Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 239 | Chapter 239 | Novela.app

Crackle, crackle, crackle… The sound of firecrackers signaled the arrival of another New Year. Chu Ruo led her young disciples outside, covering their ears as they set off fireworks. Everyone’s face was full of joy. This year, Baihua Palace was especially lively. Unlike its former cold silence, it now carried the warmth of life. “Xue’er!” From afar, she spotted the familiar white figure and immediately ran toward her beloved. “Why did you come out?” Nan Mu Xue gently brushed the snowflakes from her shoulders, as she always did. “You’ve been outside long enough. Come inside and warm up.” “I’m happy,” Chu Ruo said cheerfully. “I have hand warmers.” She whistled, calling over Wo Tou and her puppies, picking up two plump little dogs. “Look! They’re chubby and cute and—” “Inside.” Just two words. Chu Ruo obediently followed behind her, reluctantly making faces at the disciples, silently promising to continue playing later, before quickly catching up with her wife and entering the room. “Xue’er, it’s snowing outside.” The charcoal fire burned warmly inside. Watching others playing outside, Chu Ruo’s eyes filled with envy. She crouched beside Nan Mu Xue. “Let me go play a little longer.” Nan Mu Xue flipped through her account book and replied simply, “No.” “Why?” “It’s cold outside.” “Everyone else is out there…” “They are not you.” Chu Ruo pouted. “You…” Nan Mu Xue chuckled softly. “Later, I’ll go with you.” Chu Ruo’s eyes lit up. “My wife is the cutest. Let me kiss—” “Go check the accounts.” “…It’s New Year’s Day. Please let me off.” “Diligence brings reward.” “Xue’er~ Oh right, speaking of accounts, I have something.” “What?” Chu Ruo opened her palm. It was empty. Nan Mu Xue looked confused. “What?” “You don’t understand?” Chu Ruo grinned. “New Year’s money.” She grabbed Nan Mu Xue’s arm. “Give me red envelope money.” Nan Mu Xue raised an eyebrow. “You have the nerve?” “Why wouldn’t I?” Chu Ruo protested. “Everyone else has one. As your husband, a holy envoy, and one of Baihua Palace’s masters, why shouldn’t I?” “You’re already a palace master. What do you need it for?” Chu Ruo leaned closer and kissed her. “But I still answer to someone.” “…My dear wife.” — This was the first time Chu Ruo had money in her hands since Nan Mu Xue confiscated all her private savings. She held the red envelope like a treasure, earning plenty of disgusted looks. “You’re really that excited?” “You don’t understand. It’s been forever since I touched money.” “Tch.” “I was the one who suggested giving red envelopes in the first place,” Chu Ruo argued. “Everyone benefited.” “Yes, yes,” Duan Ning said dryly. “We’re so grateful.” “Go away.” — The next day, Chu Ruo returned from playing outside and ran happily to Nan Mu Xue again, holding out her hand. “Xue’er, red envelope.” Nan Mu Xue smiled gently. “I already gave you one yesterday.” “I want another today.” Nan Mu Xue indulged her. “Alright.” Chu Ruo added sweetly, “And a little more.” “What for?” “This part is mine. The rest, I want to give to my disciples.” “I already gave them yours.” Chu Ruo clung to her. “But I want to give it personally.” Nan Mu Xue sighed. “You’re generous with money.” Chu Ruo gave red envelopes to everyone—even the dogs. She claimed she’d save Wo Tou’s money to buy chicken legs later. Basically, every living being in Baihua Palace received one. Nan Mu Xue finally relented. “You’re unusually persistent about this.” Chu Ruo smiled softly. “There’s only one thing I’ve been truly persistent about my whole life.” “What?” “Being with you.” Nan Mu Xue smiled faintly. “You speak sweetly when asking for money.” Chu Ruo leaned closer. “You’ll know how sweet if you kiss me.” — The next day, Nan Mu Xue overheard the disciples talking. “I’m rich! Even Wo Tou has savings now!” Nan Mu Xue entered the room. Chu Ruo quickly hid her money. “Xue’er!” “You gave the money away?” “Of course. They were so happy.” “They thanked you?” “I told them it was from you.” Nan Mu Xue nodded slowly. “Five coins made them that happy?” Chu Ruo froze. “…What?” “I gave fifty coins each,” Nan Mu Xue said calmly. “You gave them five?” Chu Ruo panicked. “How did you know?” “You never change.” “I only kept a little!” she protested. “You don’t let me keep money. I’m poor! Besides, they’re children. I’ll repay them next year!” Nan Mu Xue stepped closer. “You don’t understand your mistake.” Chu Ruo didn’t get the chance to argue. She was lifted, thrown onto the bed— And thus began her punishment. What a way to start the New Year… Muxue Pavilion. During the New Year, Chu Ruo and Nan Mu Xue brought Nan’er down the mountain to visit Dong’er, allowing the siblings to reunite. They were still children, after all, and their joy warmed everyone’s hearts. Late at night, only Granny Hua remained in the hall. Chu Ruo approached with a jug of wine. “Not sleeping yet?” “Too old to sleep much,” Granny Hua said. “Besides, who would drink with you?” They laughed and began drinking. Chu Ruo handed her a red envelope. “A New Year’s gift for an elder.” Granny Hua handed one back. “And one for the younger generation.” She added knowingly, “Hide it well.” Chu Ruo laughed awkwardly. “Thank you.” After a few drinks, Chu Ruo spoke softly, “About Dong’er…” “I’ll take care of him,” Granny Hua said. “He has talent.” Chu Ruo replied, “He’s still young. If someday you want independence, I’ll help you open your own inn.” Granny Hua shook her head. “I came to rely on you. Just take care of them after I’m gone.” Chu Ruo’s chest tightened. “You still have many years.” Granny Hua smiled. “Maybe it’s not luck. Maybe people help you because you help them first.” Chu Ruo felt warmth spread through her heart. — At dawn, she returned to her room. Nan Mu Xue was still in bed. “Xue’er.” “What time is it?” “Still early.” “Then why are you here?” Chu Ruo smiled and lay beside her. “I missed you.” Nan Mu Xue grabbed her. “You said you’d be gone briefly. You stayed all night.” “I talked with Granny Hua.” Nan Mu Xue teased lightly, “You found another confidant?” Chu Ruo shook her head. “I just… feel happy now. Everyone I care about is safe. And you’re with me. Every year, every day.” Nan Mu Xue smiled. “You’ve become sentimental.” “We fought so hard to be together. I treasure every day.” Nan Mu Xue said gently, “You haven’t slept. Rest.” Chu Ruo shook her head. “We have business today.” Nan Mu Xue interrupted, “We’re not going anywhere.” Chu Ruo insisted on getting up. Nan Mu Xue finally helped her dress. As she adjusted her waist pouch, she noticed the sachet that once held the antidote to the Baihua Gu poison. “You kept it?” “Yes,” Chu Ruo said softly. “You gave it to me. It’s precious.” Chu Ruo looked at her curiously. “If my poison was cured long ago, what were those antidotes you gave me?” Nan Mu Xue placed a pill in her mouth. Before Chu Ruo could react, she kissed her. “Poison,” Nan Mu Xue whispered. Chu Ruo smiled against her lips. “I thought so.” “I’ve been poisoned by you.” “And now, my heart belongs only to you.”