At the break of dawn, as the first light of morning emerged, Chu Ruo was still deep in a dream, playing a game of Gomoku with the Duke of Zhou. Suddenly, her world seemed to tilt and sway as she was shaken vigorously. Just as she was about to snap awake and let out a string of curses, a gentle voice reached her ears.
"Ruo'er? Ruo'er?"
"Mmm..." Still half-asleep, she smacked her lips and rubbed her eyes blearily. "Yan'er?"
Seeing her sleeping like a log, Nan Muxue felt her mood brighten for no particular reason. She reached out with practiced ease and pinched that handsome face. "Just how long do you plan on sleeping?"
"Mmm," Chu Ruo replied, her voice thick with the lethargy of the unrested. "It’s still early..." Her limbs, already draped over the other woman, coiled even tighter. "This is nice."
Nan Muxue was puzzled. What was so nice about this? "What is?"
"This is the first time I’ve woken up and found you still by my side," Chu Ruo murmured, nuzzling against her to enjoy that comfortably cool sensation. "Usually, every time I wake up the next morning, you’ve already vanished. You always leave so early, silent as a ghost. If I didn't know better, I’d think you were ashamed to be seen in the light."
...How could someone be so terrible with words? Nan Muxue found herself uncharacteristically tongue-tied. After a long pause, she managed a frustrated retort, "You’re the ghost. A lazy ghost."
"Heh, I’ll admit to that," Chu Ruo replied, completely lacking any self-awareness.
Nan Muxue couldn't help but be amused. "Where on earth does someone as thick-skinned as you come from?"
"It’s one of my greatest strengths. If my skin were thin, how could I be holding you like this while we sleep?"
"Hush!"
Her tone was a mix of embarrassment and urgency. Chu Ruo, however, felt as though her vision was slowly returning; at the very least, the blurry shadows now had distinct outlines. She suddenly leaned in. "Yan'er, you’re so cute when you’re like this."
She leaned down to plant a kiss, but a slender jade finger blocked her path. "Yan'er," she complained.
Looking at the girl's frustrated expression, Nan Muxue felt a flutter in her heart. She pinched Chu Ruo’s chin. "I have to go."
"What? So early?"
Nan Muxue teased, "I thought you couldn't see. How do you know it's early?"
"I’m not stupid. When have you ever slept in?" Chu Ruo grumbled incessantly. "Did you wake me up on purpose today because something’s wrong?" She took the opportunity to lean in and try to steal a bit of affection. "Or was it because you couldn't bear to leave me..."
Unfortunately, her martial arts were already inferior to the other woman's, and being partially blind made her movements even less agile. This time, Nan Muxue simply used her hand to pinch Chu Ruo’s lips together. Chu Ruo let out a series of muffled "wu-wu-wu" sounds, but not a single word was intelligible.
"Don't be noisy," Nan Muxue said with a smile. "Didn't you plan to see Caifeng today? It just so happens I have to leave, so I thought I’d wake you up on the way out."
Chu Ruo reached up to grasp the hand pinching her mouth, finally managing to speak. "You didn't have to wake me *this* early. And you—every time you leave, it's just one sentence and then you're gone, and I don't see you again until the next night. You..."
"So talkative," the other woman interrupted her rambling. "Waking up early to practice your internal energy is good for your body and will help your eyes recover faster. Alright, I’m going."
"Oh."
Hearing that dejected little sound, Nan Muxue felt both exasperated and amused. Ultimately, her heart softened. Just as she was about to stand up, she leaned back down and pressed her lips against the other's...
***
"What are you giggling for now?"
"I'm happy," Chu Ruo said, touching her lips as if savoring the moment. "Yan'er, you’re so good to me."
"Am I?"
"Of course. You’re always so good to me."
"And the Little Scorpion? Is she not good to you?"
"She... she’s also good to me." At the mention of Nan Muxue, Chu Ruo’s expression shifted. This elicited a soft laugh from the other woman.
"Why so reluctant?" Nan Muxue asked playfully. "You were fine just a moment ago. Why the sudden change of face? Could it be you weren't telling the truth?"
"No, it’s the truth. I really do feel like you both treat me well. It’s just... just..." Chu Ruo fumbled to find and grasp her hand, holding it tightly as if refusing to let go. "I have something to tell you." She had intended to discuss the situation between the three of them last night, but Yan'er’s sudden, proactive kiss had caused her to lose herself. They had spent the night immersed in intoxicating kisses and shared warmth, so the topic had naturally been pushed aside. Now that she was clear-headed, she knew she had to come clean.
"Yan'er," Chu Ruo took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts, only to find her mind blank. Forget it, she would just say it straight. "I want to say... about me, you, and the Little Scorpion... the three of us..."
"There is no need to speak of it," Nan Muxue said, pressing a finger to her lips. "We will discuss this matter another day."
"Another day?" Chu Ruo asked uncertainly. "Do you really know what I’m trying to say?"
"I am not as foolish as you," came the mocking reply.
"Yan'er~"
"Enough. We’ll talk later."
Chu Ruo scratched her head. What was going on? She asked tentatively, "So... you know that I’ve kissed the Little Scorpion, hugged her, and even slept in the same bed as her, and you’re not even a little bit angry?" This didn't seem right. Even a celestial maiden should blow a fuse if she heard the person she liked was getting cozy with someone else. And they were supposed to be best friends, weren't they? Come to think of it, the Little Scorpion didn't seem angry about her and Yan'er either, even though she was usually so petty that a single snide remark could earn you a death sentence. Why did she have no reaction to the Yan'er situation? Did they not like her? No, that couldn't be right—they wouldn't be holding hands and kissing her if they didn't. Could it be... they thought this was just some "pure sisterly bond"?
*Oh my god,* Chu Ruo suddenly reached a conclusion. *Yan'er and the Little Scorpion must be romantically clueless! They don't even know what 'liking' someone means!*
"Didn't I say? Whatever you two have done, you must pay it back to me twofold. Dazing off again?" Nan Muxue took the girl's face in both hands, forcing her to look at her. Though her vision was blurry, Chu Ruo could still feel the intensity of that gaze. "When you are with me, you are not allowed to let your mind wander."
"Oh. You’re really not mad? Actually, between the three of us..."
"I said now is not the time," Nan Muxue interrupted again. "Since you don't want to get up, sleep a while longer. I’m leaving."
Chu Ruo reached out and grabbed the hem of the other's inner robe, then slid her arms up to embrace her. "Wait—"
The other woman actually cooperated, leaning into her. "What now?"
"Will you come back tonight?"
"Tonight?" Nan Muxue mused for a moment, her hand caressing Chu Ruo’s face. "I’m afraid I cannot."
"Huh? You’re busy again? We only saw each other for one night. The Little Scorpion must have given you a ton of tasks, hasn't she? So wicked. Truly wicked."
Nan Muxue laughed, nodding along. "Indeed. Don't you think she’s being quite excessive, Ruo'er?"
"Absolutely! Her heart is practically made of poison. She’s always criticizing me; she really needs to watch her mouth. She’s definitely going to end up an old maid with a twisted psyche. It’s one thing to be a workaholic herself, but dragging others into it? Her conscience is completely rotten. Sooner or later, I’m going to draw a circle and curse her."
"Why wait? Wouldn't it be better to draw it now?"
The tone of that voice made Chu Ruo shiver. She instinctively turned her head, straining her blurry eyes to examine the person she was holding. Her head bobbed up and down as she looked. Just as Nan Muxue was about to ask what she was doing, Chu Ruo started muttering to herself.
"It’s Yan'er, right?" She even reached up to touch the other's cheek. "No mask... it is Yan'er. I was going to say, it’s not like you two could have swapped places overnight."
Nan Muxue reached her limit. "Chu Ruo! What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Ah, nothing, nothing!" Chu Ruo explained quickly. "I just thought your tone just now sounded exactly like the Little Scorpion. Are you angry?"
Nan Muxue stiffened, then forced herself to relax. "No."
"That’s good. I know the Little Scorpion can be wicked sometimes, but overall she’s alright, and you two are best friends. I guess it makes sense if you get a bit upset when I talk about her like that. I’ve seen you look a bit angry a few times."
Chu Ruo’s words were usually just meant to vent, and she didn't truly mean the curses. Nan Muxue wasn't genuinely offended; she was just occasionally driven to frustration by the girl's antics. Now, she felt like teasing her. "I am angry. She and I are as one; how could I not be?"
"Alright, alright, I know you two have a deep bond," Chu Ruo said, still missing the hidden meaning. She only heard that the tone wasn't truly angry and assumed it was a joke. "I... I just want to ask one more time. You really aren't mad about me and the Little Scorpion?"
"Does she know about you and me?"
"Her? She probably knows."
"And is she angry?"
"That... I don't know." Chu Ruo thought about it and shook her head. "She asked me once if I’d ever kissed you, but with her temper, shouldn't she be jumping with rage? Anyway, she hasn't been. Yan'er, I want to find a day for the three of us—you, me, and the Little Scorpion—to sit down and have a proper talk. Okay?"
Nan Muxue didn't want to talk—not yet. She wasn't ready to drop the "Yan'er" identity. She had a vague idea of what Chu Ruo wanted to say, and she both wanted and didn't want to hear it. She couldn't untangle her own conflicting feelings, so she decided to keep the secret for now. Besides, seeing this girl scratch her head in confusion was quite adorable. "I will discuss it with her and give you an answer later."
***
In the dungeon.
Caifeng looked at the person before her with a cold sneer. "What’s this? Did Master poke your eyes out?"
*Wow, talk about a dark mind,* Chu Ruo thought. *How could the Little Scorpion poke my eyes out?* However, her own tone had softened considerably. Chu Ruo had visited her before and promised to check on her mother, so while Caifeng’s words were harsh, they weren't truly malicious.
"Can't you wish me some luck? A young girl like you, constantly hoping I get my eyes gouged out. Besides, Master wouldn't do that."
Caifeng let out a disdainful scoff, picking up a piece of straw from the floor to fiddle with. "You really don't know her. The Young Palace Mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace is the most feared woman in the martial world. I truly can't tell if this innocence of yours is an act or if you’re just that stupid."
"Hey, watch your mouth. No insults," Chu Ruo said as she fumbled to crouch down facing the bars. "Is the Little Scor—I mean, Master—really as terrifying as the rumors say?"
"Believe what you want. But," Caifeng said, shredding the straw in her hands, "whether you know it or not, half of her disciples were personally imprisoned here by her. Broken hands, gouged eyes, crippled martial arts... listen to the screams from next door. That one gets a hundred lashes every day. Compared to them, I’m actually quite lucky."
Chu Ruo swallowed hard. The dungeon was actually well-insulated, and no sound was coming through, but under the influence of psychological suggestion, she swore she could hear faint screams. A sudden, chilly draft seemed to blow through the cell. "You... you’re bluffing."
"I’m truly curious what’s so special about you. But it won't be long," Caifeng said, curling her lip. "Everyone locked in here was once her most prized disciple. In the end, they all ended up like this. First it was the others, then me, and next... it’ll be you."
"Pah, pah, pah! Impossible. She would never treat me like that." *She wouldn't, she wouldn't.* Despite the fear creeping into her heart, Chu Ruo chose to believe in her. The Little Scorpion wouldn't do this to her.
"Naive."
"Hey, I’ve noticed you’re quite the pessimist. Even if she did do those things, wasn't it because they did something wrong? Otherwise, why would they be locked up?"
"I’ll just wait and see how long you stay in favor. Unless," Caifeng’s expression turned suggestive, "the rumors are true, and you and Master really have... something going on..."
"Stop right there," Chu Ruo interrupted the suggestive comment. "I might not care about my face, but Master does. Those are just baseless rumors. It doesn't matter if they ruin my reputation, but Master is a woman of pure character. People outside are clearly trying to tarnish her name. A woman’s reputation is her most precious possession. You can say whatever you want about me, but don't talk about us like that." Even if she and the Little Scorpion *did* have a bit of "something" going on, this was ancient times. As a Palace Mistress, her reputation was paramount.
"Chu Ruo," Caifeng’s attitude suddenly shifted. "You... perhaps you really do have some extraordinary qualities." Most people would have used those rumors to their advantage or acted spoiled based on Nan Muxue’s favor, but Chu Ruo hadn't. Her concern for Nan Muxue’s reputation wasn't about the palace’s prestige or gaining favor; it was a simple, sincere concern for a woman’s honor. Men who cared so much for a woman’s reputation were rare in this world.
"Wow," Chu Ruo said flatly. "A miracle. An actual compliment from your mouth." She clicked her tongue. "Let’s talk about something else. I went down the mountain and saw your mother."
Caifeng immediately turned serious. "How is she? Is she still sick? Did anyone cause trouble at the house? Is she..."
"Whoa, slow down! One at a time," Chu Ruo waved her hand. "The old lady is fine. You know she’s frail, so she has some minor ailments, but the doctor saw her and said it’s nothing serious. She just can't do heavy labor and spends most of her time resting in bed. I didn't dare tell her about your situation; I was afraid she’d worry. I just said you were busy and didn't have time to visit. She didn't suspect anything; she just told you to focus on your work."
The harsh, defiant look on Caifeng’s face vanished, replaced by the raw emotion of a daughter missing her mother. She was, after all, only a girl of seventeen or eighteen. Her eyes welled with tears. "That’s good. As long as she’s okay."
"Don't worry. I’ll visit her again when I have the chance. I gave her some silver. If you’re really worried, I’ll find someone to look after her next time I’m down there. But you’re paying for it!"
Caifeng laughed at the joke. "You really are a strange person. I tried to kill you, yet you’re helping me." Any other disciple in the Hundred Flowers Palace would have kicked her while she was down.
*Strange? The Little Scorpion said that too. I’ll take it as a compliment.* "Well, you’ve been punished, haven't you? If you truly repent, I’ll talk to Master later. There might be a chance to let you out." Of course, not yet. Chu Ruo was kind, but not stupid. Caifeng didn't seem inherently evil, but she was still unstable. She wouldn't make promises she couldn't keep, but if Caifeng truly changed, she really would plead with the Little Scorpion.
"There won't be," Caifeng said, shaking her head gloomily. "The Hundred Flowers Palace never gives second chances. Master not killing me is already an act of extreme mercy."
"Nothing is absolute. Don't be so pessimistic. Oh, right," Chu Ruo handed a cloth bundle through the bars. "Your mother asked me to bring you these. It’s mostly food. She said if you’re busy, don't worry about her; she’s fine. She knew you’d miss home cooking, so she made some things for you. She even sewed a garment. I kept it safe, and the food should still be good. Eat up."
"My mother’s eyesight is poor. Every time she threads a needle, it takes her forever. I told her so many times not to do it..." Despite her words, Caifeng immediately took the bundle and opened it. Inside were a few apples, some sesame flatbread, and a thick robe. Even in the sweltering summer heat, she picked up a piece of flatbread, took a bite, and suddenly burst into loud, racking sobs.
"What’s wrong? What happened?" The sudden outburst nearly made Chu Ruo fall over. She could see Caifeng had taken a bite of the bread. Was it spoiled? No, it shouldn't be. Was it that bad? Probably not. She must be missing her mother. Chu Ruo’s own nose felt a bit prickly. She missed home too, but Caifeng at least had something her mother made. Chu Ruo would never be able to go back.
"My mother..." Caifeng cried even harder. "She knows I’m in trouble."
Chu Ruo was stunned. "Are you sure? I didn't tell her! She didn't seem to doubt me."
Caifeng shook her head. "You don't understand. These apples... they represent her being safe and telling me not to worry. This robe... she knows I’m in the dungeon and sent it to keep me warm. And this flatbread... when I was little, we were so poor we had nothing to eat. One year, we were so hungry we had to eat tree bark. I went out and stole two buns. Mother beat me for it—the hardest she ever punished me. I was covered in bruises and caught a fever that night. It was then that she made this flatbread. Back then, I thought it was the most delicious thing in the world. Later, she sent me to the Hundred Flowers Palace, hoping I wouldn't be bullied anymore and could at least have a full meal. Every time I made a mistake in the palace and went to visit her, even if I said nothing and hid it perfectly, she would make this flatbread for me. She would watch me eat it in silence, saying nothing. I would always repent and work twice as hard when I returned. Mother... she must have guessed I made a mistake again. A big mistake. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to see her."
Chu Ruo’s nose felt even more stung. she turned away to rub her eyes. "A momentary lapse in judgment is only human. If you truly repent, I, Chu Ruo, promise I will beg Master to let you out. Your mother’s heart is truly in the right place." It was true what they said—nothing compared to a parent's love. Caifeng’s mother was a woman worthy of respect.
"Chu Ruo, I am sorry for what I did to you," Caifeng finally offered a sincere apology. "I only ask one thing. If you go down the mountain again, please visit my mother. I have silver from the palace hidden in my room; please take it to her next time you go."
"No problem. I was just joking about the money; I have plenty. Don't worry. Just focus on repenting and don't let your mother down."
"I will," Caifeng nodded. "I was blinded by my own jealousy. I brought this on myself. But... I have one more thing to tell you. Watch out for the Great Protector."
Chu Ruo’s mind started working quickly. That wasn't just a casual remark. "How did you even think of killing me in the first place? Was it the Great Protector’s idea?"
"Master said you were clever, but none of the disciples believed her."
*None of them? Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence,* Chu Ruo thought.
Caifeng continued, "Perhaps we just couldn't see it. She didn't tell me to kill you directly. I was blinded by rage at the time. She just subtly stoked my jealousy, telling me how you were driving a wedge between the disciples and Master. The decision to kill you was my own, but during my time in this cell, I’ve realized I was reckless. The Great Protector is skilled at manipulating hearts. You must be on your guard. Though, given how much Master cares for you, you should be fine."
Chu Ruo gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Isn't that care exactly why she’s targeting me?" She remembered clearly from the mountain—Nan Yunshuang had said she wanted to kill her while she was faking sleep. *What did I do to deserve this?*
"I’m not telling you this to gossip or to get on your good side. It’s my way of thanking you for visiting my mother. I will work hard. If I ever get out, I’ll challenge you again—but this time, it will be fair and square."
"Fine, I’ll be waiting," Chu Ruo smiled. Thinking of Nan Yunshuang made her worry again. "Why is she so obsessed with me? If I didn't know better, I’d think she was in love with Master." In front of others, Chu Ruo instinctively used "Master" instead of "Little Scorpion."
"Impossible. The Protectors and Master share a sisterly bond," Caifeng replied. "Besides, the one the Great Protector is close to is the Fourth Protector."
"What?" Chu Ruo jumped up. "What did you say?"
Caifeng was startled by her reaction. "I said the Fourth Protector. Anyone who’s been in the palace long enough knows the four Protectors and the Young Palace Mistress are very close. However, the First and Fourth are close, while the Second and Third are close. Later, the Young Palace Mistress became closer to the Second, Third, and Fourth, while the Great Protector stayed with the Old Palace Mistress and grew distant. You... didn't know?" Master favored her so much, yet she didn't know this?
So Nan Yunshuang and Yan'er were close? Even if they’d drifted apart because of Nan Menghua, Yan'er had never mentioned it. What was that about? A sisterly bond? There was definitely something fishy going on. Chu Ruo thought she’d found the reason—Nan Yunshuang was acting out of personal spite. She probably liked Yan'er and wanted to kill Chu Ruo to get her out of the way. *How dark. Truly dark-hearted.*
Chu Ruo returned to her room in a huff. Xiao Guo'er, seeing her cold and sour expression, didn't know what to say and decided to head back to her own room. Before leaving, she couldn't help but remark that Chu Ruo was starting to look more and more like the Young Palace Mistress. *Scary,* she thought as she hurried away.
Chu Ruo’s mind was screaming. *This is too much! I’m so mad! Yan'er, you weren't honest with me either. You didn't tell me a thing. Next time I see you, I’m getting to the bottom of this.*
Footsteps approached. Chu Ruo turned around irritably. Though she couldn't see clearly, it was an instinctive reaction. "Who is it? Get out!"
"And if I don't?"
*It’s... it’s freaking Nan Yunshuang!* Chu Ruo’s heart hammered. This tone was definitely not friendly. She retreated like a coward and called out, "Xiao—"
"Don't bother," Nan Yunshuang said. As someone raised by Nan Menghua, her poker face was even colder than the Little Scorpion's. It was a shame; she was another icy beauty. *Wait, no, she’s not a beauty!* Even if she couldn't see her clearly now, Chu Ruo had seen her once or twice before and could perfectly imagine that face based on her tone. "Sit. I’m not here to kill you today."
*What kind of tone is that? You’re acting like this is your room and you’re doing me a favor.* Fine, if she said she wouldn't kill her, it was probably fine. Chu Ruo shuffled to a chair and sat down. "What does the Great Protector want?"
Nan Yunshuang looked straight ahead. "Do you think that because Xue'er protects you, you can act without restraint?"
"Heh, that’s funny. I haven't been disrespectful to you, so how am I acting without restraint?"
"Arrogant," the other woman said, sitting perfectly upright—a sharp contrast to Chu Ruo’s slouching posture. "Since you’ve seen Caifeng, you must know by now."
"I knew even without seeing her. You want to kill me, but you have to consider Master, which is why you’ve resorted to these tactics."
"Xue'er has been the Young Palace Mistress since birth. She carries the weight of the entire Hundred Flowers Palace on her shoulders."
*Why the sudden change of topic?* Chu Ruo didn't speak, sensing there was more. Sure enough, Nan Yunshuang continued. "Do you understand her?"
Chu Ruo thought about it. The answer was probably no. But in a moment like this, she had to be stubborn. Silence was the best option. Nan Yunshuang’s cold voice came again. "No, you don't. she has always been exceptional—until you appeared. You changed her, you influenced her. She has changed."
*So what if she changed? That’s not a bad thing.* Did they want the Little Scorpion to be a cold, unfeeling statue forever? "And do *you* truly understand her?"
"You have never known the real Xue'er. She began killing at the age of seven. She is decisive, ruthless, and suspicious. She is a brilliant leader who sees the big picture. Since you arrived, she has changed. You are influencing her, you are harming her. Being with you will only drag her down."
*Seven years old?* "Who is the one harming her? How could you let a seven-year-old child kill? Do you have any humanity? You’re the ones who made her this way! You destroyed the life she should have had for the sake of this 'Hundred Flowers Palace.' You call her the Young Palace Mistress, but you and that 'good mother' of hers never actually cared about her!" Chu Ruo stood up in agitation, accidentally knocking a teacup off the table.
"What is wrong with being seven?" Nan Yunshuang remained unmoved. "I killed my first person at five. This is her mission and her responsibility. Now, because of a nobody like you, she has hesitations in everything she does. Do you not feel ashamed?"
"Save it. You just want to say I’m a burden and tell me to leave, or just kill me yourself. You’ve gone to all this trouble and made all these grand speeches, but in the end, isn't it just for your own selfish reasons? For Yan'er?"
"Yan'er?" The Great Protector stood up instantly, her calm facade shattering. She stepped forward and gripped Chu Ruo’s throat. (Seriously, does everyone in the Hundred Flowers Palace love choking people?) "Speak. What do you mean by that? What does this have to do with Yan'er?"
"Greetings, Great Protector."
A-Yue’s voice sounded from the doorway. The grip on Chu Ruo’s neck vanished instantly. No one spoke for a moment until A-Yue continued, "I am here on the Young Palace Mistress’s orders to bring Chu Ruo to the study."
Nan Yunshuang closed her eyes for a moment, then turned and left with her hands behind her back.
"A-Yue! You’re a lifesaver," Chu Ruo said, rushing over with a smile. "Perfect timing."
"The Young Palace Mistress figured you’d be back from seeing Caifeng around now and sent me to get you. I ran into Xiao Guo'er on the way, and she said the Great Protector was in your room." Xiao Guo'er suddenly popped out from behind A-Yue. "Pretty clever of me, right?"
The three of them laughed. "Alright, alright, you were smart this time. I owe you one."
***
The study.
"Young Palace Mistress, I have brought Chu Ruo."
"You may leave."
"Yes."
Nan Muxue was standing at her desk, her left hand behind her back and her right hand holding a weasel-hair brush, practicing calligraphy. Her writing was bold and powerful, with strokes like iron and silver—hardly what one would expect from a woman. Seeing Chu Ruo stand there in silence, she smiled. "What, are you dazed?"
"No," Chu Ruo said, her mind still on Nan Yunshuang’s words. "Did Master call me for something?"
"Nothing in particular."
*Then why call me?*
As if reading her mind, the Little Scorpion replied, "I wasn't sure which little coward was constantly worrying about her life. Do you feel safe now that you’re here with me?" Nan Muxue would never admit that her concern for the girl had become excessive. Even a few hours without that noisy presence left her feeling restless, and even practicing calligraphy couldn't calm her mind.
"I’m not a coward," Chu Ruo muttered, fumbling for a seat. "If you’d sent A-Yue any later, you’d be planning my funeral."
The brush was set down immediately. "Yunshuang went to see you?"
"Yeah, she said she wanted to talk," Chu Ruo said, omitting the specific details. "She said I’m dragging you down and basically told me to pack my bags and get lost. But A-Yue showed up before she could finish."
"A-Yue? You call her 'Sister'?" Hearing that nothing had happened, Nan Muxue’s heart settled. She chided herself for being careless, though she knew Yunshuang wouldn't act so directly. Yunshuang cared for her, just as she could never bring herself to kill Yunshuang. Her attention shifted to the honorific. "You certainly sound close."
*Uh oh, she’s annoyed again.* Chu Ruo’s survival instinct kicked in. She fumbled her way over and said sycophantically, "Of course, not nearly as close as I am with Master."
The words weren't meant to be suggestive, but they sounded that way. Nan Muxue’s face reddened. "Glib-tongued." She reached out and pulled Chu Ruo toward a chair she had specifically placed near her own. "Sit there. You’re clumsy; I don't want you knocking things over in my study."
*Always saying the opposite of what you mean,* Chu Ruo thought. Once she was settled, Nan Muxue went back to her calligraphy. Chu Ruo couldn't help but complain, "This chair is so uncomfortable. When can we get a rocking chair? I could take a nap."
"In your dreams."
"Master, please~"
"A-Yue," Nan Muxue called out, annoyed at her own weakness even as her actions betrayed her. "Put a rocking chair in this study tomorrow."
A voice came from outside. "Yes."
Chu Ruo had intended to kick up her feet and doze off, but as she looked at Nan Muxue’s back, Nan Yunshuang’s words wouldn't leave her. Seven years old. They forced a seven-year-old child to kill. No wonder the Little Scorpion was so cold and distrustful. And yet, she was so indulgent and protective of Chu Ruo. *How do I deserve this from you?*
The study fell into a rare silence. Nan Muxue was surprised by how quiet the girl was; she assumed she’d fallen asleep. Suddenly, she felt arms wrap around her waist. Before she could turn around, Chu Ruo had embraced her tightly from behind. She felt the girl’s familiar breath near her ear, but her voice sounded muffled.
"Master."
Nan Muxue leaned back, thinking the girl was still afraid. She reached up to stroke the face resting on her left shoulder, trying to lighten the mood. "What, did Yunshuang scare the life out of you..."
"No," Chu Ruo said, burying her face deeper into the other's shoulder. Her voice was uncharacteristically solemn. "I just wanted to hold you." Her heart ached for the Little Scorpion. Everyone saw her as heartless and cruel, and Caifeng and Nan Yunshuang’s words were still fresh in her mind. The Little Scorpion was no saint; she had killed countless people, yet she gave all her tenderness to Chu Ruo. "Just let me hold you."
"What is it?" Nan Muxue asked, sensing the change in her tone. She turned her head with concern. "Don't be afraid. No matter what happens, Master is here."
*I have your protection, but who is there to protect you?* Chu Ruo whispered, "Master..."
"I am here," Nan Muxue replied, taking the hands wrapped around her waist. The girl, who usually hated the heat, felt strangely cold on this summer day. "Don't be afraid, Ruo'er. Don't be afraid..."
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 31 | A Tender Awakening | Novela.app | Novela.app
