“Alright now, how long are you going to stay mad?”
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. “You have an objection?”
Chu Ruo’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately leaned in with a flattering smile. “I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. You can stay mad as long as you like.”
“Then why are you sticking to me? Get lost.”
Who was Chu Ruo? She was the world’s leading expert in being thick-skinned. Hearing those words, she didn't retreat; instead, she pressed herself even closer, wrapping her arms around the other woman’s waist. “Xue’er, I was wrong. Don’t be angry anymore. You know perfectly well I don’t actually *do* anything when I go there.”
Nan Muxue didn't push her away after all. “Then what exactly do you intend to do?”
“I just go to take a look, listen to some tunes, and have a little wine.”
Nan Muxue reached out and pinched her ear. “What have I told you before? I hate it most when you lie to me.”
“But you were so angry last night! If I’d told the truth then, would I even be alive right now?”
Immediately, Chu Ruo realized she had put her foot in her mouth yet again. Nan Muxue was staring daggers at her. “So, you’re saying this is my fault?”
“Can you please stop nitpicking my words? I can’t win an argument against you, and I certainly can’t win a fight…”
“You actually want to raise a hand against me?”
…Women were truly unreasonable. “I never said that!”
“It seems your life has been a bit too comfortable lately.”
A married and furious "Little Scorpion" was utterly beyond reason, yet Chu Ruo still had to coax her on bended knee. “Isn't that because I’ve been spending it with you? My wife is the best to me.”
As she spoke, she tried to "sneak attack" with a kiss. Unexpectedly, someone walked in at that exact moment. Nan Muxue, quick as a flash, pinched Chu Ruo’s puckered lips shut. When the group entered, they were greeted by this ridiculous sight.
Nangong Yan covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “The door is wide open. If you’re going to kiss, shouldn't you close it first?”
Chu Ruo’s mouth was pinched shut, rendering her unable to move. Nan Muxue, on the other hand, acted as if nothing were amiss, her composure deathly calm. “What is it?”
Yin Liuli spoke up. “We’ve been down the mountain for quite some time now. We just wanted to ask when you plan on heading back?”
“I still have some matters to attend to. You four head back first and take the young disciples with you.”
The others didn't say much, but as Nan Yunshuang walked out, she left behind a deadpan remark: “Spoiling her too much isn't good for her.” Then, she departed.
…What kind of situation was this?
Once everyone was gone, Nan Muxue still hadn't let go. Chu Ruo desperately tried to lean in closer. Seeing this, Nan Muxue finally chuckled. “You spent all of last night hiding, yet now you’re sticking to me like you aren't afraid to die.”
Finally managing to pry the hand off her mouth, Chu Ruo immediately gripped it tight and got her wish, planting a kiss on her beloved’s lips. “Well, I’m the type who forgets the pain once the wound heals. I remember the treats, but never the beatings.”
“Shameless.”
Chu Ruo hugged her tightly. “Xue’er, you’re so good to me.”
“Good? I beat you and didn't let you sleep in the bed. Haven't you cursed me as a 'Little Scorpion' ten thousand times in your head?”
“That’s a bit unfair. How could I ever bear to curse you?” Chu Ruo spoke lazily. “I knew my Xue’er was the best. You sent them all back first because you knew I hadn't had enough fun yet.”
Nan Muxue’s eyes were filled with an eternally indulgent smile, yet her voice remained sharp. “Who said I did it for you? I did it for myself.”
“You’re just being stubborn. Everyone knows you love peace and quiet.”
“Is that so? I was actually planning to go check out that brothel myself.”
*Boing!* Chu Ruo sat bolt upright. “What would you go there for? You’re not allowed!”
Seeing her reaction, Nan Muxue hid her amusement and said provocatively, “If you can go, why can’t I?”
“That’s a brothel!”
Nan Muxue narrowed her eyes. “And?”
“And… and you’re just not allowed to go.”
“Why? Because you’re the only one allowed?”
“I… I…” Chu Ruo was speechless for a long moment, her face flushing red as she squeezed out a whisper. “You’re a woman!”
“What did you say? Say it again? I didn't quite hear you.”
…“Why are you pulling my ear again?!”
Nan Muxue gave her a sidelong glance. “What do you think?”
With just that one look, Chu Ruo didn't dare say another word. “Xue’er, just forgive me this once.”
“This once? You’ll dare to do it again next time?”
“I won't, I won't! I—”
“Words are hollow.”
Chu Ruo immediately scrambled to please her. “Then I’ll write you a guarantee!”
Nan Muxue extended a jade-like finger and wagged it slowly. The smirk at the corner of her mouth suggested things wouldn't be that simple.
Sometime later, on another night, Chu Ruo found an opportunity and slipped away to the brothel again.
However, before she could even step through the door, she was blocked by Sister Yao.
“What’s the meaning of this? You’re not letting me in?”
Sister Yao sighed. “My little ancestor, the Palace Master gave orders. You are not allowed to frequent the brothel. If you do, we’re the ones who suffer.”
“Hey now, that’s no fun. Think of our friendship! Besides, your place is just for singing and playing the zither now. I’m just coming in for a little wine, you know that. I usually give you so many tips on how to package your business, and I’ve never been stingy with the silver…”
“Oh, I know all that. But you have to empathize with us. Besides, you don’t even have any money left.”
Chu Ruo felt a surge of embarrassment. “Who says I don’t have money?”
Sister Yao gave her a knowing, triumphant smile. “The Palace Master told us long ago—from now on, don’t expect to have a single copper on you. Let me tell you, it’s not just us; she’s sent word to every brothel in the vicinity. You aren't allowed in, and you aren't allowed to run up a tab. Now hurry up and go, we have a business to run.”
…“Hey, you!” Chu Ruo was pushed out. “What kind of people are these? They flip faster than the pages of a book! Hmph!”
By the time she returned to Muxue Pavilion, the lights in the room were still on. “Wife, I’m back early today!”
She failed to notice the strange glint in Nan Muxue’s eyes. “Oh? Back so early?”
“Wasn't it because I was thinking of you? See how well-behaved I am?”
“Oh?” Nan Muxue nodded. “It wasn't because you were turned away at the door?”
Chu Ruo rubbed her nose. “Of course not! Who told you such nonsense? I gave you my guarantee last time.”
Nan Muxue’s smile remained brilliant. “Is that so?”
“I…”
“So, you’ve knowingly broken your word.”
That tone… things were about to explode. “Uh, I just remembered I have something to do…”
Alas, how could she ever escape the Little Scorpion’s clutches? With a mournful face, she was hauled back. “Where else do you think you’re going?”
“Nowhere, nowhere!” Chu Ruo was nearly crying from fright. “I was really wrong. I’ll never dare do it again, I swear!”
Nan Muxue pinched her cheek. “What was the guarantee you made last time?”
“All my money goes to you. I’m not allowed to carry any money on me.”
“And?”
“And what else?”
While Chu Ruo was still confused, she was suddenly shoved onto the bed. Looking at the suggestive look in the other woman’s eyes, she instantly understood and began to tremble. “That wasn't part of the deal!”
That domineering voice she hadn't heard in a while rang in her ear again. “If I say it is, then it is.”
“It wasn't—”
Nan Muxue kissed her fiercely. “For every one visit, ten punishments.”
“You’re trying to kill me! You malicious woman…”
However, a second later, she went perfectly still. The reason? Her pressure point had been struck again. Oh, the resentment! And so, on a night where the wind did not howl and the rain did not pour, Chu Ruo "aggrievedly" succumbed to the other’s oppression.
Afterward, Nan Muxue nodded with satisfaction, as if saying *that’s more like it*. She whispered into Chu Ruo’s ear, “Remember, I’m the one in charge.”
*Waaaah, what kind of life is this…*
