“Get up! Hurry!”
“Mmm... just a minute...”
“Ugh, can’t you move any faster? Mom’s already finished making breakfast. She’s called for you several times. Move it!”
“Alright, alright, you’re going to shake me to pieces,” Chu Ruo said, sitting up. “Nag, nag, nag. You’re like a death omen.”
“Hey!” The girl sat on the edge of her bed. She was small, but she puffed out her chest defiantly. “You should be ashamed of yourself. The whole family is waiting on you. You’re going to turn into a pig if you keep sleeping like this. Blehh...”
Chu Ruo put on her shoes and chased after her. “You ungrateful little brat! I bought you all those snacks yesterday; I should have let them rot your stomach. Just wait until I catch you!”
“Mom!” a voice cried out from the other room. “Number Four is bullying me again!”
*Oh, for heaven’s sake, talk about playing the victim.* Chu Ruo rolled up her sleeves and walked out, only to see her mother wearing an apron and holding a spatula, comforting her youngest sister. “Number Four! Get out here!”
...Just my luck. Her mother glared at her. “You—”
“I’m wrong, I shouldn’t have bullied her. She’s my sister, so even if she’s in the wrong, I should let it go, right?” Chu Ruo grabbed an apple. “Anyway, no matter what happens, it’s always my fault. When we were kids, it was my fault for being ‘immature’ when the older ones teased me. Now that there’s a younger one, I’m still the problem.”
“What did you say? You make a mistake and then talk back...”
Chu Ruo tossed the apple aside after a few bites, wiped her hands, and pulled open the door to leave. Her mother’s voice followed her from behind: “Breakfast is ready! Where do you think you’re going?”
Without looking back, she waved a hand. “Since you don’t want me here anyway, I’m leaving. I won’t disturb your family meal.”
Chu Ruo headed downstairs. The sounds of her mother’s grumbling mixed with the playful laughter of other families, and the scent of cooking fires wafted through the stairwell, all flooding into her mind. She walked to the park in the residential complex. Since it was mealtime, the children had all been called home. It was rare to see the place so empty. She sat on a spring-mounted wooden horse and began to daze off.
“You should go back.”
Chu Ruo turned her head. She didn't know where this child had come from—a girl about ten years old. She looked familiar, but Chu Ruo couldn't quite place her. Yet, the sense of familiarity was incredibly strong. “Whose kid are you? Why aren't you home eating and doing your homework?”
The girl didn't answer. Instead, she asked, “Then why aren't *you* going back?”
*I can't believe this.* This tiny thing was acting like an adult. “Shoo, shoo.”
“You should go back.”
“Hey, I said whether I go home or not is none of your business. Go away. Go find your parents.”
“Everyone else has gone home. Why are you still sitting here? Aren't you going to eat?”
Chu Ruo rested her head on her hand against the wooden horse. “Go back for what? I’m redundant in their eyes. It’s pointless.”
“Are you blaming your parents?”
Chu Ruo looked at her again. “You sure have a lot to say.” However, she found herself strangely unguarded against this child. She shook her head. “Not really. With so many siblings, some are bound to be favorites and others aren't. I’m the fourth. There’s a younger sister and a younger brother below me. Haven't you noticed in school that the kids with middle-of-the-pack grades get the least attention from teachers?”
“Oh.” The girl nodded as if she half-understood. “To put it plainly, you still feel resentful.”
“Resentful my foot.”
“But you still love your family, don't you?”
Gazing forward, Chu Ruo unconsciously nodded in agreement. Once she realized what she’d done, she looked at the short-haired girl. “Seriously, whose kid are you?”
The girl waved her hand, then shook her head. Chu Ruo watched her, bewildered. On a sudden whim, she asked, “Are you lost?”
The girl nodded.
...Three black lines practically slid down Chu Ruo’s forehead. She shouldn't have asked. Her "crow's beak" always brought exactly what she spoke of. How could a kid this big get lost? She took a deep breath. “You...”
“You take me back.”
...Huh? What was this situation? “Listen, there’s a police station over there. I’ll take you to see an officer.”
“Don't you have any respect for your elders or love for the young?”
“If I don't take you home personally, I don't love the young?”
“Yes.” The girl nodded. “Hurry up and take me back. I’m actually a bit hungry. You treat me to something to eat first.”
??? *I have to buy you dinner too?* If this were an adult, she would have definitely given them a slap to wake them up. But this was a child. Even if she seemed like a bit of a brat, what could Chu Ruo do? “Fine, fine. Since you look familiar, I’ll do it. But you still won't tell me who you are. I’ll ask your parents for the food money later. Come on, what do you want to eat?”
The girl handed her backpack to Chu Ruo and walked forward briskly. “Let’s go. It’s time to go back.”
Chu Ruo helplessly took the bag and put it on. She felt a strange kinship with this child, so she smiled and followed.
“Ruo’er...”
A faint, almost non-existent call reached her. She looked back, but the empty park held no one but herself and the girl. *Must be a hallucination.* The girl was also looking at her curiously. Chu Ruo patted the girl’s head, and the two of them walked out together, smiling...
“Ruo’er? Ruo’er?”
Nan Muxue’s eyes were bloodshot, surrounded by terrifying dark circles. Exhaustion was written all over her face, but it was overshadowed by deep sorrow. She looked at the person on the bed. The pulse was steady, and she looked as if she were merely in a deep sleep, even mumbling in her dreams. Yet, she simply would not wake up. How many times had this happened? She had clearly brought her back to her side, so why did it feel like she was drifting away again and again? Like sand through her fingers, time was slipping away.
*Shring!* Ice Soul was unsheathed once more. “Speak. Is there any other way to cure this poison?”
To the side, Bai Zhier held her sister’s arm. “Shanshan, what kind of medicine did you actually give Ruo’er? Tell us!”
Knowing her sister’s life had just been in Nan Muxue’s hands, Bai Shan didn't dare act recklessly. She replied reluctantly, “Sister, didn't I tell you before? I developed something new. This is that poison.” She looked somewhat proud. “I call it ‘Dream of Fulfillment.’”
“Dream of Fulfillment?” Bai Zhier and Nan Muxue spoke in unison. Nan Muxue looked at the sleeping woman, imagining her reaction to such a name. She let out a disdainful snort. “Tacky.”
Bai Shan’s expression soured. “You!”
Bai Zhier looked at Chu Ruo. “Her complexion is rosy, her breathing is even, and her pulse shows no abnormalities. This must be a facade. Once a specific hour passes, the poison will take effect.”
“Correct. As expected of my sister,” Bai Shan praised. “Yes, today is the first day. In two days, her pulse will begin to grow chaotic. But on the bright side, she will die quite peacefully, without any pain.”
“Go home... go home...”
“Ruo’er!” The person on the bed suddenly made a sound. Nan Muxue and Bai Zhier rushed over, only to find it was more sleep-talking. Bai Shan burst into laughter. “Nan Muxue, the precious disciple you claim you want to protect is thinking only of leaving you. Hahaha...”
“What did you say?”
Bai Shan laughed wantonly. “Do you know how many people I’ve used this poison on? They were all very happy when they died. Because this poison traps them in an illusion, releasing their deepest desires. It makes them pour out their most precious secrets, and then they slowly, slowly die.”
Bai Zhier murmured, “Which means...”
“That’s right. Chu Ruo misses home. She wants to leave this place. Didn't she tell us? Her hometown is very far from here, a place she can never return to in her lifetime. She is the one giving up on herself.”
“Impossible. Shanshan, you created this medicine, you must have a way to save Ruo’er. Tell us! Hurry!”
“There is none,” Bai Shan said, comforting her sister. “If there were, I would have produced it when she held that sword to your throat. Sister, don't you understand? Once the poison is administered, Chu Ruo’s life is no longer mine to control. Her life and death are in her own hands. If she is unwilling to wake up, then there is no cure.”
“But you didn't tell her this is a dream!”
“If she wants to live, she will realize it naturally. Of course, none of the people I’ve used it on before have ever survived. Or perhaps, she is exceptionally gifted.”
“If that is the case,” Nan Muxue, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. Her voice was chilling. Ice Soul, still unsheathed, radiated a coldness even stronger than before. “Then there is no longer any need for you to live.” *If they cannot save you, then I will have everyone buried with you!*
She lunged with her sword. Bai Shan saw it coming but was powerless to stop it. She closed her eyes, but a white figure blocked the path, catching the blade with her bare hand. Blood flowed like a stream. “Sister, what are you doing?!”
Bai Zhier only stared at Nan Muxue. “You cannot kill us.”
“You heard your sister. Since you have no way...”
“How can we know there is no way without trying? There are still two days. Let me try. I will definitely find a way.”
Nan Muxue withdrew her sword. “Fine. I will trust you this once. If Ruo’er does not wake up by then, you will both die regardless.”
“Rest assured. The House of the Physician God is built on saving lives. I will not tarnish the Bai family name.”
Blood continued to drip from Bai Zhier’s hand, one drop for every step, like blooming blood-lotuses. She was unyielding and dignified, truly a rare and extraordinary woman.
“Young Palace Mistress,” Xiao Guo’er said as she watched the Bai sisters leave, feeling uneasy. “I’ll have disciples watch them. Or perhaps, put them in shackles.”
“No need. They won't do anything reckless.” Nan Muxue stroked Chu Ruo’s brow. Her tenderness and smiles had always been reserved for this person alone.
“Are you... so certain?”
“Because of Bai Zhier. As long as she is here, Bai Shan won't act up. Alright, go out. I want to stay with Ruo’er.”
“Yes.”
Once Xiao Guo’er had left and closed the door, Nan Muxue removed her shoes and socks, climbed onto the bed, and lay down beside her. The warmth made her smile. The other woman was still sleeping so soundly. Nan Muxue reached out and pinched that pretty face. “If you want to go back, you need your Master’s permission first. And that Miss Zhier of yours—staring at you so intently as if your Master didn't even exist. I’ll deal with you once you wake up.”
She chuckled softly, though anyone could see the smile was forced. At this moment, Nan Muxue was mentally and physically exhausted. Only before Chu Ruo did she shed her armor of strength. Finally, she propped herself up and pressed her cool lips against the other’s. Usually, those lips were warm; today, they had grown cold. “Ruo’er, wake up quickly. You promised you wouldn't leave me.”
***
“Sister, how is your hand?”
“It’s fine,” Bai Zhier said dismissively. “Give me the formula for Dream of Fulfillment.”
“While no one is watching us, let’s go.”
Bai Zhier shook her head. “I have to save Ruo’er. Give me the formula and you go first.”
“You... you’re obsessed.”
Bai Zhier stopped talking and began studying herbs. Bai Shan caught sight of the bright red wound on her sister's hand and sighed. “The formula is two parts White Chuanxiong, half a part Creeping Vine...”
***
“Wake up! Wake up! Hurry!”
Chu Ruo opened her eyes. It was her room, no doubt about it. But why was this kid here? “You again? How did you get into my house?”
“Hurry up. It’s time to go back.”
So she still hadn't found her home. Chu Ruo couldn't remember what had happened last night. Feeling groggy, she sat up. “Fine, fine. Let me change my clothes first.”
“I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
*How did I get stuck with this brat?* Chu Ruo changed and headed out. “Ruo’er, Ruo’er...”
She looked back. It was her own home. Another hallucination. Just as she was about to keep walking, a figure blocked her path. It was her mother. “Going out?”
Remembering her tantrum from the night before, Chu Ruo felt a bit awkward. “Yeah. A kid is lost, I’m taking her home.”
“There’s fried dough sticks and soy milk on the table. I’ll pack some for you.”
“No, don't bother.”
Her mother wouldn't listen. In the time it took to speak, she had already packed the food and handed it over. “Come home as soon as you’re done. The kid’s parents are probably worried. Remember to come home for dinner today. Don't go running off.”
“Okay.”
“Your sister said you must remember to pick her up from her cram school.”
“Okay.”
Chu Ruo closed the door and carried the breakfast downstairs. The child was indeed waiting for her. She walked over. “You still can't remember where your house is?”
“It’s your fault for being useless. A grown-up like you can't even help me think.”
??? *I swear, if you were an adult, I would not be this polite.* “Let’s go. It’s the weekend, so lots of people are home. Let’s check the park first.”
“It’s not in the park.”
“Then where is it?”
“I don't know. Anyway, it’s time to go back.”
...
And so, Chu Ruo spent the entire afternoon searching with the girl. They scoured the entire complex but found nothing. She sat on a bench, panting. “Are you even from around here?” It didn't make sense; the girl looked so familiar. She had to be a local kid.
“What do you think?”
“I’m too tired to bicker with you. I have to pick up my sister first. Do you want to come with me or wait here? Her cram school is just on the next street, it’s close.”
“Of course I’m coming with you.” The girl, carrying her backpack, had already started walking ahead. She murmured to herself, “You should go back.”
*Me, go back?* Chu Ruo couldn't be bothered to think about it. This kid probably had something wrong with her head. Maybe she should ask around about children with mental issues. First, pick up the sister.
The weather was a bit hot today. Chu Ruo bought three ice creams and waited at the entrance of the cram school. After a short while, her younger sister came out. Seeing the ice cream in Chu Ruo’s hand, she ran over excitedly. “Wow, Number Four, you’re so good to me.”
“Take it. Eat up, so you have the energy to keep reporting my 'crimes' to Mom.”
“Don't be so petty. You’re so many years older than me.” The sister compared their heights. “You’re so much taller, but your heart is so small. Here, for you.”
Chu Ruo took it. It was a drawing. Her sister’s cram school was for art. She opened it; it was a sketch of herself. In the bottom right corner, it said *Happy Birthday*. She remembered now. Today was her birthday. No wonder they were pestering her to come home early. She looked at her sister, who had already walked quite far ahead. “Feeling better now?”
“You’re everywhere, aren't you?”
“Today is my birthday too.”
“Your birthday? What a coincidence.” Chu Ruo patted the girl’s head. “Why don't you come home with me? We can celebrate together. How about it?”
“You should go back.”
“Huh? Why do you keep repeating that? Fine, let’s go. Home first.”
***
“It’s already the third day.” Nan Muxue stared deathly at the two sisters. “Is there a way or not?”
Exhaustion was etched into Bai Zhier’s face as well. “As things stand...”
“There is none,” Bai Shan sneered. “Kill us if you want. With Chu Ruo accompanying us in death, you, Nan Muxue, will suffer for a lifetime. It’s worth it.”
“I have never met you before. Why do you persecute my Hundred Flowers Palace?”
“You will never know.” Bai Shan stood with her hands behind her back. “At midnight tonight, Chu Ruo will surely die. You should cherish these last few hours... *Pfft!*”
Nan Muxue struck her with a palm, injuring her. Bai Zhier rushed to check on her. “Shanshan!”
“Do you have a way to save Ruo’er or not?!”
“This medicine is indeed without a cure. Moreover, she still has that lethal poison in her body...”
Nan Muxue didn't hear whatever Bai Zhier said next. she held out her hand, and Xiao Guo’er understood, signaling disciples to take the Bai sisters away. Nan Muxue walked dejectedly to the bedside. “Chu Ruo, you promised me. Wake up!”
***
“Number Four, this is for you. A birthday present.”
“Happy Birthday!”
Chu Ruo was happily holding her birthday gift when the name “Ruo’er” drifted into her mind again. “Ruo’er~”
She looked around. Everyone looked so happy. But the voice in her heart was becoming clearer. “Ruo’er, wake up.”
*Wake up?* Chu Ruo murmured, “Ruo’er?” Why did that call sound so familiar?
“Wake up. You should go back.”
Why was this kid saying that again? At the same time, the voice in her head became even more distinct. “Ruo’er, wake up quickly.”
“Number Four, what’s wrong?”
She looked over. it was her mother. “Mom, last night... did I go out?”
“Why are you just standing there? Go cut the cake.”
Her mother nudged her forward, but Chu Ruo felt more and more that something was wrong. Along with that voice in her mind—*Drip.* A drop of water suddenly slid from the corner of her eye. She reached up to wipe it, but a sudden, agonizing pain tore through her heart. “Chu Ruo, you promised to stay by my side for a lifetime. Are you going back on your word?”
Nan Muxue watched the person beside her. Her own tears had unconsciously fallen, landing on the corner of Chu Ruo’s eye. The pulse was no longer steady; it was becoming chaotic. “Wake up! Those are dreams, illusions!” She grabbed her collar. “How can you forget everything here? The Little Scorpion, Yan’er... have you forgotten them all? Chu Ruo, get up! Get up!”
“Little Scorpion... Yan’er...” Chu Ruo looked at the cake in her hand, then at her surroundings. “Little Scorpion... Yan’er...” Her lips moved, repeating the words over and over. “Little Scorpion... Yan’er...” The world around her began to show signs of collapsing, but she continued to talk to herself. “I clearly transmigrated. How could I be here? Everything here... Little Scorpion... Nan Muxue!”
*Crack—Crash!* It felt like something shattered. Everything turned pitch black. The child walked over again, smiling at her. Chu Ruo smiled back. “I remember where your house is now.”
“Do you feel any regret?”
She shook her head. “This place is nice. But... I miss the Hundred Flowers Palace a little.”
“Mm. You should go back.”
“Alright, I get it. So naggy. As expected of myself.” Chu Ruo patted the girl’s head one last time. This ten-year-old child was her younger self. She finally understood that her subconscious had been reminding her to wake up. But most importantly, it was that single tear—Nan Muxue’s tear. More accurately, it was love.
“Cough, cough... *hack*...”
“Ruo’er?” Nan Muxue looked over in disbelief. The other woman was coughing violently. Finally, she spat out a mouthful of black blood and woke up.
“I’m back? Am I really back?”
She was weak. Nan Muxue checked her pulse; it was still very faint. “Yes. Don't move. I’ll call them over.”
Chu Ruo pulled her back, forcing a smile. “As long as I’m not dead, it’s fine. Don't go. Don't leave me again.”
“Ruo’er.” Nan Muxue checked her pulse again. Once she was certain she was out of danger, she yielded. “Sleep first. We’ll talk about everything tomorrow.”
“Little Scorpion,” she whispered, holding her hand. “Let’s... never be apart again.”
“Mm.” Nan Muxue kissed her forehead. “I promise you. And you promise me—don't leave again.”
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 梦如意 | Dream of Fulfillment | The name of the poison created by Bai Shan. "Ruyi" means as one wishes/fulfillment. |
| 警察蜀黍 | Police Officer | A playful/cute way of saying police officer (lit. Police Uncle). |
| 白芎 | White Chuanxiong | A medicinal herb (Ligusticum striatum). |
| 蔓草 | Creeping Vine | A general term for creeping or trailing plants used in medicine. |
| 烟儿 | Yan'er | Nan Muxue's personal name or nickname. |
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 56 | The Heart's True Home | Novela.app | Novela.app
