Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 221 | A Failed Seduction | Novela.app

In the study. "I must say, our Palace Master Chu has been looking quite gloomy lately." *Swish, swish, swish.* Every gaze in the room shifted toward the woman sitting to the side. Nan Muxue, however, remained languid, not even bothering to lift her eyelids. Duan Ning leaned in closer. "How can someone be so completely unresponsive?" "What, are you all so idle?" Nan Muxue asked. Nan Gongyan spoke up as well. "Muxue, she’s been pouring her heart out to us every day, saying you don't cherish her." "With such 'loyal friends' like you lot plotting and scheming for her, why would she need my pity?" "Alright, stop being so stubborn. Everyone knows how much you dote on that blockhead." "Where did she go?" "Oh? I thought you didn't care. Why the sudden concern?" Nan Muxue shot a glance at the interjecting Duan Ning. "Would you like to be transferred to the newly established branch?" Duan Ning’s tone shifted instantly. "I certainly would not. That new branch is in a bitterly cold wasteland; I’m not going there to suffer." "As disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace, one should not fear hardship. You’ve all become far too comfortable lately. Even in times of peace, one must not neglect their training. How will you handle yourselves if you encounter danger in the future?" "Yes, yes, we know we were wrong! Honestly, the moment she’s mentioned, you become a cactus. Every time she’s the topic, we’re the ones who get pricked." Yin Liuli chuckled and gave Duan Ning a playful pinch before turning to Nan Muxue. "She said she’s been trying to find a way to make you happy lately..." "Muxue! Muxue!" The voice arrived before the person. The others, sensing the mood, stood up to leave. Nan Gongyan turned back at the door. "You, try to be reasonable. Look at how aggrieved she is. She’s been exhausting herself trying to please you lately. I’d wager she’s definitely going to make a move tonight..." Nan Muxue’s face flushed slightly. "You’ve been listening to Ning’er’s nonsense too much." "I have not. She was full of spirit today. Take care of yourself. Oh, by the way, Yunshuang won't be back for another two days. I was thinking of heading down the mountain to meet her..." "Go on then." "Then I thank the Palace Master! I'm off!" As Chu Ruo entered, the others were just leaving. Yin Liuli gave her a silent, knowing smile, while Duan Ning’s eyes were full of mischief. As Nan Gongyan passed by, she whispered a quick "Good luck." Chu Ruo was left utterly bewildered. "Why is everyone leaving the moment I arrive?" "Am I not a person?" "Ah... haha." Chu Ruo hurried over and crouched down to coax her wife. "You’re definitely not a person. You’re a goddess, my wife, my Lady Wife!" As she spoke, she took the opportunity to lean her weight against the other woman. Nan Muxue indulged her with a doting look but still chided, "What would people think if they saw this?" "I don't care. We’re a married couple; it’s perfectly legitimate. Muxue... Muxue..." "Alright, alright." Nan Muxue stroked her hair. "Where did you go?" "To make you something delicious." "Is that so?" "Of course!" "Giving gifts for no reason... you must be up to something." "There you go again, slandering me. Do you know what that is? Slander!" Nan Muxue pinched Chu Ruo’s ear. "Do you believe I’ll throw that dog’s nest of a head of yours right off the mountain?" *Mwah!* "I don't believe it." Nan Muxue’s face would always redden at such gestures. "Chu Ruo!" Chu Ruo flashed a beautiful smile, her warm hand clasping Nan Muxue’s. "What did you call me?" "...Ruo’er." *** That evening, Nan Muxue was bathing in the pool within their bedchamber. Hearing footsteps outside the door, she let out a soft chuckle but said nothing. "Who goes there, acting all sneaky? Guards!" "Quick, someone come! How bold, peeping at the Palace Master while she bathes!" A chaotic clamor erupted until a single voice roared above the rest, "It’s me! Me! It’s me!" Xiao Guo’er and A-Yue’s shocked voices followed. "Chu Ruo? Uh, no, Palace Master Chu?" "Ahem. There’s nothing wrong here. You may all leave." "Yes." Xiao Guo’er could be heard muttering as they walked away, "If you wanted to see the Palace Master, you could just look at her openly. Why be so secretive about it?" "I beg of you! I just happened to come back, and I wanted to play a prank on her!" A-Yue hurriedly added, "Please don't be upset, Saintess. We won't disturb you further. We’re leaving now." "Sister A-Yue, she really is something. It’s not like the Palace Master wouldn't let her look. A dignified Saintess and a Palace Master, yet she still peeps on her own wife..." *Damn it.* Chu Ruo could only grit her teeth and return to the room in tears. It seemed this would be spread across the entire Palace by tomorrow. *Waaaah, I’m so innocent...* *Splash!* Suddenly, a pair of arms reached out from behind to embrace her. Nan Muxue didn't struggle; instead, she leaned back cooperatively. The voice of that "peeper" sounded in her ear: "It’s all your fault." "You’re the one who was overcome by lust. I haven't even held it against you, yet you dare blame me?" "I—I didn't!" "Is that so?" Nan Muxue turned her head, looking directly at her. "You didn't?" "Well, even if I did, I don't need to peep." Nan Muxue smiled, leaning her entire body against Chu Ruo. She raised a hand to lightly caress her cheek, her voice laced with playful affection. "You little lecher." "Muxue..." Chu Ruo murmured, her voice turning coquettish as her hands began to wander upward. Nan Muxue knew that the person behind her was never honest or well-behaved. She recalled what the others had said over the past few days. *Fine,* she thought. *I’ve teased her long enough; this is about right.* However, knowing this girl had been suppressed for so many days, she feared she would be the one to suffer tonight. She smiled helplessly; no matter how she played it, she was the one who ended up at a disadvantage. Just as she thought the other was about to lean in for a kiss, Chu Ruo’s hands pressed firmly onto her shoulders. "Are you tired? Let me give you a massage. Later, I’ll scrub your back and give you a full-body massage. I guarantee it’ll relax your muscles and stimulate your blood flow..." Nan Muxue doubted her own ears. "You..." But Chu Ruo was completely immersed in her role as a "qualified bath attendant." She was kneading shoulders and pounding legs with frantic energy, even asking smugly, "Not bad, right? You wouldn't find this in ancient times..." Nan Muxue felt like laughing. *Let her be.* All this pandering was surely for the sake of... She relaxed her body against the other. "Mm. Continue." Soon, it was time for bed. Chu Ruo carried her wife to the bedside. The moment they lay down, she impatiently flipped over. "Muxue." Nan Muxue raised a hand to hook around her neck. "What is it?" "I have a favor to ask." Nan Muxue lightly flicked her chin. "Granted." Chu Ruo’s pupils dilated. "You already know what I’m going to say?" "You’ve been jumping around like a monkey these past few days. Isn't that enough of a hint?" "Hehe, well, I was just afraid you wouldn't agree." "Blockhead." Nan Muxue propped herself up slightly and kissed her beloved. Things quickly began to spiral out of control... "Wait, wait!" Chu Ruo, her breath ragged, actually tried to pull away. Nan Muxue’s face was flushed and her heart was racing. She gave a frustrated, light bite to Chu Ruo’s lip. "What now?" Chu Ruo took a deep breath. "Do you really promise me?" Nan Muxue was utterly speechless. Was her current state not obvious enough? She spoke irritably, "Speak." "About taking a disciple. You promised me before we returned to the Palace. We’ve been back and married for so long now, so..." She sheepishly rubbed her head. "Can I finally take one on?" "All that effort tonight... was just so you could take a disciple?" It seemed Chu Ruo had been living too comfortably lately. Not only was she completely lacking in romantic tact, but she had also lost her sense of danger. She failed to notice the cold glint in Nan Muxue’s eyes or the ominous lack of emotion in her voice. "Well, I had to ask you for a favor, didn't I? It’s been dragged out for so long. Every time I bring it up, you stall." "Good. Very good." *Thump, thump, thump!* "What did I do wrong?! Muxue! Muxue, let me in! It’s cold out here, and I’m only wearing my pajamas! *Achoo!*" *Look at that. The Saintess peeped at the Palace Master in the bath and got kicked out of the room in the middle of the night. Tsk, tsk...* Only Chu Ruo didn't understand why, for every day that followed, she was either being pinned down or was on her way to being pinned down. Every night lasted until the break of dawn, and the next day, Nan Muxue would vanish like a heartless rogue as soon as she put her clothes on. *How is a girl supposed to live like this?* *** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 新设的分派 | Newly established branch | A new division or sect location. 苦寒之地 | Bitterly cold wasteland / Bitterly cold lands | A common idiom for harsh, frozen environments. 狗窝头 | Dog's nest head | Slang for messy, unkempt hair. 舒筋活络 | Relaxing muscles and stimulating blood flow | A traditional Chinese medical term often used in the context of massage. 不解风情 | Lacking romantic tact / Unromantic | To fail to understand or appreciate a romantic atmosphere or gesture.