Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 222 | A Heartfelt Surprise | Novela.app

This was the first thought that crossed Chu Ruo’s mind every morning lately. Today, she fi-fi-fi-fi-fi-finally managed to catch the person who usually vanished at the crack of dawn. "What are you doing?" Nan Muxue continued dressing herself, unperturbed. "What?" "You... how can you even ask that so calmly?" "What about me? Do you want to continue?" *Cough...* Was that something that should be coming out of her mouth? Chu Ruo sat halfway up, but realizing her state was somewhat improper, she quickly yanked the quilt back up to cover herself. "That’s enough out of you." "Mhm, it is indeed enough. We shall speak more of it tonight." "Nan Muxue!" Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance. "Hmm?" Chu Ruo immediately lost her nerve, shrinking back with a pitiful, aggrieved expression. "Xue'er... Wifey..." "Why are you grabbing my hand?" Chu Ruo clung to her tightly. "Lately, you disappear the moment I wake up." Adjusting her sleeves, Nan Muxue said, "I didn't tap your sleep acupoints. You’re simply waking up late on your own." "Yes, yes, it’s all my fault," Chu Ruo grumbled inwardly. *You conscience-lacking little viper. Every morning I have to get up early to manage the palace affairs for you, and at night, I have to... I have to serve you.* No, she couldn't let those thoughts show, or she’d be in for it. She forced a smile and leaned in. "Then why do you get up so early? Where do you go?" "Do I not return early enough in the evening?" "Why are you always thinking about the evening? I’ve noticed you’ve been especially cold to me lately." "Have I?" "Yes!" Chu Ruo tugged on her arm, acting spoiled. "You don't love me anymore. Your heart has changed. You don't cherish me like you used to. Xue'er..." Nan Muxue raised an eyebrow. "Then what is it you want?" "I want things to be like they were before." Nan Muxue cut her off. "I have things to do. Let go." "I won't!" "Let go." "No! Stay and keep me company." A sudden glint flashed in Nan Muxue’s eyes. She pinched Chu Ruo’s chin, her lips drawing closer. "Keep you company?" *Oh no. This is very, very bad.* "Actually, never mind! Go on, go do your busy work..." Nan Muxue pinned her down. "Too late..." *Waaaah, I’m so wronged, I want to cry. This is nothing like what we agreed on before the wedding. This isn't the usual little viper, waaaah!* *Heartbreaker!* For the ninety-nine thousand, eight hundredth time, Chu Ruo woke up to find the other side of the bed empty again. She was indignant. She really was reaping what she sowed... but heavens, when would this end? *** That evening. "Wifey, you’re back?" "Mhm." "Where on earth have you been going?" "In the past, you used to run around everywhere, and I never restricted you." "As if! you watched me like a hawk—*ahem*, anyway, look at that bright moon. Such a beautiful night for a beautiful occasion." Nan Muxue felt a bit like laughing. "What are you trying to say?" "We haven't been on a date in so long." "A date?" Without another word, Chu Ruo pushed her toward the door. "Let’s go sit by Silent Lake. We can talk about poetry, chat about life, have a little wine... come on, let’s go." Nan Muxue said nothing, allowing her hand to be taken. The smile at the corner of her lips remained unchanged. "Look at the moon tonight. What was that phrase? Right, 'moonlight like flowing water.' It’s so beautiful. And it’s just the two of us. I gave orders today that no one else is allowed to come here. Just us, quietly admiring the moon." "What? You were the one who told everyone they could come here in the future, and now you find it too noisy?" Ever since Nan Menghua set that fire, there were no more secrets around Silent Lake except for the Icy Frost Cave. During the unbearable summer heat, Chu Ruo had kindly discussed it with Nan Muxue and agreed to let everyone come to the lakeside to play for an hour or two. As for the Icy Frost Cave, permission was still withheld. However, once the floodgates were opened, the place was swarming with people every night. Eventually, Chu Ruo couldn't take it anymore and set a new rule: every four—no, five days—the others could come for one day. The rest of the time was off-limits. "Then should I take back what I said?" "As the Master of a Palace, is your word a mere joke?" Chu Ruo puffed out her cheeks. "Then what should I do? I just want to be here with you, without being disturbed." Nan Muxue finally cupped her face. "Aren't we together now?" "Hehe, true." She embraced her. "Xue'er, hug me..." Nan Muxue naturally indulged her, wrapping her arms tightly around her in return. "You haven't even had much to drink, have you?" Chu Ruo didn't answer. She simply tilted her head and kissed her, then let out a silly, doting laugh. "Hehe." Nan Muxue’s eyes were full of mirth. "Weren't you just complaining that I was being cold to you?" Chu Ruo leaned into her embrace. "But no matter how much time passes, as long as I see you the moment I open my eyes, I feel like the whole day will be wonderful. Even though we’ve been married for a while, my love for you only grows. At night, you are in my dreams, never leaving." Though moved, Nan Muxue still stubbornly asked, "Aren't you afraid I'll hit you?" "What choice do I have? I’ve fallen for you completely in this life. I love everything about you—whether you’re cold as frost or gentle as water, you’re still my Xue'er, my treasure." "Ruo'er..." Nan Muxue pulled her beloved closer, ending the date with a fervent kiss. *** *Splash—* In the bath, a pair of hands rested on her shoulders once again. Nan Muxue leaned back with a smile. "What, here to give me a massage again? Wanting to beg me to let you take a disciple?" "You’re really a mood-killer." "Am I wrong? You’re being so attentive." This time, those hands were truly restless. Chu Ruo whispered suggestively into her ear, "I’m in no mood to think about those things." "Does that mean you’ve given up? Mmm~" "Are you finished washing? Do you want to go back to the bed, or should we stay here?" Nan Muxue held her hand, but she too was becoming restless. Using her last shred of reason, she managed only two words: "The bed. Back to the bed." *Hehe~* "Wifey, isn't it time you gave me what you owe me?" Nan Muxue hooked her arms around her neck, just as she had that night. "Do you want to talk about a disciple again?" Chu Ruo shook her head, her kisses falling. "The bridal chamber you owe me. From our wedding night... you owe me." Their breaths mingled as they pressed close. "Ruo'er..." Chu Ruo’s breathing grew heavy. "Xue'er... I love you..." Nan Muxue nipped at her lip. "Tonight, I am yours." She knew those words were enough to drive the other woman wild, and indeed they did. "You always have been..." *** The next day. When Chu Ruo woke up—*Huh?* There was actually someone beside her pillow. Overjoyed, she rolled over and hugged her. "Mmm, my precious wifey, you’re still here." "Did you want me to leave?" "No! Don't you dare leave, okay?" Nan Muxue held the head that was nuzzling against her. "Why so aggrieved?" "Because you’ve been disappearing every day lately. I missed you. I know you were annoyed because I mentioned taking a disciple that night, but you’ve been angry for so many days now, surely it’s time to let it go?" "I am not as petty as you." "You aren't? Then what have you been doing all these days?" "I can only blame a certain someone for being so obsessed with taking a disciple..." "See, see! I knew it was because of that..." One look from Nan Muxue made her immediately lose her nerve. "Go on, keep talking, keep talking." "I was kind enough to go scouting for you, yet a certain someone doesn't appreciate it." "Wh-what did you say?!" Nan Muxue rolled her eyes. "Want to shout a few more times?" *Muah!* "No, I’m just so happy! Wait, so you mean you were out picking a disciple for me?" "What did you think?" Chu Ruo excitedly kissed her over and over. "Wifey, you really are the best, best, best wife in the whole world! So you won't be going out anymore, right? You’ll be by my side every morning from now on, right?" Looking at her silly grin, Nan Muxue’s eyes were full of indulgence. "I was going to tell you last night, but... are you happy about the disciple, or..." "I want a disciple, but compared to you, nothing is more important than my Xue'er. I’d rather never take a disciple in my life if it means I get to see you every time I open my eyes." "Ruo'er~" In the next second, Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "Is that so?" "Wait, wait, don't! You’ve already picked them out for me, we can't let that go to waste. But what about that young disciple we mentioned before?" "She’s there too. I’ve selected a few for you; you can see for yourself." "Then... how many will you let me take? Can I take them all?" Nan Muxue said huffily, "Then take them all." "No, no, I still have to spend time with you. I can't handle too many." "You can go see them now. Why stay here..." "We can worry about that later. Right now, let’s first..." "That’s enough..." "It’s not enough~" "Mmm~ Chu Ruo, get off me..." "Be good, let’s continue~" ***