“Chu Ruo, come on, let’s go out and have some fun.”
“I’m not going.”
Bai Shan walked over and pressed a hand to her forehead. “Did you take the wrong medicine today?”
“Go away. You’re the one who needs medicine. What’s wrong with me just not wanting to go?” It had been over a month since they arrived in the Central Plains. Chu Ruo had been constantly trying to find a way to contact her Little Scorpion, but she hadn't seen a single disciple from the Hundred Flowers Palace. She couldn't tell if the two sisters were doing it on purpose or by accident, but everywhere they went was devoid of any palace presence. Furthermore, they weren't traveling alone; Tu Jie, Tu Ba, and Tu Tianli had all come along. There were eyes everywhere, making it impossible to slip away. She had to be careful not to expose herself through impatience. Along the way, Tu Ba had been glaring at her constantly; if he caught her slipping up even once, she might not live to see tomorrow’s sun.
“Alright now, Shan’er. If Ruo’er doesn’t want to go, don’t force her,” Bai Zhi’er said, bringing a medicinal pill to Chu Ruo’s lips. “Take your medicine.”
“You always take her side. Hmph, I’ll go by myself then.” With a huff, Bai Shan exited the room.
Chu Ruo chewed the pill a few times. “Why so early today? Tell me, are you trying to poison me?”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Bai Zhi’er chuckled softly. Her smile was truly enough to topple cities. “We have matters to attend to and might not be back tonight. Stay here and behave.”
“Where are you going? Is everyone going? Is Tu Ba going too? What if you don’t come back? Will I die?”
“Do you really wish for something to happen to me that badly?”
“No, I just meant...”
Bai Zhi’er gave her an exasperated look but couldn't help smiling again. “You really are a coward. Don’t worry, we’ll be back by tomorrow morning. We have to meet someone tonight.”
“Who?” Chu Ruo leaned in curiously. “With such a big fuss, can’t you take me along?”
“No,” the other woman refused firmly. “It’s dangerous. You have no martial arts right now; I wouldn't be at ease if you came.”
“Then tell me who it is. Why so mysterious?”
“Liu Shaopeng’s mole.”
*Holy crap.* Chu Ruo swallowed hard. “How did you two... hook up?”
In the modern era, that phrase wasn't a big deal, but to ancient ears, it sounded rather scandalous. Bai Zhi’er’s face flushed crimson. “What are you blathering about?”
“Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue,” Chu Ruo said with a fawning smile. “Hehe. Isn't she Liu Shaopeng’s mole? He’s been missing lately, so how did you find her, Zhi’er?” She shook the woman’s arm—a move that worked like a charm on both the Little Scorpion and Bai Zhi’er. “Just tell me, please?”
Rumors in the martial world claimed Liu Shaopeng had been captured by the Heavenly Demon Palace, as the style of the abduction certainly matched their reputation. However, he wasn't among the medicinal thralls, and Bai Zhi’er and the others were relying on him to find this mole. Therefore, Chu Ruo was certain that the one who had captured that "Great Roc" must be her Little Scorpion. If this mole was appearing now, they likely intended to rescue Liu Shaopeng. This was bad—very, very bad.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. We didn't find her; she found us. She requested a meeting tonight.”
“That’s it?”
Bai Zhi’er sipped her tea. “Mhm.”
“Aren't you afraid it’s a trap?”
“That’s why everyone needs to coordinate. It’s also why I can’t let you go.” Bai Zhi’er reached out to smooth a stray lock of Chu Ruo’s hair. “I’ll leave you some poison powder for self-defense. If you want to wander the streets, there are banknotes in the bundle by the bed.”
“I think you should just take me with you. What if you’re delayed on the way back, or if I get lost and you can’t find me, or if...”
“So much chatter,” Bai Zhi’er cut her off. “I will return on time. Rest assured.”
“But, what if—”
Bai Zhi’er looked at her, indulging her requests yet again with a gaze full of doting affection. “Pack your things. Let’s go.”
“Oh yeah! You’re letting me go? I knew Zhi’er was the best in the world—”
“Don’t be so quick to praise me,” Bai Zhi’er said with a mischievous smile. “I never said I was taking you to the meeting.”
Chu Ruo’s face immediately fell. “Then you aren't taking me...”
“I am taking you. But I’m taking you to an inn near our meeting place. You’ll stay there; that way, nothing can go wrong.”
*That works too. Observing from the shadows is even better. Once they leave, I can see if I can get in touch with the Hundred Flowers Palace disciples. Perfect.*
***
“This disciple greets the Young Palace Master.”
Nan Muxue was currently reclining on a bed, propping her head up with one hand, her eyes closed. “Is there any news of Ruo’er?”
“None.”
Her voice was calm and unfathomable. “Go attend to your duties.”
“Yes.”
“Xiao Guo’er.”
“I am here. What are the Young Palace Master’s orders?”
Nan Muxue still didn't open her eyes. “Go out for a walk. It’s a rare chance to be out of the palace.”
Xiao Guo’er knew the Young Palace Master was naturally restless, and ever since the Third Protector produced that silk pouch, everyone believed Chu Ruo was dead. Unfortunately, the Young Palace Master remained obsessed, and her personality had become increasingly erratic. “Yes. This disciple takes her leave.”
Once the room was empty, Nan Muxue lay flat, her hand stroking a white jade bracelet. “This is the fourth Xueruo Pavilion. If you see it, you will surely be able to find me. The Martial Arts Assembly is drawing closer. I didn't want to come, but I thought it might be for the best—perhaps I’ll run into you. It’s better than listening to Liu Li and the others nag back at the palace. And... never mind. Xiao Guo’er’s martial arts have improved greatly, and Cai Feng is managing things well.”
She sat up straight. “The martial world has been restless lately. The Heavenly Demon Palace is stirring, and then there’s Liu Shaopeng. He isn't dead. I said I wouldn't let him die; I want him to wish he were dead.”
She opened the window. The street below was bustling with life. A faint smile actually appeared on her face. “If you were here, you’d surely pester me to go down.”
“Stinky tofu! Stinky tofu here!” An old man carrying a shoulder pole shouted as he walked. Some pedestrians covered their noses, while others hurried over, craving a taste. Many people stopped, but no one noticed the second-floor window of Xueruo Pavilion, where a peerless beauty had stood just a moment ago before vanishing without a trace.
On the same noisy street, a woman dressed in white walked aimlessly. She drew many gazes from passersby—such a beautiful lady, yet she was carrying a bag of stinky tofu. It was, quite frankly, a bit of a mood-killer.
Nan Muxue held the bag, unsure why she had even bought it. The person who loved it wasn't by her side, and she herself detested the smell. Yet, she hadn't hesitated to pay double the price for the very last portion. *Hah. If the person isn't here, what is the point of any of it?*
“Miss, Miss,” a man called out from behind, sounding a bit shy. “Could you... could you let me have that stinky tofu? My wife loves it, and I...” He held out a few copper coins, just the original price. “I don’t have much money.”
When she didn't react for a long time, the man began to withdraw his hand in disappointment. “If it’s inconvenient for you, then never mind...”
“Take it. Treat your wife well, and cherish the person before you.” Nan Muxue placed the paper bag steadily into his hands. She didn't take his money and simply turned to walk away, leaving the man standing there in a daze.
“I still don’t like this stuff. But if you made it, I suppose I could try some,” Nan Muxue murmured as she stopped at a stall selling jade pendants. “A pity the bite you gave me that day wasn't made by you either. That man just now... he seemed to love his wife very much.”
She picked out a piece of translucent emerald and paid for it under the vendor’s strange gaze, continuing her monologue. “This jade is excellent. You’ll surely like it when you see it. Every time I’ve come down the mountain lately, I’ve bought many things for you. When you return, I’ll give them to you personally. Come back quickly; I’m craving the dishes you cook.”
The street seemed full of people, yet she felt as solitary as ever. Despite the liveliness, she felt only a chill. Every street looked the same—the endless flow of crowds, the noisy environment. Nan Muxue’s gaze turned vacant. Why, among all these people, was there not a single sign of her?
“Zhi’er! Zhi’er!”
*Ruo’er!*
She snapped back to reality. It was that familiar voice. She looked around at the surging crowd. No, she couldn't have misheard. It wasn't a hallucination. Ruo’er must be here! Nan Muxue began to push through the crowd like a woman possessed.
“Zhi’er, don’t go! Look, look at this, it’s so interesting. I’ll give it to you...”
Struggling through the mass of people, she finally reached the entrance of an inn. In that moment, the gloom of the past many days finally retreated. The sunlight broke through the clouds, shining down with magnificent brilliance. It felt warm. The corners of Nan Muxue’s eyes grew moist. She smiled radiantly, her crimson lips parting slightly. “Ruo’er.”
On the other side, Chu Ruo seemed to hear that call. She turned her head...
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
:--- | :--- | :---
雪若阁 | Xueruo Pavilion | A shop/base established by Nan Muxue, named using characters from both their names (Muxue and Chu Ruo).
柳少鹏 | Liu Shaopeng | A character from a prominent sect (often associated with the "Great Roc" imagery).
小果儿 | Xiao Guo'er | Nan Muxue's young disciple/attendant.
屠天丽 | Tu Tianli | A member of the Heavenly Demon Palace.
臭豆腐 | Stinky Tofu | A pungent fermented tofu snack, Chu Ruo's favorite.
彩凤 | Cai Feng | Likely another subordinate or protector of the Hundred Flowers Palace.
琉璃 | Liu Li | One of the protectors/subordinates of the Hundred Flowers Palace.
