As more and more branches were established, everyone in the Hundred Flowers Palace became busier than they had ever been before.
Yin Liuli had just arrived at a new branch when she heard Duan Ning throwing a fit. Duan Ning had shut herself in her room for several hours, forbidding anyone from disturbing her.
*Creak—*
"Get out!" came a voice, sharp with irritation and impatience. "Didn't I say no one is allowed in here?"
The newcomer walked over with a gentle step. "I assume that doesn't include me?"
"Liuli?" Duan Ning didn't even have time to stand before Yin Liuli sat down beside her. She immediately pulled the other woman into an embrace. "Liuli, you’re finally here."
Yin Liuli wrapped her arms around her tenderly. "The moment I arrived, I heard you were upset. What happened?"
"Don't even get me started. It’s infuriating," Duan Ning grumbled, though she quickly added, "I went down the mountain to recruit new disciples, but I couldn't get a single one. It turns out the major sects are all scrambling for people."
"And that’s why you’re this angry?"
Duan Ning shook her head. "Of course. We both know what this means."
"Every sect is wary of us."
"They’re becoming more united. If this continues, it will be very disadvantageous for us in the long run."
Yin Liuli smiled. "Don't worry. I came here specifically to handle this."
"Mm." Duan Ning leaned into her embrace, not moving an inch. "I knew it. You’re always there when I need you."
"So, do you feel any better?"
"I still can't swallow this grievance. I had my eye on a few good prospects. If I had recruited them, I definitely wouldn't have lost to Chu Ruo next time..."
"Oh, so someone had a hidden agenda after all."
Duan Ning stubbornly argued, "Wh-what? I’m doing this for the good of the Palace! And, well, maybe to win against her just once."
"You really are willful."
Duan Ning tilted her head. "Liuli, I’ve noticed that every time I mention Chu Ruo, you always take her side."
Yin Liuli held her close, her smile bright and radiant. "Do I?"
"It’s one thing for Xue’er to help her, but you and Yan’er are biased too. We grew up together!"
"I’m simply siding with reason, not favoritism."
"What 'reason' does she have?"
"Alright, it was just a joke, and yet you’re actually getting worked up."
"Well, it matters! What exactly is our relationship, then?"
Yin Liuli looked at her with an amused glint in her eyes. "Hmm, what *is* our relationship?"
The Third Protector, who usually loved to tease others, now found her own face flushing crimson. She buried her head in Yin Liuli’s chest and remained silent.
"Nothing to say?"
"You’ve learned how to tease me now."
"I would never." After their brief moment of playfulness, Yin Liuli returned to the matter at hand. "Tell me everything about the situation here."
"There’s no rush for that," Duan Ning said, blinking her eyes. "Let’s go for a walk down the mountain. We can deal with those things tomorrow."
"You..."
"Liuli~"
Yin Liuli gave in with a helpless sigh. "Fine, let’s go."
***
Night fell, but the two had not yet returned. Yin Liuli watched the bustling crowds. "It’s quite similar to the town at the foot of the Hundred Flowers Palace."
"There are still differences. Guangjiang City is always more lively."
"Do you like it here?"
"I like anywhere that’s lively. Being able to travel the world with you—that would be the best thing of all."
"When will you ever change that play-loving nature of yours?"
Duan Ning swayed her head back and forth. "What’s wrong with it? Life only lasts a few decades; one shouldn't waste the present."
As they spoke, they happened upon a quiet spot by a small river. "Ning’er."
"Hmm?"
"For you."
Duan Ning took the object, her eyes widening in surprise. "Isn't this wooden hairpin the only thing your mother left you...?"
"I want you to have it."
"But it’s too important to you..."
Yin Liuli interrupted her again, personally tucking the inexpensive wooden hairpin into Duan Ning’s hair. "It is precisely because it is important that I am giving it to you. Ning’er, though we may not be as dramatic as Xue’er and Chu Ruo, nor have we suffered the hardships and torments of Yunshuang and Yan’er, the bond between us is second to none."
Duan Ning stepped forward and embraced her again. "Mm. Liuli, actually... I wanted to say something to you tonight too. But I never imagined you would be the one to speak first."
Yin Liuli chuckled softly. "The Old Palace Master is gone, and there is no one left to restrict us. After seeing what the others went through, I’ve come to understand one thing: cherish the person before you."
"That’s wonderful." Duan Ning smiled, though tears welled in her eyes. "I always thought we would never dare to take this step, that we would only ever be able to gaze at each other from afar. But now, we can actually hold hands. We can actually be together."
"That doesn't sound like something you would say. You’re usually so carefree."
"Hush," Duan Ning murmured with a light pout. "I’m serious. After seeing the torment Xue’er and Chu Ruo endured, I really didn't dare to reveal my heart. I was afraid something would happen to you."
"I felt the same. In truth, for us, and for Yunshuang and Yan’er... we have Xue’er and Chu Ruo to thank for all of this."
"Yes. It was they who made me believe that love really can break through everything."
Yin Liuli nodded. "Ning’er, for the rest of our lives, are you willing to be with me?"
"I am," Duan Ning choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Liuli, of course I am."
After a moment of warmth, Yin Liuli wiped the tears from the other woman's face and teased, "Look at you, a grown woman crying like a baby."
"You’re the one who moved me to tears."
"Alright, it’s my fault."
"Mm. You have to give in to me from now on, you hear me?"
"When have I ever not given in to you?"
Duan Ning looked immensely satisfied. "How are Yunshuang and Yan’er doing?"
"They’re doing quite well. I believe they went down the mountain too. Yunshuang took Yan’er to pay respects to her mother and Senior Yunjie."
"So, they’re 'meeting the parents' then?"
"What are you muttering about?"
"Nothing." Duan Ning interlaced her fingers with Yin Liuli’s. "Liuli, I was thinking... when we get back, I want to find Xue’er."
"Find Xue’er?"
The corners of Duan Ning's mouth curled upward. "Didn't she say before that our matters should be officially arranged as well?"
Yin Liuli was startled for a moment before the realization hit her. A blissful smile spread across her face. "Alright."
