, no, I’d still rather be your husband. Hehe, being a Holy Envoy is just fine."
"You two, enough! Is there no end to this? Acting so lovey-dovey all day long—aren't you afraid of making people sick?"
Nan Muxue turned a deaf ear to her, continuing to look only at the person before her. "The location is set in Tianyou this time. You can go check on your Xueruo Pavilion."
"Really?! Well, even though I’ve been keeping an eye on the accounts, I’ve only been sending my ideas and plans by letter. I haven't visited since the last Martial Arts Assembly ended. That was my very first shop! It’s a bit far, though... I don't care, when we get back, I’m going to open another one in Guangjiang City. That way, it’ll be convenient whenever we go down the mountain to play."
"As you wish. But if you lack the funds, I—"
"No, my Xueruo Pavilion has been making a good profit. I think it’s enough to lease a storefront. I don't want your help this time; I’ll open it myself. I want to prove that I can support you."
"Oh, look at you finding a backbone all of a sudden," Duan Ning chimed in. "It’s not like it’s your first day being a kept man. Besides, that first Xueruo Pavilion was given to you by Muxue anyway."
"So what? I have someone to take care of me, and you don't. You’re just jealous. Hmph!"
"Tch, who’s jealous? You're the one who—"
Nan Muxue suddenly interrupted. "If you bully Ruo’er again, you’ll be sent to a branch sect. Liuli will stay here..."
Duan Ning stomped her foot in frustration. "Bully? I’m bullying her?"
Chu Ruo gloated from the side. "Exactly, you bully me every day. Blehh~"
"You saw that, didn't you? Who’s bullying whom? I say, you’re being far too biased!"
"The Hundred Flowers Palace has always been biased," Nan Muxue said without a hint of shame. "Naturally, I protect my own—especially my Ruo’er."
"Ahahaha!" Chu Ruo laughed uncontrollably as she watched Duan Ning leave in a huff. "Look at her, she’s basically grumbling as she exits the chat."
Nan Muxue followed with a small smile. "As long as you are happy."
Chu Ruo rested her head on the other’s lap. "Muxue, it’s so good to have you."
Nan Muxue gently stroked her beloved’s hair, her eyes full of doting affection.
***
Tianyou.
Before the New Year festivities had even concluded, the various sects were hurrying toward Tianyou in a panic. No one dared to complain. Currently, the Hundred Flowers Palace stood supreme over the martial world. Naturally, they were indignant. They had spent decades in the martial world, and many were century-old prestigious sects, yet now they had to act according to the whims of that girl, Nan Muxue. Alas, what they didn't know was that everything the Young Palace Lord did was for the sake of a single person.
"Mhm... Muxue, what time is it?"
"What does the time matter? Just keep sleeping."
"Isn't the Martial Arts Assembly today?"
"The competition this time is much simpler. Every two sects will duel, and the final four winners will compete at the end. The Hundred Flowers Palace isn't scheduled for today, so there’s no need to go. When you’re fully awake, I’ll take you out for a walk."
Chu Ruo smiled. "Really? The streets were so lively when we arrived yesterday. Do you think it’ll be just as lively at night?"
"Yes, there is a lantern market tonight."
"Then let’s go out a bit later. You know, even though most of the sects are struggling now, what about the Four Great Villas? I remember you mentioning they have a century of foundation."
"Those families didn't suffer as heavy losses as the others. However, they focus primarily on sword-forging; their martial arts are not particularly formidable."
"Oh, then you should be careful."
Nan Muxue found this amusing. "Why should I be careful? You’re the one who needs to be careful."
"Why?"
Nan Muxue lay down and met her gaze. "Because for the final match, I intend to let you go up."
"Huh?!"
"What, are you afraid of dying?"
"I’m not afraid, just surprised. Why are you letting me go this time? Usually, you’re afraid of me getting even a scratch."
The other woman didn't answer. "Sleep a while longer. We’ll go out for a stroll later."
"Mhm, then I want to hold you. Hehe."
...
That evening, as Chu Ruo excitedly pulled Nan Muxue toward the door to head out, they were blocked by someone.
"This old man has something to say to you."
It was Tu Ao-zhi. Chu Ruo was puzzled. "To me?" He only had about thirty percent of his martial power left; what did he want with her? Was he still thinking of seeking revenge on those sects? There was really no need; he had already taken his revenge on many, and the rest were mostly ruined anyway. She couldn't fathom what he wanted to discuss—the secret manual? Nan Menghua? Or something else?
Nan Muxue remained expressionless. "Whatever you have to say, say it here."
"I won't hurt her. *Cough, cough...*" Tu Ao-zhi’s complexion was much worse than before. He looked at Chu Ruo. "I only wish to speak a few words with you."
Seeing his state, Chu Ruo felt a twinge of pity. After all, he might actually be the Little Scorpion’s father, and he had helped them before. "Muxue, why don't you wait for me downstairs? It’ll be quick, just a moment."
Nan Muxue looked at Chu Ruo, who returned a reassuring gaze. Only then did she let go and head downstairs first.
Chu Ruo felt like laughing. Muxue must have only agreed because she knew Tu Ao-zhi only had thirty percent of his power left and couldn't hurt her. What a cute wife. Turning back to the matter at hand, she looked at Tu Ao-zhi. "What do you want to say? If it’s about the Moro Secret Manual, I can give it back to you. There’s nothing on it anyway—"
"*Cough*... No. It’s about Muxue..."
Oh, bringing up Muxue. He probably wants to ask if she’s his daughter. "We really don't know. I think even Nan Menghua herself might not have been sure whose daughter Muxue is." She certainly wouldn't tell anyone what Bai Xue had said; some things were destined to remain secrets forever.
"No, I mean... are you two getting married again?"
...Another one. What is with everyone saying "again"? "Actually, if it weren't for Muxue’s mother last time, we would have been married long ago."
"My point is... Zhier..."
...So after all that, you’re still at it? Still trying to get me to marry Zhier? Chu Ruo felt a bit helpless. "I cannot marry Zhier."
Tu Ao-zhi sighed. "Why? They both treat you with nothing but kindness. I promised Bai Ji that I would take good care of Zhier. Besides, the two of them might be biological sisters."
"Just because they’re sisters, I have to marry both? I know Zhier treats me well, but she respects and understands me, and she’s given us her blessing. Why are you the one obsessing over it?"
"I believe you have seen Zhier’s devotion with your own eyes."
"But I have also seen Muxue’s love for me, and I only love Muxue. Zhier is very good to me, but feelings cannot be forced. In short, it is impossible for me to marry Zhier."
"Muxue might be my daughter, or she might be Zhier’s sister. Regardless of the outcome, I hope they can both be happy."
"Regardless, my heart only has room for Muxue. Zhier will be my dear friend for life, and she can only ever be a friend."
"Hahaha..."
Tu Ao-zhi suddenly burst into laughter, leaving Chu Ruo stunned. "You..."
"You are right. Feelings cannot be forced. Just like us back then... if the Third Sister had clarified her feelings to Xue’er sooner, if I had expressed my love to Xue’er earlier, if Xue’er had told us her choice sooner, then things would not have ended up like this. Previously, I was stubborn and wanted you to marry both for Zhier’s sake, without considering you or Muxue. Today, I only wanted to test you one last time. If you had wavered just now, this old man would never have let you off!"
Aha? So that’s how it is? This old man... he probably realized the Little Scorpion is either his daughter or Bai Ji’s, which is why he’s suddenly "considering" them. I didn't see you caring before. I guess being related really does make a difference. But whatever, as long as he isn't forcing her to marry Zhier. "I naturally would not waver."
"Good. That is good." He patted Chu Ruo’s shoulder, looking like a comforted elder. "I am old; the future belongs to you young people now. Regardless of whose daughter Muxue is, you must not bully her, and you certainly must not betray her. And Zhier... after you and Muxue are married, the two of you must take good care of her. I no longer have the strength. Especially you—even if you do not love Zhier, you must protect her for the sake of her feelings for you."
"Of course. In my heart, Zhier is family."
"Good. Go on then. I’ll be leaving first."
"How is... Tu Jie?"
He gave a forced smile. "That depends on Zhier. Hurry along now; Muxue has likely been waiting a long time."
"Muxue!" Chu Ruo ran downstairs and immediately spotted the woman by the entrance. "Have you been waiting long?"
She shook her head. "What did he say to you?"
"Nothing much, just trifles." Chu Ruo took her hand as they strolled down the street. "Muxue, in this life, I only recognize you as my wife."
***
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