Late into the night, Nan Muxue finished discussing matters with the three Guardians and returned to her room, her body heavy with fatigue. No sooner had she lain down than the person on the other side of the bed tangled around her exactly as expected. "Why so late?"
Nan Muxue cherished this warmth. In truth, the other person had simply beaten her to the punch by squeezing close the moment she arrived. Nestling into that embrace, she settled contentedly against Chu Ruo’s chest. "Didn't I tell you to sleep first?"
"I can't sleep without you."
"You spend more time lazing in bed all day than you do being awake..."
Chu Ruo pulled her tighter. "You’re so unlovable sometimes. You don't even know how to give in to me."
"You..."
"Besides, you were the one who wouldn't let me listen to your conversation. What’s the matter? Keeping little secrets from me now?"
Nan Muxue pinched her chin. "I saw you sitting there, uninterested and yawning fit to burst. I sent you back to sleep out of the goodness of my heart, yet you turn around and blame me. You truly are heartless."
Unable to resist any longer, Chu Ruo leaned in for a kiss. "You little scorpion, I just happen to love this mouth of yours that never lets me off the hook." After only a few moments of kissing, she let out a sharp hiss of pain, causing the other woman to pull back with tense concern. "What is it?"
"It’s nothing. I’ve been stressed lately, and a blister popped up on the side of my tongue. It hurts like crazy."
This revelation made the woman, who had been worried sick a second ago, burst into a laugh. "Likely a punishment for your wagging tongue."
"You!" In her excitement, Chu Ruo opened her mouth a bit too wide, tugging at her tongue and making her wince. She clutched her mouth, not daring to open it again. Unlucky—absolutely rotten luck. "If we're talking about wagging tongues, yours is the worst. Who could possibly beat you?"
Nan Muxue had intended to find a cooling medicinal pellet for her to suck on, but upon hearing this, she simply reached out and pinched Chu Ruo’s lips shut. "What did Ruo'er just say? I didn't hear clearly. Say it again?"
"Mmph, mmph..." It was the end of the world. Encountering such a little scorpion was practically a death sentence. After muffled protests that only made her mouth hurt more, Chu Ruo finally waited for the hand to release her before she dared to mutter piteously, "You're bullying me."
Nan Muxue looked at her with a face full of feigned disdain, yet her eyes were brimming with indulgence. She leaned in of her own accord and kissed her, moving with deliberate care for fear of hurting the clumsy fool...
"Xue'er," Chu Ruo’s face flushed crimson, their lips still brushed against each other. "Xue'er..."
Nan Muxue smiled. "Still think I'm bullying you?"
"Well, if it's this kind of bullying, I wouldn't mind if you did it a few more times."
"Shameless."
"Xue'er?" Chu Ruo took her hand, her voice softening. "Xue'er?"
Nan Muxue didn't understand why she had become like this; she only knew that from now on, she would grant this person anything she asked.
***
The next day, as they walked down the main street, Chu Ruo was still yawning incessantly. Duan Ning leaned in close. "So, last night..."
The tone was as suggestive as it could possibly be.
"Pah! Xue'er and I didn't do anything."
"I'm telling you, how can you be so useless? I worked so hard to secretly swap rooms with you and spent every day dragging Luli and the others away to give you two a chance. It’s been days! I created such perfect conditions, and you still haven't 'taken down' Xue'er?"
"...Are you even a real Guardian? Why do I feel like you're so lecherous?"
*Smack!* A hit to the head. "I worked myself to the bone to play matchmaker for you two, and you call me lecherous? Little Ruo-ruo, you’re breaking my heart."
"I spit on that!" Chu Ruo got goosebumps every time she heard 'Little Ruo-ruo.' "Can't you just discuss the Martial Arts Assembly with the other Guardians? Why do you have to follow me out? I have Xiao Guo'er to accompany me; I don't need you here annoying me."
At this, Xiao Guo'er gave her a look of pure disdain. Duan Ning followed up with a sharp flick to the forehead. "You think I *want* to follow you? I’d rather be out playing with Luli. And as for Xiao Guo'er, why don't you ask her if she even wants to deal with you..."
"Pah! Xiao Guo'er and I share a revolutionary friendship. Right, Xiao Guo'er?" Chu Ruo turned to her, only to be met with the very disdain Duan Ning had predicted.
"I'd rather be following the Young Palace Mistress. There’s no benefit to following you. If something happens to you, we're all finished."
"Hey! What kind of people are you?"
"Listen," Duan Ning patted Chu Ruo’s shoulder. "Xue'er dotes on you. You didn't want to hear about the Assembly, so she didn't make you get involved. These are extraordinary times. Normally, Hundred-Flower Palace disciples should keep a low profile, especially since you’ve lost your martial arts. But since you wanted to come out and play, she had Xiao Guo'er and me bring disciples to protect you, you glutton. She chose us because she felt we were more familiar with you. She’s gone to a lot of trouble for a blockhead like you."
Chu Ruo was touched, ignoring the term 'blockhead' she had taught them herself. She murmured, "My Xue'er really is the best to me..."
"What did you think? That's why I say you're useless. She’s gone this far and you still don't dare... You really have the heart but not the guts. Pathetic."
Chu Ruo nodded in admission. "I am pathetic. Because I'm afraid."
"Afraid of what? How can you be such a piece of wood? You go to her room every night and she never refuses you. If she isn't afraid, what are you scared of? Coward," Duan Ning scoffed, her voice full of contempt for Chu Ruo’s lack of initiative.
"That day, you were the one who reminded me. On her arm... she has the Cinnabar Mark," Chu Ruo’s gaze grew deep. "I'm afraid. A woman’s reputation is so important..."
"Xue'er doesn't care..."
Chu Ruo shook her head. "I'm even more afraid of the one above her—the Old Palace Mistress. I’ve heard a bit about her attitude toward Xue'er. If she finds out, the consequences are more than I can currently bear. I know Xue'er doesn't care, and I love her dearly, but I don't want to do anything that could potentially harm her even in the slightest."
Her gaze was resolute. For once, Duan Ning showed a look of genuine approval. "In the past, Xue'er was always alone. Chu Ruo, I hope you will stay by her side until the very end."
"I will."
Only two words, but the tone was even firmer than before. "She is the most important person to me."
As the saying goes, it’s a small world for enemies. Not two seconds after Chu Ruo finished her sentence, a voice came from behind them. "Third Guardian." The voice was deep and powerful, belonging to a middle-aged man with profound internal strength. "Then this young man must be the beloved disciple of the Hundred-Flower Palace’s Young Palace Mistress?"
Duan Ning’s expression shifted instantly. She pulled Chu Ruo back and whispered, "Not good. It’s Liu Shaopeng’s old man."
The father of the Great Roc? He certainly didn't come with good intentions. However, this was a public street; since he had initiated a greeting, they couldn't just attack, and they had to gauge his strength. Seeing Duan Ning’s reaction, their chances of winning were likely slim. Best to be polite first. They turned around together, and Duan Ning gave a courteous bow. "Fortress Leader Liu, it has been a long time. You look even more vigorous than before."
"The Third Guardian is also a formidable youth. Though a woman, you’ve managed the branch sect with such order. It is truly impressive."
The words were laced with a strange, mocking undertone. People say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; if the Great Roc was a piece of work, his father didn't look like a saint either. His appearance was... well, just as expected.
Without waiting for a response, the man continued, "Nephew Chu, I hear you are quite remarkable. Your Hundred-Flower Palace usually only accepts female disciples, and the Young Palace Mistress, Nan Muxue, has very few disciples under her wing. Yet, after taking you in, she announced to the world she would take no more. You must possess some extraordinary qualities."
"I am but a nobody. Fortress Leader Liu is being humorous."
"Eh... Nephew, do not be overly modest. Peng'er often mentioned you to me, saying you were the only male in the Hundred-Flower Palace and deeply favored by the Young Palace Mistress. Only a few days after entering the palace, you were able to defeat Peng'er’s head disciple, Hu Nuo. It’s clear you are not lacking. How many in this world could destroy the Ice Underworld Whip? And then I heard you fell from Cloud Mist Mountain and survived against all odds. You are indeed 'extraordinary.'"
*Even a god's flatulence would be 'extraordinary' to him,* Chu Ruo thought, rolling her eyes internally. Duan Ning stepped forward and cupped her hands. "We have business to attend to. Please excuse us, Fortress Leader. We hope you understand."
She finished speaking and tried to lead Chu Ruo away quickly, but Liu Songhe’s hand clamped down firmly on Chu Ruo’s shoulder. "I was just getting into the swing of things with Nephew here. I heard you and Peng'er were... quite close?"
The pressure wasn't crushing, but it was by no means light. He was the leader of a fortress, after all; his martial arts were no joke. With her life literally in his hands, even Duan Ning’s face paled, and she didn't dare move recklessly. Xiao Guo'er was clever; without waiting for a signal, she had already slipped away quietly to fetch reinforcements.
Liu Songhe seemed to see everything. He continued to smile. "Nephew, wouldn't you agree?"
"Fortress Leader..."
"A pity Peng'er isn't here. Otherwise, I would truly love to see you two spar. This old man has matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave." He leaned in and whispered into Chu Ruo’s ear, "Don't worry, Nephew Chu. I won't move against you now. I heard you’ve lost all your martial arts. At the Martial Arts Assembly the day after tomorrow..."
Why did these wuxia people love leaving sentences unfinished with that punchable, "to be continued" expression? Finally, the hand on her shoulder loosened. *Phew.* But having her life held by others everywhere she went... this baby felt wronged.
"What are you dazing out for? Let’s go! Aren't you afraid he’ll change his mind and come back for your life?"
"There are people everywhere on the street. He has to maintain his image. Besides, he saw Xiao Guo'er go for help."
Duan Ning saw the lingering fear in her eyes. "Stubborn mouth."
"He wants to deal with me at the Martial Arts Assembly—make me look like a fool before getting rid of me. Or maybe keep me as a bargaining chip. After all, that Great Roc..." Chu Ruo realized she was talking too much. Although she shouldn't have to guard against Duan Ning and the others, the fact that the Great Roc was in Nan Muxue’s hands was something the fewer people knew, the better. Even if the other side had suspicions, as long as they didn't admit it, it wasn't a fact.
"Fine," Duan Ning waved her hand dismissively. "I have no interest in knowing about that. However, Liu Songhe is not like his stupid son. He will sniff out the trail sooner or later. We must be cautious."
This was a disguised warning. Chu Ruo nodded. "It’s a good thing Xue'er has sisters like you. Otherwise, her life in the Hundred-Flower Palace would be even harder."
"No," Duan Ning shook her head. She appeared to be browsing the rouge and powders at a stall, but she let out a quiet sigh. "You’ve seen life in the palace; it’s bitter beyond words. But the suffering Xue'er has endured is a hundred, a thousand times worse than that. We ache for her, but there is nothing we can do, nor are we allowed to. Between her and us, there has always been an insurmountable gap of rank. No one could ever enter her heart. Except for you. So I hope you can keep walking beside her. You never saw what Xue'er was like before you came. She was so cold it was terrifying; stepping close felt like suffocating. Then you arrived. Your appearance changed her completely. I had never seen her like that—she can actually laugh, cry, and say the word 'love' with her own lips. But her warmth is only for you. Chu Ruo, remember your promise. If you break it, never mind Xue'er—none of us will let you off."
***
Night fell once more.
"Back so late again," Chu Ruo sat up and embraced the woman who had just sat down on the edge of the bed, beginning to massage her shoulders. "You must be exhausted."
Nan Muxue was surprised by her attentiveness, though she was pleased. She reached up to pat Chu Ruo’s head. "If you're tired, sleep first. Why wait up so late? It’s not as if I wouldn't return to the room."
"Because I miss you," Chu Ruo rested her head on the other’s shoulder. "Xue'er, is it very tiring? I shouldn't have been thinking about playing; I should be helping you more."
"It’s enough that you have the heart. You don't need to worry about these things." She turned her head slightly. "Is your mind troubled because you ran into Liu Songhe today?"
"Yeah, a little. But I’m more worried about you, having to stress over so many things. I don't want to go out and play tomorrow. I’ll get up early with you and join your discussions."
"Even if you wanted to sleep in tomorrow, you couldn't. The Assembly is the day after tomorrow. We need to head to Moxyang tomorrow to prepare."
"Then let’s sleep quickly. You came back very late." She pulled the other woman down to lie with her. "Am I particularly useless? I’ve been here so long and haven't contributed anything."
Nan Muxue pressed a finger to her lips. "What’s wrong with you tonight, saying such silly things?"
"Because I feel useless. I even need protection just to walk down the street. I was thinking, if I were stronger, I wouldn't have been so scared when I met the Great Roc’s father today. I’m afraid of everything because I can't do anything, except cause trouble for you..."
"Enough," Nan Muxue shushed her gently. "What has happened to my Ruo'er?"
"Xue'er, Xue'er," Chu Ruo murmured, hugging her tight. "I want so much to protect you, but I don't know how. I can't even protect myself. I want you to be less tired, I want you to be able to lean into my arms and be a happy, carefree person, I want you to be able to leave everything to me with peace of mind. But... but I can't do any of it."
"As long as you are here, right here, I am not tired." The woman propped herself up and gently pinched Chu Ruo’s chin. "I told you from the start: I am your Master. I will protect you. Don't overthink things, do you hear me?"
It was domineering yet tender. Chu Ruo nodded and hummed in agreement, her arms circling the other’s slender waist. "But I always feel like a 'pretty boy' living off you."
Nan Muxue’s eyes turned playful and teasing. "Are you not?"
"You!"
"I should say 'male favorite.' That’s more accurate."
*I spit on that! Why don't you say 'female favorite' instead?* "That’s enough out of you!"
Nan Muxue recalled what Duan Ning had told her after returning: *Chu Ruo is afraid you’ll be punished by the Old Palace Mistress, afraid your reputation will be ruined...* She smiled. In this world, there was only this one person whose heart and eyes were entirely full of her. She leaned down to kiss those lips, and in the end, everything dissolved into a single call: "Ruo'er..."
"Mmh, Xue'er..." This sudden kiss wasn't the first, yet Chu Ruo always found herself unable to pull away, responding in kind until both were breathless. She traced the other’s lips. "Xue'er, you’re so beautiful."
"Oh? So when you're happy, I'm not a 'little scorpion' anymore?"
"Well, a 'scorpion beauty.' Being a little scorpion and being beautiful aren't contradictory at all..."
*Thump!*
"Waaaah, the little scorpion is committing murder..."
***
Moxyang.
The Martial Arts Assembly was tomorrow, and as expected, the city was a sea of people. Eight or nine out of ten people on the street were carrying weapons. Groups in matching uniforms were everywhere, and some were already getting into scuffles. Duan Ning curled her lip. "All this fighting and killing. Tianyou was more interesting."
Yin Luli picked up the thread. "We aren't here to play. Honestly, you..."
"Hmph, I’m not talking to you. I’ll go talk to Yan'er." She walked over to Nan Gongyan. "Yan'er, let’s go for a walk."
Nan Gongyan’s eyes were full of melancholy. "I..."
"Ning'er," Yin Luli pulled her back and whispered, "You forgot that Yunshang is coming to meet us soon. Yan'er is in a bad mood; stop making trouble."
"My mood was fine until you mentioned her!" Duan Ning was also getting angry. "Those disciples from the branch sect... I really wish I could kill her right now! How could she become like that?"
"Xue'er," Chu Ruo carefully tugged on the other’s sleeve. Now that they were in Moxyang, every word and action had to be cautious. "They..."
All the Hundred-Flower Palace disciples were either veiled or wearing masks like Nan Muxue and Chu Ruo. Nan Muxue sighed softly. "Their bond with Yunshang is no shallower than mine. Especially Yan'er. She and Yunshang..."
"Greetings, Young Palace Mistress."
Speak of the devil. Nan Yunshang arrived, wearing a veil today. Her clothes were the standard Guardian uniform of the palace. She remained expressionless, cold as frost.
"Let’s go." Nan Muxue was always brief with others.
Nan Gongyan’s expression shifted the moment the other arrived. She turned her face away in a huff, happening to face Chu Ruo. She stepped forward and linked her arm through Chu Ruo’s. "Chu Ruo, take me for a walk."
...!!!??? *Sister, please don't set me up like this!* Never mind the other disciples; the other Guardians, Xiao Guo'er, A-Yue—everyone’s gaze snapped toward them instantly. Chu Ruo looked down at the two hands on her right wrist, stunned for a moment before looking up with wide eyes. What on earth was this? *Xue'er, where's my Xue'er?* She frantically looked for her, only for Nan Gongyan to speak again. "Didn't you promise to take me out to play?"
*What are you doing? When did I ever promise you that???* "Fourth Guardian..."
"Didn't you say you'd call me Yan'er? Luli and the others aren't outsiders; there’s no need to be so distant. It sounds so formal."
Chu Ruo wanted to cry but had no tears. "I..."
"Oh~" Duan Ning’s smile was incredibly mischievous. "I’ve always heard the Fourth Guardian and the Holy Envoy were close."
"Ning'er," Yin Luli pulled her aside and whispered, "You know Yan'er is doing this on purpose to spite Yunshang. Don't add to the mess."
As for Nan Yunshang, Chu Ruo suspected she might have facial muscle atrophy because she didn't react at all. Although Duan Ning and the others knew she loved Nan Muxue, no one knew that Nan Muxue had once impersonated Yan'er to trick her. Even if they guessed, it was because they had witnessed the love between her and Nan Muxue. Nan Yunshang might not know. Back at the palace, she had almost lost control just hearing the name 'Yan'er.' *You really want me dead, don't you?* "Uh, Master..."
She had hoped her own little scorpion would save her, but a cold voice shattered her hope. "Since you promised her, then go. Great Guardian, Second, and Third Guardians, follow me. We have matters to discuss."
"Yes."
It was over. She was angry. The little scorpion was so petty; she was definitely mad. *Waaaah, I’m not taking the fall for this! What kind of mess is this?*
Walking aimlessly down the street, the other woman sighed, and Chu Ruo sighed even louder. "I say, Fourth Guardian, next time you use me as a bridge, could you give me a heads-up? This sudden move is making me incredibly awkward."
Now that the others were gone, Nan Gongyan felt the pressure in her mind ease. She raised an eyebrow. "Is it so difficult for you to be out with this Guardian? The whole palace says you and I are 'close.' How come I didn't know?"
"That... well, at the time, it was..."
"Tell me, what exactly is going on between you and Xue'er? How did I get dragged into this? Since you arrived, the days I’ve spent on the mountain can be counted on one hand. Every time I return, Xue'er finds a new excuse to send me away. At first, I thought she didn't want you to know I’d tried to kill you at the foot of the mountain, fearing I’d harm you. But thinking about it now, her desperate attempts to keep us from meeting... it doesn't seem like that was the reason."
This wasn't a question; it was a sly smile. As she stepped forward, Chu Ruo stepped back, not forgetting to retort, "What did I ever do to you that you’d want to kill me? You’re way too vicious..."
"Tch," she scoffed. "You were dressed strangely and appeared under very suspicious circumstances. Besides, you looked like you were about to breathe your last. If it was real, it was better to send you on your way than let you be eaten by wild beasts. If it was fake, you couldn't be allowed to stay. The Hundred-Flower Palace has always preferred to kill by mistake than let a threat go." She tilted her head, her appearance indeed strikingly similar to Nan Muxue’s. "Besides, given Xue'er’s style, she should have finished you off before we even had a chance to consider it. I just don't know why she insisted on saving you that day. It was truly unprecedented. Now, though, I understand a bit more."
The words were a bit suggestive, giving Chu Ruo goosebumps. What kind of person was this? So similar to the little scorpion, yet so vicious. *Maybe you're the real little scorpion.* "My Master thought I was a martial arts genius..."
"Pah!" she spat. "You’re a genius at being shameless, maybe. You’ve lost your martial arts and you still have the nerve to brag. Tell me—you, Xue'er, and this so-called 'Yan'er' of yours... what’s the twisted story between you?"
"Why are you so..."
"Do I look like Xue'er?"
The sudden question made Chu Ruo nod honestly. "About seventy percent." *But my little scorpion is still the prettiest!*
"Everyone says so. In the past, many new disciples would mistake us. Only Yunshang... no matter the distance, even if I secretly wore Xue'er’s clothes to prank her, she never got it wrong." Nan Gongyan’s smile carried the melancholy of beautiful memories. "A pity. We can't go back. We can never go back..."
"The Great Guardian... perhaps she has her reasons. She has the Old Palace Mistress above her."
"I know. But we all have her above us. Why is she the only one who became like that? I don't understand."
"Don't be sad. It’ll pass. I once thought I could never be with Master again, but then we met again. I firmly believe I will never leave her. As for you and the Great Guardian, I don't know how to advise you, but I hope you can both get over that hurdle."
Nan Gongyan smiled softly. "That day may never come. Let’s go. Keep telling me about you, Xue'er, and this 'Fourth Guardian' of yours. Perhaps we can be friends."
***
Wanfu Inn.
"Xue'er, Xue'er!" The voice arrived before the person. Chu Ruo pushed open the door. "Look at the pomegranates I bought. They're so sweet and delicious. Try some."
Nan Muxue curled one side of her mouth and picked up a manual, pretending to read it, ignoring the newcomer completely.
Chu Ruo walked over and crouched down. "I know you're definitely mad again, but today wasn't my fault. It was Nan Gongyan who suddenly pulled me..."
"Was it not fun, being out with your 'Yan'er'?"
...Chu Ruo hugged her. "My Yan'er is you. She’s the Fourth Guardian."
"Is she not the Yan'er you were constantly pining for? This Master has fulfilled your wish; why have you come back?"
"Xue'er..." Piteous, aggrieved. "Xue'er~ You know perfectly well the Yan'er in my heart is you. Don't be mad anymore."
"You always say I look like Yan'er. Did you get a good, long look at her today?"
*Another easy one!* Chu Ruo pressed closer. "How do we look alike? I didn't even look at her properly. The Yan'er and Xue'er in my heart is you. Come on, don't be mad. I’ve already admitted I was wrong. Xue'er, Master..."
"Is that so? The moment you saw your Fourth Guardian, your soul was snatched away. You’ve even started calling me 'Master' again."
..."No, that’s not it! I’m just trying to apologize!"
"What wrong has Ruo'er done? It is this Master who is..."
"Stop being mad! I’ll peel a pomegranate and feed it to you."
Chu Ruo, who was focused intently on peeling the fruit, finally felt the person in front of her shift. She looked up and saw that Nan Muxue was indeed suppressed a laugh. Instantly understanding, she pulled the woman into her lap as she sat down. "You were scaring me! You made me think you were really angry. You’re so unlovable."
Nan Muxue pinched her face. "What. Did. You. Say?"
"I said my Xue'er is too lovable! To me, you’re like..."
"Shut up. One more word and you’re sleeping outside tonight."
"I’m shutting up. Right now." Chu Ruo tactfully fell silent. "I really thought you were angry. Why did you actually send me off with Nan Gongyan?"
"Yan'er is hurting. Let her vent a little. As for you," she feigned disdain, "this Master finds you too noisy and wanted to be rid of you."
Chu Ruo wagged a finger. "Too late. It’s far too late for you to be 'rid' of me now. I’m going to cling to you, to be entangled with you for a lifetime. Nan Muxue, don't even think about shaking me off, you little scorpion."
***
"Sister, why keep this broken hairband to pine over? She’s currently happy in the arms of that demoness Nan Muxue. Why put yourself through this?"
Bai Zhier simply stared at the object in her hand. "Ruo'er..."
"Fine, fine, I give up. Tomorrow, you might just see her. Are you happy now?"
***
### Glossary
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
前夕 | Eve | Referring to the time just before the Martial Arts Assembly.
墨央 | Moxyang | The city where the Martial Arts Assembly is held.
柳松鹤 | Liu Songhe | Leader of Feipeng Fortress; Liu Shaopeng's father.
柳少鹏 | Liu Shaopeng | Also referred to as "Great Roc" (大鹏鸟); antagonist from previous chapters.
守宫砂 | Cinnabar Mark | A traditional mark (often on the arm) used to represent a woman's virginity.
圣使 | Holy Envoy | Chu Ruo's official title within the Hundred-Flower Palace.
南宫烟 | Nan Gongyan | The Fourth Guardian of the Hundred-Flower Palace.
南云霜 | Nan Yunshang | The Great Guardian (First Guardian) of the Hundred-Flower Palace.
殷琉璃 | Yin Luli | The Second Guardian of the Hundred-Flower Palace.
段凝 | Duan Ning | The Third Guardian of the Hundred-Flower Palace.
万福楼 | Wanfu Inn | The name of the inn in Moxyang.
白芷儿 | Bai Zhier | A character from Chu Ruo's past (likely the one who rescued her previously).
