My head was spinning, throbbing with a dull, unbearable ache—the unmistakable calling card of a hangover. My mind felt like it was submerged in thick sludge. I rested a hand against my forehead, eyes still tightly shut, when a clear, familiar, and melodiously pleasant voice drifted into my ear. It nearly startled me right off the bed.
She had only said two words: "You're awake?"
My eyes snapped open. That was Bai Zhier’s voice! I bolted upright, my sobriety returning in an instant. My first instinct was to check my clothes—just like a scene out of a period drama. I peeked under the covers; thank goodness, I was still fully dressed. My outer robe was gone, but my inner garments were perfectly intact. Still, I scrambled back, putting some distance between us, and offered a forced, awkward smile. "Zhier, last night... you... you..."
Bai Zhier propped her head up on her hand, reclining against the pillow as she watched me with a playful glint in her eyes. "Why are you hiding? Afraid I’ll eat you?"
"I..." *That’s impossible. If anyone’s doing the eating, it’s me—and I’m definitely not being the one on the bottom! Wait, no, stop. Get your mind out of the gutter, Chu Ruo.*
"What’s the use in retreating now?" Was it my imagination, or did she just inch closer? "I dressed you myself last night. I..."
*Thump!*
Because I had retreated too far, I tumbled right off the edge of the bed, landing squarely on my backside.
"Hahaha..." The woman on the bed erupted into a fit of giggles, her slender frame trembling with mirth. "Ruo'er, you really are too cute. I just can't help myself."
"What? You were just teasing me?" I stood up and brushed the dust off my robes. Before my backside could even touch the mattress again, she continued.
"Ruo'er, do you have any recollection of what you did last night?"
"I..." *No way. Did I really...? No, impossible. I couldn't be that much of a scumbag. I haven't even gone that far with my Little Scorpion yet.* But then again, I was dead drunk. As the saying goes, wine can lead to... "Did... did anything happen between us?"
"What do you think?"
*Can't you just give me a straight answer?* "I... well, I was drunk last night and can't remember a thing. Zhier, just tell me..."
"It's enough that I remember." She remained in that reclining pose, her gaze fixed on me. She was beautiful enough to dazzle anyone's soul—anyone's except mine. "You have to take responsibility for me, Ruo'er. You promised."
A bolt from the blue. That was exactly how I felt. I was only faking amnesia; if I truly couldn't remember, that would be one thing, but the thought that I had taken advantage of this girl while in a stupor... how could I ever face my Little Scorpion again? My heart belonged solely to Nan Muxue, yet now I had hurt Bai Zhier, a woman who had been nothing but kind to me. My head slumped, the light fading from my eyes. My face turned ashen as I muttered dejectedly, "Zhier, I'm sorry."
It had started as a joke, but my reaction clearly stung her. It was as if something inside her had shattered. Her lips trembled slightly. "Are you truly... that unwilling to be with me?" *You have room for two women in your heart; why can't you spare even a fraction of that love for me?*
"Zhier, don't be sad." I hadn't quite caught what she whispered, assuming she was just upset. I scrambled back onto the bed and crawled to her side in a panic. "Don't be sad. I'm a bastard, I've wronged you, I..." I couldn't bring myself to say the words 'defiled your virtue.' "I... I am at your mercy..."
*Pfft—*
She burst into laughter again, pulling away from my frantic grasp. "You're so easy to fool. If I'm not around in the future, how will you handle it when others try to deceive you?" She reached out and pinched my nose twice. "Dummy."
The Little Scorpion had said something similar once, though her tone had been worlds apart. *'If you have the ability, don't let me find out. You're lucky it's me you've encountered today; if it were anyone else...'* Though their methods differed, they both cared for me in their own way.
"You... you lied to me?" *Good grief, don't scare me like that first thing in the morning! You nearly gave me a heart attack.* I let out a long breath of relief. Thank heavens it wasn't true. Otherwise, I wouldn't even know how to begin making amends. I'd have failed both the Little Scorpion and Bai Zhier. I am never drinking that much again. Still, even if nothing "happened," I had shared a bed with her. I absolutely cannot let the Little Scorpion find out about this, or else...
The mere thought of her reaction made me shudder violently. Bai Zhier reached out with concern to check my forehead. "What is it? Did you catch a chill from the wine last night?"
"No, it's nothing." I snapped back to reality, only to realize how awkwardly close we were. Bai Zhier was wearing a sheer silken gown that left little to the imagination regarding her figure. I hurriedly looked away, swallowing hard. *Stop being so tempting! Dammit, I'm not a lecher. If I'm going to crave anyone's body, it's the Little Scorpion's.*
Sensing my discomfort, Bai Zhier looked down at herself. A blush crept up her neck. She sat up and began to dress. For a fleeting moment, she had considered maintaining the lie—letting me believe the joke was real so that I would take responsibility and marry her. But she knew I wouldn't be happy. Marrying someone I didn't love... why was it that despite our meeting, we were destined to be without a future?
Once she had dressed and finished a brief wash, I prepared to get up as well, but she pressed me back down. "There's nothing pressing to do. You drank so much last night; sleep a bit longer."
"What about you?"
"Why?" Bai Zhier leaned down and nipped at my chin. "Is Ruo'er... loath to see me leave?"
*Wait, has Bai Zhier been possessed by the Little Scorpion today? Or is she just the Little Scorpion in a different mask?* To test my theory, I reached up and tugged at her cheeks, muttering to myself, "It's a real face, alright."
Her face flushed deeper, completely bewildered by my actions. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing, nothing! Don't mind me. Anyway, why are you up so early?"
"If I don't get up, does Ruo'er want to continue... with me?"
"Cough, cough!" I choked on my own breath. "Cough-cough-cough!"
"Alright, alright," Bai Zhier said with a helpless smile. "I have some matters to discuss with Brother Jie and the others. You get some rest."
I propped myself up on one elbow. "What if Tu Ba comes looking for me?" This felt strangely familiar. Back when I was with the Little Scorpion and Nan Yunshuang wanted me dead, I had relied on her for protection too. What is it with me? Everywhere I go, I'm always under someone's thumb.
"Don't you have the Ice Wraith? Even though you've lost your internal energy, having that divine weapon in hand should allow you to hold your own for a while."
It was a stroke of luck that the weapon had fallen down the cliff with me. "But... but if you don't make it back in time, I'm a goner."
"Hahaha~" There was that silver-bell laughter again. "You, such a clever person, yet so foolish at times. I said I was meeting with Brother Jie and the others; naturally, Tu Ba will be there too. Coward."
"Well, you didn't make that clear," I pouted, grumbling under my breath. It was my own fault for being slow, after all.
"Fine, fine, it was my fault for not being clear." *Oh, this gentle older sister—wait, no, she's younger than me. What a sweet girl.* Bai Zhier looked at me with an indulgent, doting gaze. "Rest well. I'm going."
"Zhier..."
"Yes?"
I didn't really know why I called her back. Worry? Maybe a little. "What... what are you going to discuss with that Brother Jie?" I didn't have a good impression of the people in the Heavenly Demon Palace, and Tu Jie clearly had feelings for her. If he went mad with jealousy, it would be a disaster.
For a moment, a spark of joy lit up Bai Zhier's eyes. "Is Ruo'er worried about me? Or... jealous?"
I was mortified. "I am not! I'm just afraid he'll..."
"Ruo'er."
"Yeah?" She had cut me off, so I answered obediently.
"You have to take responsibility for what you did to me last night."
*But I didn't do anything!* "We..."
"You threw up all over me," Bai Zhier said with a mischievous smirk. "As punishment, you're doing my laundry today."
*...Sister, you are going to be the death of me.* I let out a long breath and puffed out my chest with mock bravado. "Fine! Not just one outfit—I'll wash every piece of clothing you own today."
"Still playing the glib-tongued rogue." She stood up to leave but hesitated at the door. "Ruo'er, do you remember... anything you said last night?"
"What I said?" I scratched my head. "I don't remember. Did I say something bad about you? That's impossible—I'd only ever talk smack about Bai Shan."
"You two are always at each other's throats. I'm leaving." *Do you truly not remember the two women in your heart?* Unable to stay a moment longer, she fled the room as if escaping, only feeling she could breathe again once she was outside. Last night, I had held her as we slept—the first time I had held her so tightly. But the name I had whispered wasn't hers. She would give anything just to hear me call her 'Zhier.'
***
Usually, if I could sit, I wouldn't stand, and if I could lie down, I wouldn't sit. But today, sleep eluded me. *What to do? Well, I promised her.* I decided to get up and do the laundry. Even if I couldn't get them perfectly clean, I'd try. Our quarters were in a small courtyard with a well outside. I gathered a pile of clothes and trotted out to the well.
Footsteps sounded behind me. I could tell the stride was light, yet it lacked the airy grace of a woman's step; it belonged to someone with high martial arts and formidable internal strength. Startled, I whipped around, only to be surprised by the visitor. "Palace Lord Tu?"
Tu Ao'zhi stared at me, then suddenly smiled. It nearly sent me toppling over. "Zhier mentioned you've lost your memory?"
*Wow, straight to the point. No small talk?* "Um, yes. It's not that I've forgotten everything, but the fragments in my mind are a jumbled mess. It's hard to piece them together, so I haven't recovered yet. Aren't you... discussing important matters with Zhier and the others?" *Wait, Zhier said she was meeting 'Brother Jie and the others.' She didn't mention Tu Ao'zhi. If he were involved, she would have said 'with my foster father.' So, the old man came here specifically to find me?*
"Jie'er and the others can handle it. I'm old; I can't keep an eye on everything personally." Tu Ao'zhi clasped his hands behind his back, sighing with feigned sentiment. "Are you... washing Zhier's clothes?"
"Ah? Yes." I answered quickly. He was the boss here; I didn't dare offend him. "I made a mess of her clothes last night. Since I have nothing else to do, I thought I'd wash them as an apology."
"Zhier... her parents died young. I had hoped Jie'er would look after her in the future, but so be it. As long as she is happy. If you ever dare to betray her..."
*I...* "I won't. I will treat Zhier well. Please rest assured, Palace Lord Tu." *Ugh, more lies. Well, not entirely—treating her well doesn't mean I have to marry her. But still, what else can I do? I'm desperate here.*
"I heard you have some history with the Hundred Flowers Palace?"
I stole a glance at him. *Is this the real reason he's here? Is he interested in the Hundred Flowers Palace?* That didn't seem right. Bai Shan had said he hadn't moved against them yet. But then again, while he had turned many experts into Medicinal Men, there were several major sects he hadn't touched. The Hundred Flowers Palace was likely among them. My mind raced. "That... I don't recall clearly. Shan'shan said the Hundred Flowers Curse I carry was placed by them. Perhaps we were enemies?"
As I spoke, I watched his expression. He remained impassive. I had to admit, handsome people stayed handsome even when they aged. Tu Ao'zhi was a middle-aged man now, but he must have been a total heartthrob in his youth. "The Hundred Flowers Curse... I heard the palace is currently managed by their Young Palace Lord. Do you recall if the one who cursed you was the Old Palace Lord or the Young one?"
*Good grief, I said I don't remember!* Wait, the way he was asking... did he know the Little Scorpion and the others? No, not the Little Scorpion—she's too young. Maybe... Nan Menghua? *Holy crap! I think I've stumbled onto a massive secret.* I had a bold theory. The Little Scorpion's biological father had never been mentioned. Could it be that melodramatic? Could it be Tu Ao'zhi? All signs pointed that way. I answered cautiously, "I truly have no clear memory. However, vague shadows of two people occasionally flicker in my mind. I've heard you've clashed with many sects, Palace Lord Tu. Have you ever... with the Hundred Flowers Palace..."
He cut me off before I could finish. "Never. I have heard they are all women and quite famous in the martial world. I have always wished to meet them."
*Liar. I am one hundred and ten percent sure you're lying.* "I..."
"I heard you know how to play Go?"
"Just the basics. I'm afraid I'd only make a fool of myself before you."
"No matter." Tu Ao'zhi waved a hand dismissively. "Few in this palace know the game. I've been itching for a match. Since you are Zhier's husband—and thus like a son-in-law to me—would you care to accompany this old man for a few rounds?"
*Man, you're the Lord of the Heavenly Demon Palace, yet you're talking like some lonely old retiree.* But the palace was in the border regions; few locals knew Go, as it was a tradition from the Central Plains. Tu Ao'zhi must have spent time there. "Then... I shall clumsily accept your invitation."
***
I stared at the board, fighting back a yawn. I hadn't expected Tu Ao'zhi—a man who sounded so domineering and acted so ruthlessly (judging by the Medicinal Men)—to be such a sluggish player. He took forever to make a single move. He reminded me of those old men playing chess under a bridge. "Um, Palace Lord..." I was so bored I was about to fall asleep. I considered nudging him to hurry up. "You..."
"Your wedding with Zhier," Tu Ao'zhi said out of nowhere, his eyes still fixed on the board. "It will likely have to be postponed for the time being."
"Oh." I nodded instinctively, then my eyes went wide. "What?!" *Oh my god, who heard my prayers?*
"You... seem quite excited?"
"Ah, no, no! I'm just shocked! I..." I couldn't let my guard down. "Why the postponement? Is it because of me...?" *Please don't let us get married. Please, please, please.*
"Ruo'er!"
Bai Zhier's voice approached, sounding frantic. I hurried to the door to meet her, and we nearly collided. I caught her by the shoulders. "Zhier, what's wrong?"
In the next second, she threw herself into my arms. "You're okay. Thank goodness you're okay."
*What's going on?* Seeing how distressed she was, I comforted her. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Don't worry."
"Since Zhier is here, I won't disturb you further. We shall finish this game another day." With that, Tu Ao'zhi clasped his hands behind his back and walked out.
Finally, he was gone. I had wanted to dig for info about him and the Hundred Flowers Palace, but that old man was just too slow at Go. I turned my attention to the woman in my arms. "Zhier, what happened?"
She clung to me tightly, refusing to let go. "We were discussing matters when I learned Foster Father had come to find you. I was afraid... I was so afraid something had happened to you. Ruo'er, I'm so glad you're safe."
I chuckled. "He just came to talk. We even played a game of Go. Come on, don't scare yourself."
"No, you don't understand his nature. No one can ever guess what he's thinking. Even my father..."
"What about your father?" She had mentioned her parents died young. Did this guy have something to do with it?
"He... he and Foster Father were sworn brothers. But later, Foster Father destroyed my father's martial arts," Zhier sobbed, her head buried against my chest. "Ruo'er, I won't let anything happen to you. Don't be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you."
"I'm fine." I patted her head to soothe her. *Sworn brothers, yet he crippled the man?* "Does he... treat you well?"
"Yes. He treats Shan'shan and me very well, as if we were his own. We just... we can never see through his thoughts. Ruo'er, when I heard he came to see you, I thought he had intentionally sent me away. Did he do anything to you? Did he force you to swallow anything?" She nervously grabbed my wrist to check my pulse. "Your pulse seems normal..."
"Alright, you're just too tense." I led her to the table and poured her a cup of tea. "Relax. I'm fine."
"That's good. That's good."
I hesitated, but finally spoke. "Zhier, maybe it's not my place to ask, but I want to know... if your Foster Father is like this, why do you still help him?"
"Let's not talk about that." She clearly didn't want to go there. Everyone has secrets they'd rather keep buried. "We finished our discussion. We're setting out for the Central Plains in two days."
"So soon? Is something happening?"
"Yes. News came from the Central Plains. The Martial Arts Assembly will be held in three months."
"Three months? Then why are we leaving so early?" It would be spring by then. *Sigh, how long has it been since I saw the Little Scorpion? I miss her.*
"Didn't you want to go?" she smiled. "Besides, there are other sects to deal with, and that takes time. Also, our wedding..."
I panicked. "Zhier..."
The understanding woman smiled. "I know you don't want to get married yet. That's why we're leaving early."
"I... I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. I shouldn't have dragged you into this charade." She looked out toward the courtyard. "Did you really wash my clothes? Well then, I'll cook something special today to reward you." *Once we return to the Central Plains, how much longer will I be able to look at you like this?*
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
宿醉 | Hangover |
里衣 | Inner garments / Undergarments |
负责 | Take responsibility | Often implies marriage or commitment after a perceived intimacy.
冰煞 | Ice Wraith | Chu Ruo's divine weapon.
武林大会 | Martial Arts Assembly | A major gathering of martial arts sects.
南梦华 | Nan Menghua | Likely the previous Palace Lord of Hundred Flowers Palace.
下棋 | Playing Go | Refers to the board game Weiqi/Go.
半子 | Half-son | A term for a son-in-law.
义父 | Foster Father / Godfather | Tu Ao'zhi's relationship to the Bai sisters.
