Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 34 | A Fleeting Vision | Novela.app

*Cock-a-doodle-doo!* Accompanied by the morning crows of a rooster, Chu Ruo opened her eyes. Five or six days had passed since she first began staying in the Little Scorpion’s room. Perhaps influenced by the other woman, she had started waking up early, though she still refused to actually get out of bed. However, there was a specific reason for her early awakening today—her eyes had recovered! Over the past few days, every time Chu Ruo woke up, her vision had improved bit by bit. By yesterday, it was nearly restored, and today, with her heart racing in anticipation, she found she could see perfectly. Even through the gauze covering her eyes, everything was crystal clear. She was overjoyed, but naturally, she told no one. She didn't dare tell the Little Scorpion; she was afraid Yan’er would tell the Little Scorpion; and as for Xiao Guo’er, that was absolutely out of the question. If that chatterbox found out, the news would spread to every corner of the Hundred Flowers Palace within half an hour. The mere thought of that scene made her shudder. Sensing movement beside her, Chu Ruo hurriedly closed her eyes. Little did she know that her bedmate had already memorized her every habit; how could she not tell when Chu Ruo was faking sleep? "If you don't want to get up, just say so," Nan Muxue said with a light chuckle. The first thing she did upon opening her eyes was look for the person sharing her pillow. "How pathetic." Indignant, Chu Ruo immediately spoke up. "You—" "What about me?" Fine. No matter what she said, the Little Scorpion would just lead her into a trap. Chu Ruo wisely chose to drop it and changed the subject. "It’s still early. You should sleep a bit longer. Your body won't be able to take it if you get up this early every day." Day after day, Nan Muxue had long grown used to it. However, hearing those words, her face flushed slightly as she turned away. "I’m not like you, thinking of nothing but eating and sleeping." *Damn it, can't you speak nicely for once in the morning?* Seeing that the other woman intended to rise, Chu Ruo quickly reached out to pull her back. Both were startled by the sudden contact, and Chu Ruo felt a bit bashful. "Um, you... just sleep a little longer." Nan Muxue didn't move to get up again, yielding to her wish. She even snuggled into Chu Ruo’s embrace, though she teased, "Are you afraid that if I leave, Yunshuang will come to kill you? You seem to be living in constant fear these days, Ruo’er." *Am I the kind of person who’s afraid of death?* Well, maybe a tiny bit, but it was negligible! "This is your room. Would she dare come here?" "Hard to say." *You’re trying to provoke me to death!* "I’m genuinely concerned about you. I wasn't thinking about her at all. Besides, didn't you say she wouldn't dare strike directly as long as you’re around?" "But if I am not in this room..." "Nan Muxue, are you toxic?" Nan Muxue narrowed her eyes in her signature fashion. Seeing her about to speak, Chu Ruo quickly tried to salvage the situation, shaking the woman’s arm. "Master, my kind and gentle Master, as refreshing as a spring breeze..." This display was truly hard to resist. "If you have something to say, say it. Don't be so wishy-washy." *I’ll endure it. Seriously, Little Scorpion, let me tell you, there is no one else in this world with a temper as good as mine who would put up with you and worry about you like this. I’m a rare breed, okay? You should cherish me, protect me, and be nicer to me!* "Just sleep a bit more. You really do get up too early." She unconsciously brushed her hand over the other woman’s eyes. "Look in the mirror yourself. Look how deep your dark circles are. You..." Realizing there was no response, and feeling a burning gaze fixed upon her, she asked awkwardly, "W-what is it?" *Heaven help me, did I let it slip? Did she realize I can see? Why did I have to open my big mouth? How could a blind person see dark circles? Truly, a slip of the tongue leads to disaster. My good days are over. If she finds out I’ve been seeing everything clearly while she bathed these past few days... Argh! God, just strike me with lightning and take me back!* "Is Ruo’er concerned for me?" The question sounded like an inquiry but also a confirmation, tinged with a hint of self-deprecating laughter. Chu Ruo didn't understand what was so funny, but Nan Muxue knew in her heart. After all these years, there was finally someone—and only this one person—who cared for her wholeheartedly and without ulterior motives. Even a small gesture was enough to touch her. If she had been leaning casually before, in the next second, she tucked herself completely into that embrace. "Since you’ve been staying here, I’ve already been waking up much later than usual." The atmosphere became subtle, but Chu Ruo mostly felt heartache. "Then... what time did you used to get up?" "Before the fifth watch." The fifth watch... she remembered that in ancient times, that was around 4:48 AM. Getting up at four in the morning? Was she even human? She couldn't help but sigh. "That’s too bitter." "I’ve endured the bitterness. I’ve grown used to it over the years. It’s only because of you, you rascal, that I’ve stayed in bed with you for several days. If you’re tired, go back to sleep. I’ll tell A-Yue not to bother with the morning toilette; no one will come to disturb you. I’ll come to call you at noon." "Wait, wait," Chu Ruo stubbornly held her tight. "Don't go." "Oh?" Nan Muxue smiled playfully. "Is Ruo’er really this reluctant to part with me?" "Yes." Chu Ruo didn't know why she answered so decisively. It came out incredibly naturally. Well, since she’d said it, and it was the truth, she might as well own it. She wrapped herself around the woman like an octopus, even brazenly hooking a leg over her. "It’s... it’s so hot today, and you’re so comfortable to hold. So what?" She had meant it as a joke, but she hadn't expected the other woman to answer so quickly. A reflexive response was the most honest one. The forced explanation at the end only made it more amusing. It was already early autumn; how could the mornings and evenings be as "exaggeratedly hot" as she claimed? Nevertheless, Nan Muxue indulged her. "You... when will you ever fix this shameless attitude of yours?" "If I fixed it, I wouldn't be me. Besides, I’m not like this with just anyone." "Does that imply that you think highly of me? Is it my honor, then?" "I..." "Should I be deeply grateful?" *Little Scorpion, can you not be so sharp-tongued for once? I hate it! I hate it so much! Why didn't my Chinese teacher teach me how to roast ancient people? (Chinese Teacher: Not my fault!)* "Dazing off again." A light tap on the head pulled Chu Ruo back from her wandering thoughts. "What on earth do you think about all day? What is inside that head of yours?" She hugged her even tighter, rubbing against her comfortably. "Mmm... sleepy..." *She really treats me like a soft pillow.* Nan Muxue pinched her cheek. "Will you still sleep holding me like this when winter comes?" "Hmm?" Chu Ruo, feeling drowsy, replied without thinking. "No way. You’re like a block of ice. Holding you in this season is fine, but it’s already getting chilly. I won't have a use for you soon. What use are you in the winter?" Veins popped on Nan Muxue’s forehead. *Chu Ruo!* She suppressed her anger. "Oh? So you’re the type to burn the bridge after crossing it?" "Mmm..." At this moment, Chu Ruo was completely oblivious to the danger, merely mumbling in response. She had no idea how dark her bedmate’s expression had become, though Nan Muxue eventually began to laugh out of sheer fury. "Then in the winter, I shall have to use Ruo’er to keep warm." Still oblivious—or rather, courting death—she murmured, "Mmm..." The current Chu Ruo did not yet know that the promise contained in that "Mmm" would last a lifetime... ... By the time she woke up again, the brilliant sunlight was already dazzlingly bright. Chu Ruo thought Nan Muxue would have left, but she hadn't expected the woman to be so cooperative, letting her hold her so shamelessly. "Awake?" "Mmm," Chu Ruo replied. "What time is it?" "The hour of the Snake. Do you want to sleep more?" She stretched. A second sleep was truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. "Let’s get up. Don't you have palace affairs to handle?" "How rare of you to remember that for me." Nan Muxue stood up and pulled Chu Ruo up with her. These past few days, Chu Ruo had used her "blindness" as an excuse to be lazy, even making the other woman dress her. She was quite enjoying it. "Does Ruo’er remember what she promised me before falling asleep?" *Wait, what? Did that happen?* She vaguely remembered the Little Scorpion muttering something while she was half-asleep. "Uh, what?" "If you don't remember, forget it. I’ll tell you when the time comes." *Then why mention it now? This woman! She clearly wants to pique my curiosity and then leave me hanging. Argh, what did I promise her? Curiosity is going to kill me. Should I beg her to tell me and lose my dignity, or just be stubborn to the end? To ask or not to ask, that is the question.* "Not satisfied?" The provocative voice rang out, making Chu Ruo swallow hard several times. "How would I dare?" Her chin was tilted up. "Is there anything you, Chu Ruo, wouldn't dare? I think you’ve had enough good days lately. You don't need to stay here tonight." *What?! This wicked woman! I knew the saying was right: the most poisonous heart is that of a woman. You’re just itching to let Nan Yunshuang come and kill me!* "You..." "Hmm?" "You’re too much... *hiss!*" The person tying her belt suddenly pulled tight, making Chu Ruo feel like her waist was about to snap. This Little Scorpion really was petty and vindictive, never letting a grudge go. With a long face, she asked, "What did I do to provoke you?" "You tell me." *If I knew, would I be looking this confused?* "I..." "Fine, looking at your dazed expression, you won't be able to say anything anyway." *I smell a deep, intense scent of contempt. But what can I do? I’m so helpless!* "If you throw me back, what if Nan Yunshuang really comes to hack me?" "It’s fine. Don't worry." "Fine? You call that fine?" "Stupid to the core." Nan Muxue’s face showed even more disdain. "Yunshuang went down the mountain yesterday." *Huh?* "Then why didn't you say so earlier? You scared the life out of me! Hmph. Wait, so she was gone yesterday, and you still let me stay in your—" "What? Go on, say it." "Nothing, nothing to say." "Is staying with me such a burden for you?" "No, no! I’d love to sleep with Master every day!" "Shut up!" Those words were far too easy to misinterpret. Nan Muxue’s face turned red again, as expected. Through the eye gauze, Chu Ruo perceived a different kind of hazy beauty. Unable to help herself, she stepped forward and suddenly kissed her... Nan Muxue’s body went soft, losing all resistance. As she leaned back, Chu Ruo followed, pressing her down. The kiss deepened, like a fire blinding the senses. Chu Ruo slowly moved her lips downward, finally giving a firm suck on that snowy-white neck. A bloom of crimson emerged, surfacing on the lady’s fair skin. "Ngh..." Nan Muxue hadn't expected such a gasp to escape her own lips. It wasn't out of disgust; she had long known she didn't dislike this kind of contact. However, the soft moan made Chu Ruo pull back slightly. Her face was filled with embarrassment and awkwardness. Nan Muxue, assuming she couldn't see, spat softly, "Shameless..." Chu Ruo struggled to get up. The scene was far too tempting. However, the image of another woman appeared in her mind. With two such similar faces, how could she be so unfaithful as to fail two good women at once? If it had to end in pain, she would rather choose neither than rub salt in both their wounds. "You and Yan’er... when will you finally talk to me?" "We are in no hurry." Seeing her like this, Nan Muxue knew she was conflicted again. She already knew when she would tell her the truth. She also stood up and pinched that handsome face again. "What are you in such a hurry for?" Chu Ruo shook her head. "A quick cut for a tangled mess. I don't want to waste your time anymore. My eyes also..." "It’s alright," the other woman said, thinking she was about to say she might never see again. She comforted her and gave her some news in advance. "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I will take you down the mountain to find Hu Yi. Didn't you want to go down and play?" "The day after tomorrow? Isn't it not even ten days yet? So soon?" Chu Ruo swallowed the rest of her sentence. Being able to go down the mountain was a huge temptation. Nan Muxue actually gave her a reproachful look. "Do you even remember what day it is the day after tomorrow?" *The day after tomorrow... isn't that the second of next month? Oh, right, right! I remember now. The Little Scorpion’s birthday!* She leaned in. "Hehe, I remember. Of course I remember. I won't forget what I promised you." For some reason, Nan Muxue’s heart throbbed uncontrollably upon hearing those words. Clearly, it was Chu Ruo who had pestered her to take her down the mountain, so why was she the one looking forward to it? "Since you rarely ask me for anything, it’s fine to go a day or two early. However..." "However what?" "You have to cook that day." "Sure, no problem." Nan Muxue stared at her in surprise, making Chu Ruo feel uneasy again. "Why are you staring at me?" "How do you know I’m staring at you?" *Oh, I’m dead!* Chu Ruo really wanted to slap herself. "Uh, I guessed. You suddenly stopped talking, and I felt a gaze shooting toward me." *Please, please don't get suspicious.* "Can't you not see? Why did you agree so readily to cooking?" *Phew, so it was that.* That was a close one. She had been too relaxed lately and was getting careless. "Anyway, don't worry about it. Just leave it to me. This master has a plan." Even if the Little Scorpion hadn't mentioned it, she had planned to cook a meal for her birthday. At worst, she’d just say her eyes had mostly recovered by then. As long as the Little Scorpion was in a good mood, it would be fine, right? A damp white cloth was tossed over. "Wipe your own face." Chu Ruo looked up. Nan Muxue was already sitting at the dressing table, grooming herself. As she wiped her face, Chu Ruo looked around. She hadn't really paid attention to the layout of the Little Scorpion’s room before. Last time she was in a rush to find the antidote, and these past few days it had been dark, plus she hadn't dared to look around for fear of being caught. Today, she could quietly take a few peeks. Her gaze accidentally swept over the head of the bed. Wait. She turned her head back, using the white cloth to hide her eyes. On the small cabinet at the head of the bed, three grass-woven animals were neatly arranged: two butterflies and a dancing crane. There was nothing else. *That’s not right. One of the butterflies and the crane were gifts I gave to Yan’er. Why are they with the Little Scorpion?* Just as she was wondering, Nan Muxue spoke from the other side. "You should go straight back to your room tonight. Yan’er will be back; perhaps she’ll go to see you." Those words were normal enough, but Chu Ruo sharply noticed the other woman putting a white jade hairpin into her hair. It looked incredibly familiar—it was definitely the one she gave to Yan’er! *This Little Scorpion!* Chu Ruo almost wanted to rush over, then remembered she was still "blind." She deliberately stumbled her way over. As expected, Nan Muxue turned to support her. Pretending to be unsteady, she reached out and touched the hairpin. "Eh? This... isn't this Yan’er’s hairpin? Why is it with you?" Nan Muxue sighed inwardly. She was about to speak when the other person’s next sentence was: "You... you’re the Young Palace Mistress, and yet you steal things? You even steal from your own best friend?" ...She truly had never seen someone so foolish. But... a thought occurred to her, and she replied, "Who told you it was stolen?" "If it wasn't stolen, then it was snatched! And those grass butterflies and cranes by the bed, I gave those to Yan’er!" "Could she not have given them to me? The two of us are like one person. What’s wrong with sharing our things?" "Ah, this..." *True.* She was speechless. She hadn't expected their sisterly bond to be this deep. "Then I, I..." "Next month is the birthday of the previous Old Fortress Master of Feipeng Fortress. Ruo’er, what do you think of the calligraphy I wrote yesterday as a birthday gift?" "The one about 'blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as great as the Southern Mountains'? It’s good. The previous Fortress Master? Not the current one?" Nan Muxue shook her head. "It’s the current Fortress Master’s father, Liu Shaopeng’s grandfather. He retired around the same time as my mother." "Oh." *** Night. Chu Ruo’s door was opened. she bounced over happily. "Yan’er!" This time, she was held back. "Careful." Just as she was about to ask, the other woman said with a smile, "I brought you some sweet soup. It’s been chilled. Drink it quickly." "Mmm, Yan’er is the best, always thinking of me." Chu Ruo sat down without a second thought, and the other woman actually fed her by hand. "Hehe, Yan’er, will you always care for me like this?" Nan Muxue curled her lips. "I heard you’ve been sleeping in the Little Scorpion’s room these past few days. Now you remember me?" "Speaking of that, do you two often share things? Clothes, shoes, jewelry? I saw the things I gave you in the Little Scorpion’s room today. I don't know if there’s anything else; I’ll have to rummage around another day." "Saw?" "A slip of the tongue. I meant 'found.' I’m just used to saying 'saw.' I found them by accident. Oh, Yan’er, she said she’s taking me down the mountain tomorrow. I won't be able to see you for a while again." Her chin was pinched. "Yan’er, what are you doing?" "Are you hiding something from me?" "No," Chu Ruo finished the sweet soup and leaned in to hug her, taking the opportunity to get close. "Stay here tonight..." *** The next day... "Ah... ah... ah...!!!" The entire Hundred Flowers Palace was awakened by a scream coming from a certain room. Chu Ruo had woken up with an exceptionally excited and joyful heart because the Little Scorpion was taking her down the mountain today, and because Yan’er had slept in her room last night. She had wanted to wake up early to look at Yan’er, but not only had Yan’er already left, she also discovered a tragic fact. She—was blind again! How could this be? She was clearly fine yesterday! "What are you howling about so early in the morning?" A familiar voice came from the doorway, but Chu Ruo was so agitated that she really had to grope her way over this time. She couldn't see a single ray of light. Her current state was no different from a damsel in distress calling for her hero. "Master, Master! My eyes! My eyes! I can't see!" "Haven't you always been unable to see? What is this about?" ...Chu Ruo felt so wronged. She had truly been struck dumb; she had a grievance but couldn't speak it. If she spoke the truth now, she’d probably have a layer of skin flayed off. "It’s nothing. Let’s hurry down the mountain to find Hu Yi." "No rush." Nan Muxue sat down unhurriedly and smoothed her sleeves. "I am a bit hungry. Let’s have breakfast first. A-Yue." "Yes." A-Yue and Xiao Guo’er brought in the breakfast. As they retreated, their jaws nearly dropped. On their Young Palace Mistress’s neck, there was a faint red mark—clearly a kiss mark... However, neither of them dared to speak recklessly. Some things and some words were not to be said. They exchanged a knowing look and retreated with their heads bowed. Nan Muxue elegantly scooped a spoonful of hot porridge, blowing on it a dozen times before deigning to eat. She spoke teasingly, "Ruo’er, why aren't you eating? Is it not to your taste?" *** **Glossary Table** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 五更 | Fifth Watch | The last of the five night watches, roughly 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM. 巳时 | Hour of the Snake | The period from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. 飞鹏堡 | Feipeng Fortress | Flying Roc Fortress; a martial arts sect/location. 柳少鹏 | Liu Shaopeng | A character likely associated with Feipeng Fortress. 吻痕 | Kiss mark / Hickey | Referred to as a "red mark" (红印) in the text.