"Heart of stone, my little scorpion." That was Chu Ruo’s first thought upon waking. What kind of person was she? Chu Ruo had only just recovered, yet by the next morning, the woman was nowhere to be found. Shouldn't she be dutifully keeping watch by the bedside, waiting for her to wake up so she could shower her with warmth and care? All that effort Chu Ruo spent rehearsing her lines was wasted. *Little Scorpion, I hope your hair falls out. Bleh...*
*Creak—*
Tsk, tsk. How was this Little Scorpion’s mind-reading ability still so sharp? She arrived just as Chu Ruo was cursing her in her head. Seeing someone enter, Chu Ruo decided it was better to pretend she hadn't woken up yet. Perhaps a little pity would make her come over.
"Alright, it’s me. With the way you usually sleep, there's no way you'd be lying that still. Stop faking."
"Hey, watch your mouth," Chu Ruo said, snapping her eyes open and rolling out of bed. "Getting a bit sharp-tongued, aren't we? I see you've become quite the formidable force now that you're following the Little Scorpion. Speaking of which, you finally made it to Head Disciple. Congratulations, congratulations."
Xiao Guo’er rolled her eyes in disdain. "I just call it like I see it. Now get over here and eat, you heartless thing."
"Who are you calling heartless?" Tsk. Just a bowl of plain congee? Little Scorpion, one star—a big, fat one-star review.
"Is there anyone else in here?" Xiao Guo’er continued to roll her eyes. "Stupid and clumsy."
"Clumsy? You're using that word now? You're using the words I taught you to insult me? How shameless can you be?" Chu Ruo grumbled. "What’s wrong with you? You start scolding me the moment I wake up. I’m a patient, okay? I just barely survived that poison. You should be showing me care and affection, you know?"
"The Young Palace Master did so much for you. Have you shown *her* any care or affection? All you did was act all lovey-dovey with those two sisters. Shameless!"
"Go on, get out of here. Don't talk nonsense. How was I being lovey-dovey? You don't know anything..."
"How do I not know? I saw it with my own eyes. You were all tangled up with those two enchantresses. That Bai Zhier even called you 'Ruo'er'..." It had to be said, Xiao Guo’er’s mimicry was spot on. "Pah! I despise you!"
Chu Ruo nearly spat out her mouthful of congee at the mention of "Ruo'er." The porridge was bland enough as it was. "Can you stop disgusting me?"
The girl looked down at her clothes with disgust, checking if any congee had splattered on her. "Who’s disgusting whom? You ungrateful wretch!"
"You... I can't be bothered with you. Where’s my... my Master?" She figured she should go find the Little Scorpion. *Sigh*, she really was useless. They had slept together just last night, yet here she was, missing her already. Beyond help.
"If you're so capable, go find her yourself! Hmph!"
Chu Ruo watched Xiao Guo’er’s retreating back, rolling her eyes repeatedly. Truly, spending too much time with the Little Scorpion had given the girl quite the temper. Tsk, tsk. The Little Scorpion really was toxic. Well, she’d just have to handle her herself. No more talk—time to find her.
However, just as she pulled the door open, the very person she was thinking of happened to be walking in. People called Nan Muxue *tsundere*, but Chu Ruo was no different; in her heart, she had been yearning for this woman day and night.
She gazed at the person before her. How many nights had she seen her in dreams, only to wake up to a hollow ache in her chest? She had almost believed she would never have the chance to see her again. Now, this woman was right in front of her. Unlike their two hurried reunions after their separation, Chu Ruo knew that this time, they would never be apart again.
Nan Muxue looked at the person in front of her, who first stared blankly before her gaze turned deeply affectionate, even misting over. She was about to ask what was wrong when the rascal suddenly pinned her against the door. The kiss came without warning. With almost no struggle, Nan Muxue cooperatively closed her eyes, responding with her actions to the person who had taken root in her heart.
The feeling of a "wall-slam" was indeed excellent. Chu Ruo smacked her lips, feeling her heart flutter at the sight of the other woman’s flushed face. She leaned in to give those sweet, crime-inducing lips a light peck. "Where did you go so early in the morning?"
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. Her breathing was still slightly hurried, and her hands were draped somewhat submissively over Chu Ruo’s shoulders, hooking around her neck, yet she still looked peerless and indomitable. "Questioning your Master now, are we?"
*...Would it kill you to speak normally? It really would, wouldn't it?* She was *tsundere* to the extreme. But in Chu Ruo’s eyes, the Little Scorpion could do no wrong. She simply pinched the woman's chin. "You're as un-cute as ever."
"Naturally, I cannot compare to the loveliness of your Miss Zhier."
*...The scent of danger.* As someone at the bottom of the food chain, Chu Ruo sensed a massive crisis charging toward her. She took three steps in two and scrambled back onto the bed. "Uh, I still feel a bit unwell. Dizzy... If you're busy, don't mind me..."
Nan Muxue walked over with a smile. Chu Ruo squinted, peeking at her. Why did that smile look more and more terrifying? *Wuwuwu, don't come over, please don't come over...* But alas, what must come, will come. There was a rustle by the bedside, and a voice drifted into her ears. "What? Are you embarrassed now that your Miss Zhier has been mentioned?"
*No. If I respond now, no matter what I say, the Little Scorpion will definitely talk me to death. It’s like this every time. I can't fall for it. I won't say a word even if it kills me. I'm staying silent.*
*Rustle, rustle...*
What was that sound? She took a stealthy peek. It would have been better if she hadn't. Just as she opened her eyes a crack, what did she see?! Nan Muxue was actually taking off her outer robe. Then, she naturally climbed into bed. "Move over."
What was she supposed to do now? Push her off and refuse to let her in? Or leave herself? After a microsecond of deliberation, Chu Ruo chose the third option—obediently scooting inward. *Warm fragrance and soft jade; this is where my heart belongs.*
Despite being prepared for a scolding or a beating, Chu Ruo was genuinely stunned when a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around her waist. The Little Scorpion was actually holding her, not saying a word, not scolding her, and even smiling with a hint of tenderness. Chu Ruo almost reached out to check if her head was still burning from a fever or if there was residual poison in her brain. In the next second, Nan Muxue snuggled directly into her arms, looking exceptionally docile and sweet.
"You..." Chu Ruo quietly pinched her own cheek. Once she was sure this wasn't a hallucination, she asked with a mix of caution and curiosity, "You're not going out?" Wasn't she supposed to be settling scores? This was very unlike the Little Scorpion. This behavior today... it was exactly like her dear Miss Yan'er. Even more gentle and approachable than the usual Yan'er.
"Do you wish for your Master to leave that much?"
"I..."
A smile played on Nan Muxue’s lips again. She interrupted before the other could answer. "Sleep."
Well, even though she *could* sleep, she wasn't particularly sleepy right now. However, she cooperatively held the other woman tight. After all, she had been craving this wonderful sensation to the point of madness. "Are you tired? Let's talk for a bit."
After a few seconds, Chu Ruo thought the other woman had fallen asleep, but then she heard an answer. "What do you want to talk about?"
Chu Ruo paused. What should she say? It felt like she had a thousand things to say. Her mind was full of questions: the Hundred Flowers Palace, the mole, the Bai sisters, her own situation... countless topics. Just as Chu Ruo was about to open her mouth, Nan Muxue, her eyes closed contentedly, spoke first. "You are not allowed to mention anyone else today."
"I wasn't going to." They had only just properly reunited; no matter how many questions she had, she wouldn't be so tactless as to bring up others. Besides, Chu Ruo knew that ninety-nine percent of that statement was directed at Bai Zhier. Since the Little Scorpion was being so gentle today, it was best not to make her blow a fuse. However, she truly wanted to ask her one thing. Her voice was a bit raspy as she spoke. "These past six months... have you... been well?" Without the Little Scorpion for those months, Chu Ruo didn't know how she had endured. She only knew she had tried her best to distract herself every day. She kept telling herself that feelings should be set aside and that gathering intelligence was what mattered. In truth, that was just self-deception. Every night, in every dream, there was that flash of white. And what about the Little Scorpion? She surely hadn't had it easy either.
Nan Muxue opened her eyes and looked up to meet her gaze. Her expression was somewhat nonchalant. "Without you, the Hundred Flowers Palace was as efficient as ever."
*Hey, can we have a proper conversation? Are you saying I was holding you back? You really are a Little Scorpion.* "You..."
"While you were away, I slept early and woke early. I took short naps at noon, ate my meals on time, and didn't let myself get too tired..."
"That's enough. You're trying to provoke me on purpose, aren't you? Your life was just wonderful without me, wasn't it? I'm telling you... mmph?"
Good heavens. The Little Scorpion suddenly kissed her. It wasn't like it had never happened before, but it was truly wonderful. Aside from "wonderful," she felt her vocabulary failing her; she couldn't find any other words to describe it. How could Chu Ruo resist such an enticing kiss? She immediately surrendered to it...
She gazed at the person before her. This face was so close. It was hard to imagine that yesterday she had almost thought she would lose her forever. Nan Muxue’s tongue pushed dominantly into Chu Ruo’s mouth, plundering wantonly. The person before her wasn't even surprised; she had already begun to reciprocate. In this life, she only wanted this one person. After a moment, a smile appeared in Nan Muxue’s eyes, and she abruptly pulled her lips away.
Chu Ruo had been enjoying the pleasure of the passionate kiss, and the sudden loss of warmth on her lips was jarring. She licked her dry lips and leaned in, her tone urgent yet pleading, though she kept it gentle. "What’s wrong?"
The other woman’s hands had already found their way to her cheeks, pinching them as expected. "Why don't you tell me?"
Chu Ruo was utterly confused. "Tell you what?"
"Shouldn't you give your Master an explanation regarding you and your Miss Zhier?"
*Oh boy. I'm finished again.* "Didn't you just say not to mention anyone else?"
"That was for you. Your Master may mention whomever she pleases."
"How can you have such double standards? You look so elegant and refined, yet you act so shamelessly... Ow, ow, ow!"
"Who is shameless?"
"Me, me! I’m shameless! Let go, you're about to pull my face off!"
"Pathetic," the other woman said dismissively, but the tenderness in her eyes and the loosening grip of her hands couldn't lie.
Chu Ruo grinned; the Little Scorpion really did dote on her. She leaned in, wanting to kiss her again, but was stopped. "What is it now?"
"Do you... miss home?"
Chu Ruo looked over. Those beautiful eyes were watching her, and for the first time, she saw a lack of confidence in them, even a trace of fear. The world-renowned Young Palace Master of the Hundred Flowers Palace had actually become so cautious because of her. Heartaching, Chu Ruo took the other woman’s soft hand and pressed a light kiss to it, offering a warm smile. "I am here by your side. Isn't that the best answer?"
"You..."
"Master," this was the first time she had called her that since waking this morning. "In the dream, I saw my family. Everyone was very happy. Until I heard a voice. I knew—it’s a cliché, just like in any other story—it was you. It was your voice, calling me constantly."
"Ruo'er..."
Chu Ruo chuckled softly. "That’s the tone. It’s exactly the same." She leaned in to kiss her again, and this time, the other woman didn't push her away. "Nan Muxue, I never want to leave you again for the rest of my life."
The two of them reluctantly ended the kiss as the air around them grew thin. Nan Muxue looked at Chu Ruo with a burning gaze. "Just now, I said I was doing well. But here," she took Chu Ruo’s hand and placed it over her heart, "it was suddenly empty. It was painful, so uncomfortable. I couldn't do anything right. Whether my eyes were open or closed, my head was full of you. Everywhere I went, I thought of you. I couldn't sleep well, and when I did, my dreams were of you. You jumping off the cliff for me, calling for me to save you the moment before you hit the ground, while I could do nothing. I was powerless. Ruo'er," she stroked the back that was scarred from the fall, "I will protect you. I won't let you suffer even a bit of harm ever again."
Chu Ruo deliberately spoke in a light, joking manner. "But only *you* are allowed to bully me and hurt me, right?" Chu Ruo knew that Nan Muxue’s pain was no less than her own. Since they were together again, she didn't want to dwell on the sadness. Nan Muxue had always been lonely; Chu Ruo wanted to use her own heart to warm this wonderful woman for a lifetime.
Sure enough, Nan Muxue laughed. "You are as thick-skinned as ever."
Chu Ruo propped her head on her hand. "Then doesn't Master like me being thick-skinned and bold?"
If she had said this at any other time, Nan Muxue would have kicked her out of bed, or at the very least, given her a cold glare. But today, Nan Muxue smiled tenderly, reaching out again to gently caress the handsome face that had haunted her dreams countless times. "You are more shameless than anyone when you want to be."
Chu Ruo lay back down and pulled the other woman into her arms. "I only need you. What do I need shame for?"
Nan Muxue gave a soft "tch." "A rogue." She took Chu Ruo’s hand and began to fiddle with her fingers. "If people outside knew that the Holy Envoy was this shameless..."
"Wait a second. What did you just call me?"
Nan Muxue tilted Chu Ruo’s chin up, her smile capable of toppling kingdoms. "My Holy Envoy."
"Yours?" The Hundred Flowers Palace’s, she meant. Of course, in private, she definitely belonged to the Little Scorpion. Chu Ruo thought for a moment. "Does the Hundred Flowers Palace even have that position?"
She got a light tap on the head. "It didn't before. Does that mean it can't have one now?"
"You hit my head again. Everyone hits me. No one cares for me at all. I’m a patient, and I was poisoned," Chu Ruo grumbled, rubbing her head. "So, between me and the Protectors, who’s higher?"
Nan Muxue found this amusing. "It’s just an honorary title. What do you think?"
"No fun. You're no fun at all. Then why even be a Holy Envoy? Little Scorpion, you're boring."
"Ruo'er, is your skin itching for a lesson again?"
*...You're toxic. You heard my thoughts again.* "I..."
"Alright," Nan Muxue said gently. "To see the Holy Envoy is to see me. You hold the power of life and death within the Hundred Flowers Palace. Your status is second only to my mother and me. Are you satisfied now?"
"Actually, being the Holy Envoy or not doesn't matter. I was just saying. When are we going back to the Hundred Flowers Palace? I want to go back."
"Don't you like being out and having fun?"
"I want to go back and practice my martial arts properly."
If she had said this before, Nan Muxue would have suspected her hearing was failing. Now, she only smiled dotingly, willing to indulge the other woman’s every whim. "So, after this trip, you finally know what it means to be afraid? I will protect you..."
"No," Chu Ruo said with rare seriousness. "I don't want to be your stumbling block."
"Has Ruo'er grown up?" A spark of brilliance flashed in Nan Muxue’s eyes, though her tone remained playful. She suddenly flipped over, pulling Chu Ruo into her embrace so their positions were reversed, resting her hand on Chu Ruo’s head. "I am your Master. Naturally, I am the one to protect you."
Chu Ruo felt wonderful being held by Nan Muxue. Since the weather was starting to get hot again, she leaned lazily against her, resting her head over her heart. "Mm, you're still so nice and cool. It feels great to hold you."
"You have the nerve to say that? You promised your Master you would keep me warm in the winter, yet you hid away for so long. Now that summer is here, you're willing to come out. You rascal..."
"It’s heaven’s will. It shows that the Heavens think me holding you to stay cool is better than you using me for warmth."
"Say that one more time?"
"I won't, I won't. Let's sleep for a bit."
Nan Muxue tugged on her ear. "Sleep for one more hour. I’ve brewed medicine and made food for you. You should eat when you get up."
"You got up so early today just to brew medicine and cook for me?"
"Naturally, I couldn't possibly provide service as thorough as your Miss Zhier."
Here we go again. "Didn't you say you wouldn't mention..."
"Your Master hasn't asked you yet—why did you pretend not to know me that day?"
*Aggressive. It’s over, it’s starting.* "You knew why back then. The poison wasn't cured, I had my reasons..."
Unfortunately, Nan Muxue wasn't listening. She continued her line of questioning. "Is it because I am not as gentle as your Miss Zhier? Not as beautiful? Not as understanding? Not as good to you as she is?"
*Oh, for heaven's sake. If this continues, I won't survive the day.* Driven by a survival instinct, Chu Ruo decided to go on the offensive and cut her off. "Speaking of which, I have something to ask you too. Tell me, why did you pretend to be Yan'er to trick me in the beginning?"
The other woman clearly hadn't expected this question at this moment and was visibly stunned. "Back then..."
Chu Ruo wasn't going to give her a chance to answer. "Can't say it, can you?" She propped herself up, pressing her forehead against the other's. "I heard you say just now that you listened to me and ate and rested on time?"
Nan Muxue was a bit dazed, not seeing the connection between the two questions. she nodded blankly and gave a soft "mm." It was exactly what Chu Ruo wanted. Chu Ruo chuckled. "So obedient." She kissed her. "Then I have to reward you."
As those lips pressed down, Nan Muxue responded in kind. She felt as though she held something in the palm of her hand—something she hadn't possessed in twenty years. She looked at her; it was love.
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 57 | Never Apart | Novela.app | Novela.app
