“Young Palace Mistress, the Old Palace Mistress requests your presence.”
What was bound to come had finally arrived. Nan Muxue nodded and followed the First Protector.
In a secluded corner of the back mountains of the Hundred Flowers Palace stood an independent small courtyard. It was a fair distance from the main palace and appeared quite simple and austere. This was a place of absolute tranquility, the residence of the Old Palace Mistress, Nan Menghua. She had moved here three years ago to practice silent cultivation, declaring to the world that all affairs of the Hundred Flowers Palace were to be handled by Nan Muxue.
Upon entering the courtyard, the First Protector stood to the side. Nan Muxue did not enter the house but stood outside Nan Menghua’s bedroom. “Daughter pays her respects to Mother…”
*Bang!!!*
The moment the word "Mother" left her lips, a surge of invisible internal energy struck from behind the doors, exactly as expected. The double doors were blasted wide open. Nan Muxue did not dodge, taking the blow head-on. *Pfft—* She coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell backward onto the ground, her white robes stained by the dust and dirt. She immediately pushed herself up into a kneeling position. Then, wave after wave of invisible force lashed out at her, like being whipped by an unseen lash. Unlike the previous blow which caused internal damage, these were solid, external strikes. One after another, they fell upon her front, her back, her arms, and her body. The pain pierced her to the bone, yet she remained kneeling with her back straight from beginning to end. She did not utter a word, nor did her face betray any agony, as if she were long accustomed to this. Only the bean-sized beads of cold sweat proved that she was indeed enduring a brutal beating.
After a moment, a woman dressed in grey robes and holding a horsetail whisk walked out. Her face was etched with a fierce sternness, possessing a natural authority that commanded awe without needing to show anger. The most startling thing about her was that although she was clearly in her fifties, she was exceptionally well-preserved, appearing no older than thirty-five. Even more bizarre was her hair—it was a shock of silver, whiter than that of a ninety-year-old crone. This was the Old Palace Mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace, and Nan Muxue’s mother, Nan Menghua.
Nan Menghua walked up to her daughter. She did not look at her, but stared straight ahead. “Where did you go wrong?”
“I acted on my own authority without informing Mother beforehand, and…”
“My precious daughter’s wings are truly growing strong.” Nan Menghua suddenly grabbed Nan Muxue’s chin, forcing her head up to look at her. “Let Mother have a good look. Tsk tsk, it has been a long time since I’ve looked closely. This face has grown quite enchanting.”
“Daughter…” At this moment, the pain inside her body was like a churning sea. Nan Muxue’s face remained expressionless, but her breathing was ragged. Every word she spoke felt like the cut of a knife. She took several deep breaths before she could continue. “I know my mistake.”
“To offend Feipeng Fort for the sake of an obscure nobody—do not think that just because you have a pretty face and some charm, you can simply lead that Liu Shaopeng around by the nose and call it enough!”
“Daughter did this only for the prestige of the Hundred Flowers Palace.” Nan Muxue did not meet her gaze, her eyes level with her mother’s chest, neither humble nor arrogant. “Killing Hu Nuo and punishing those disciples was merely to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys. If we cannot even protect our own disciples, how can we reassure the others or command the sect? Furthermore, Feipeng Fort’s reach is growing longer by the day. Daughter simply wished to remind them and the rest of the martial world that the affairs of the Hundred Flowers Palace are not for outsiders to meddle in, nor is it a place for them to act insolently.”
“That is still no excuse for you to bypass me and make your own decisions.” Nan Menghua’s grip loosened slightly, her tone softening by a fraction. “That Chu Ruo—who exactly is she!”
“She is indeed just an ordinary woman Daughter picked up at the foot of Cloud-Piercing Peak.”
“Oh? An ordinary woman?” The other woman smiled mockingly. “An ordinary woman is worth such elaborate effort? For an ordinary woman, you deliberately hide whether she is male or female and insist on taking her as a disciple? Just because she was hit once with a staff, you severed a man’s arm. Never mind those who don't know the truth—even I, your mother, thought she was your lover. You seem to care for her quite a bit.”
A faint blush crept onto Nan Muxue’s face. It wasn't for any other reason than the word "lover" being naturally embarrassing for a young woman to hear. Fortunately, she wore a veil, so it went unseen. “Daughter does indeed care about her.”
Nan Menghua said nothing. To admit it so openly meant there was more to follow. She waited for her daughter to continue. Sure enough, Nan Muxue spoke again. “I intend to train her to become the left and right hand of my Hundred Flowers Palace.”
“I have heard of this person from Shuang’er. She is flighty, clumsy, and utterly useless. I have also heard of her match with the Feipeng Fort disciples; it was nothing more than petty tricks and underhanded tactics. I see nothing extraordinary about her.” Shuang’er was the First Protector, Nan Yunshuang. She was practically Nan Menghua’s foster daughter and the only one among the four Protectors who personally served her. All matters of the palace were reported to Nan Menghua through her.
“But this person is a rare martial arts prodigy, and she is without guile. She is most suitable to be used by me.”
A rare look of uncertainty appeared on Nan Menghua’s face. “Are you certain?”
“Daughter would never misjudge. That day at the foot of the mountain, I checked her pulse. She clearly fell from a great height—though perhaps not as high as the peak itself—yet her bones and muscles showed signs of self-healing within a short time. Though the effect is subtle and invisible to the naked eye, if she practices martial arts…”
“She will surely be a genius,” Nan Menghua nodded. “I remember the Founder’s *Hundred Flowers Secret Manual* recorded various anecdotes of the martial world. One chapter mentioned such people. If it is true, this person must be used by us. Otherwise, she must be eliminated early; we cannot let other sects benefit.” The *Hundred Flowers Secret Manual* encompassed a vast array of knowledge, which was why Nan Muxue had been able to recognize Chu Ruo’s potential at a glance. Anyone else would have simply ignored her.
“Daughter has already fed her the Hundred Flowers Gu. She will never be used by outsiders.”
“Stand up.”
Having finally received permission to rise, Nan Muxue stood. “Furthermore, during my recent trips down the mountain, Daughter has found that other sects are growing stronger by the day. Even rising stars are showing signs of overtaking the established powers. The Hundred Flowers Palace consists entirely of women, which is sometimes inconvenient and has caused us to suffer losses. Now that we have Chu Ruo, she can travel the martial world on behalf of the palace in the guise of a man. She will surely help the Hundred Flowers Palace become number one under heaven and unify the martial world.”
Nan Menghua flicked her whisk. “That is a viable plan.” Her expression tried to soften slightly, though she still looked murderous by nature. “You have grown up, and you have done well these past two years. Mother called you here today for another matter as well.”
Nan Muxue’s face remained calm and expressionless. “Please speak, Mother.”
“Starting tomorrow, I will go into seclusion at the Precipice for one year. I have already reached the ninth level of the *Love Flower Intoxication*. This final tenth level is of critical importance. If anything goes wrong, at best my meridians will be severed and I will be paralyzed; at worst, I will suffer a deviation and die from heart-fire. Therefore, I must not be disturbed by anyone during this time. I will see no one and attend to no business. All affairs of the palace are entrusted to you. With Shuang’er and the other three to assist you, I am at ease. Just remember to have someone place three meals a day at the entrance of the No-Regrets Cave. No one is to enter, and no one is to disturb me. Remember this well.”
“Yes, Daughter understands.”
Nan Menghua looked at her daughter, her eyes devoid of emotion, as if reciting a prepared script. “Do not blame Mother. I know I have been hard on you since you were a child. But the Hundred Flowers Palace has been passed down through generations; it must not be destroyed in my hands. You must bear more of the burden.”
“Daughter would not dare. Daughter will surely manage the palace well and wait for Mother to emerge from seclusion.”
“It brings Mother comfort to hear you think so. It is late, and the sky has turned dark. Go back.”
“Yes. Daughter takes her leave.”
“Shuang’er,” Nan Menghua watched her daughter’s receding figure, the smile instantly vanishing from her face. “Do you think the Young Palace Mistress is telling the truth?”
Nan Yunshuang shook her head. “The Young Palace Mistress has no reason to lie. Moreover, she has always been filial to you. Palace Mistress… do you not trust her?”
“One must always be on guard. I can no longer see through my precious daughter’s heart. Training Chu Ruo to be her left and right hand? Hmph, I fear she is training her for herself.” Nan Menghua’s eyes turned cold. “From tomorrow onward, keep a close watch on every movement in the palace. If there is even the slightest sign of trouble, do not bother reporting to me. Simply… kill.”
***
That night.
“Xiao Guo’er, get me another piece of osmanthus cake.”
“There’s no more!” Inside Chu Ruo’s room, a group of Hundred Flowers Palace disciples were gathered, playing "Fight the Landlord" with great enthusiasm. These were all new or low-ranking disciples, mostly fifteen or sixteen years old. They were young and loved to play, and life in the Hundred Flowers Palace was quite austere. Over the past few days, Chu Ruo had secretly made several decks of cards out of wood shavings and taught them how to play. Her next step was to make Mahjong, hehe. Regardless, through these games, she had quickly integrated with them and become quite popular.
“Gone so fast?” She pouted, blowing upward at the slip of paper stuck to her forehead. Because she had lost, her forehead was covered in paper strips that blocked her vision, making her look quite ridiculous and causing the others to laugh.
Xiao Guo’er rolled her eyes while playing a card. “You’re the one who eats the most. We secretly save so much food for you every night, and it’s still not enough to fill the gaps between your teeth.”
“Hey, hey, Sister Guo, have you actually left me a proper meal even once these past few days? It’s always cakes or fruit. How can I get full on that?” These past few days, she had only bumped into Yan’er once or twice at the kitchen, and she didn't know where she had gone. The Little Scorpion’s torture was increasing and worsening by the day. She could only vent her frustrations and complain about the Little Scorpion to Yan’er, only to find the next day ten times harder than the last. She had asked Xiao Guo’er about the Fourth Protector’s room, but either Yan’er wasn't there or it was too late and too far to visit. *Sigh, I really miss Yan’er.*
“Go on, keep complaining! Is it easy to save rice and dishes? we risk a beating every time we save food for you. If you’re so capable, don't eat it then.”
Just then, a round ended. Chu Ruo lost again. Logically, since she was the one who taught them, she shouldn't have lost so badly, but her luck was abysmal. Her hands were always terrible, and the others knew she was good, so they always forced her to be the "Landlord" and fight alone. Now her face was covered in paper strips.
Chu Ruo threw her cards down. “I’m done, I’m done! I’m too hungry. I have to go to the kitchen to find something to eat.”
Xiao Guo’er quickly held her down. “Stick the paper on before you go. Don't you dare try to back out.”
“Fine, fine. Look at you, do I look like that kind of person? Just stick it on. I’m telling you, I’ll go just like this, I won't even take them off. I’ll come back exactly the same way.”
“Alright, alright, go then. We’ll play by ourselves.”
One disciple said cautiously, “Maybe we should disperse. If the Palace Mistress finds out…”
“It’s fine,” Xiao Guo’er waved her hand. “The Old Palace Mistress is going into seclusion at the Precipice tomorrow. She won't have time for us.”
Chu Ruo had thought they were talking about the Little Scorpion, but hearing the word "Old," she asked, “Old Palace Mistress?”
“Yeah, the Young Palace Mistress’s mother. She’s the real Palace Mistress. Weren't you going? Hurry up.”
“Fine, fine, I’m going.”
Having gone to the kitchen to "steal" food so often lately, even a directionally challenged person like Chu Ruo finally remembered the way. She found the place with ease. Sure enough, there were leftovers. She happily shoveled down a bowl of white rice with the remaining dishes. After eating her fill and letting out a burp, she thought about how Xiao Guo’er and the others had scraped food together for her. She was quite touched, so she scavenged the kitchen and gathered a large pile of food—mostly fruit and cakes again—and waddled back.
“Yan’er!” She felt that coming out today was truly the right choice. What an auspicious day it was to run into her goddess.
The person before her froze for a few seconds before speaking uncertainly. “Chu Ruo?”
Seeing the way the other was staring at her, Chu Ruo realized her state and ripped the paper strips off her face. “Hehe, it’s me.”
“What are you doing, looking like this?”
“I lost at cards with the others.”
Nan Muxue, as always, caught the key point. “Playing cards?”
“Yeah, poker cards! I mentioned them to you before. They’re great fun, everyone loves them. Just don't tell the Little Scorpion, okay? If she finds out, she’ll skin me alive.”
“Oh.” That "oh" was drawn out and meaningful, but only someone as thick-skinned as Chu Ruo would fail to notice.
“Where have you been these past few days? I went to your room but you weren't there.”
“My room?” Nan Muxue was about to say she had been there the whole time, but then she realized Chu Ruo thought she was Yan’er and must have gone to Yan’er’s quarters. She waved a hand. “I’ve been busy.”
The night breeze brushed past. The combination of internal and external injuries made her feverish body feel bouts of freezing cold. She didn't want to talk anymore and intended to head straight back to her bedroom. Meeting Chu Ruo hadn't been her intention; it was just that this path was the only way to her room, and Chu Ruo always loved to come here to steal food. Yet, for their timing to coincide so perfectly… was it truly a coincidence?
Seeing her about to leave, Chu Ruo instinctively reached out. She had missed her dearly after not seeing her for days. In her haste, she grabbed Nan Muxue’s right wrist from behind as she passed. Unlike when she was with Nan Menghua, Nan Muxue hadn't expected Chu Ruo to grab her. Her first reaction was a sharp hiss of pain as she spun around and wrenched her arm away, her face contorted in distress.
Chu Ruo was startled. There was a stone table nearby, so she immediately dumped the food she was carrying onto it and rushed over to check the other’s condition. “Are you hurt?” she asked with concern.
“It’s none of your business.” Nan Muxue pushed her away. Only then did Chu Ruo notice that the other’s lips were pale and her cheeks were unnaturally flushed. Ignoring the protest, she reached out to feel the other’s forehead. “Are you feverish too?” It wasn't just a fever; the moment she touched her, she realized the skin was scorching hot.
The sudden warmth on her forehead was something Nan Muxue wasn't used to. Once she realized what was happening, she immediately pushed the girl away again, shouting in exasperation, “I said it’s none of your business! Go away, don't touch me!”
“You’re burning up and you’re still being stubborn?” Chu Ruo stepped forward to support her. “Don't throw a tantrum, be good. You need to rest. I’ll take you back to your room, then go to the kitchen to brew some medicine. Wait, I don't think there are any herbs… ginger soup then! Oh, right, I have that Golden Sore Ointment you gave me last time. It’s really good, I carry it with me everywhere. I’ll apply some for you when we get back.”
“Let go!” Nan Muxue was currently alternating between hot and cold flashes. She really didn't want to entangle with the girl, but she didn't want to waste energy using martial arts either. The result was that no matter what she said, Chu Ruo stubbornly escorted her back to "her" bedroom.
As soon as they entered, Chu Ruo shut the door tight, muttering, “You’ve caught a cold, you can't be in the wind anymore.” Then she pulled the other down to sit. Nan Muxue was speechless. This was Yan’er’s room; it was lucky she wasn't in the palace right now, otherwise, it would be truly awkward.
In the moment she was dazed, Chu Ruo had already lit the candle on the table and pulled a quilt from the bed to wrap around her. Then, without a word, she pulled the other’s hand over and rolled up the sleeve. “Let me see what happened.”
Though Nan Muxue struggled to pull back, Chu Ruo eventually saw the purple-red welts on that snow-white arm. They looked exactly like whip marks. For the first time, her voice was chillingly cold as she asked angrily, “Who hit you?”
Nan Muxue was stunned by this side of Chu Ruo. Her hand stopped pulling back. Seeing that she didn't answer, Chu Ruo asked again, “Who?” Then, remembering something, she added, “Was it that Old Palace Mistress?”
Nan Muxue hadn't expected her to guess correctly. For a moment, her eyes were full of suspicion. “How did you know?”
Chu Ruo had already pulled the bottle of Golden Sore Ointment from her robe and was carefully applying it to the other’s hand. A beautiful smile played on her lips. “I guessed.”
True. Given this girl’s personality, she really didn't seem like the type to spy or have any hidden agendas. Besides, she had only been practicing horse stances for a while and knew nothing; how could she possibly get near them? She was being too paranoid. Thinking this, Nan Muxue relaxed slightly, watching the person who was so seriously applying the medicine. “Why didn't you guess it was… the Little Scorpion?”
Chu Ruo shook her head. “She wouldn't.”
Nan Muxue looked at her with interest. “Oh? Why not?”
“Because she’s not a bad person. Even though she always bullies me and is very harsh, she just wouldn't. That day she saved me and even asked if I was hurt. Even though I call her Little Scorpion, I still think of her as my Master. She poisoned me, but she gives me the antidote every day and hasn't let the Hundred Flowers Gu flare up again. Besides, you two grew up together. You’re both good people; she definitely wouldn't do that to you.”
“Good people?” Nan Muxue laughed self-mockingly. “You don't understand me.” *One day, when you learn the truth, you will be disappointed.*
“I only know that you are very good to me, that’s enough. I don't need to understand anything else.”
“Why did you guess it was the Palace Mistress?”
“The marks on your arm are so neat; it’s obvious you didn't resist. In this Hundred Flowers Palace, who else besides the Little Scorpion could make you not fight back? Why did she hit you?”
Nan Muxue actually laughed again, without even realizing it. “Because I didn't do as she said.”
“Oh,” Chu Ruo nodded, then asked, “Does she often do this to you and the Little Scorpion?”
“I don't remember. Perhaps. From childhood until now, it has been a common occurrence.”
“Don't be afraid. Once I’ve learned martial arts well, I’ll protect you.”
Looking at that determined face, Nan Muxue suddenly felt her mood lighten considerably. “With those three-legged-cat skills of yours? You’d do well just to look after yourself.”
“What do you mean? Am I not learning from the Little Scorpion now? It’s her who won't teach me anything good, just making me do horse stances,” Chu Ruo suddenly sighed. “The Little Scorpion… her life under that woman isn't easy either.”
Nan Muxue stiffened and did not reply. Chu Ruo continued talking to herself. “Before, I thought the Hundred Flowers Palace belonged to the Little Scorpion. Only today did I hear that the Old Palace Mistress is the real one in charge. On the surface, it sounds like she’s retired, but if she really handed things over to the Little Scorpion, she wouldn't cling to the title of Palace Mistress.”
She turned to look at the other, only to find her mood seemed off. She hurriedly said, “Did I say something wrong?”
“It’s nothing.” Nan Muxue met her eyes. In that second, something welled up in her heart—just a tiny bit, but it felt like warmth. She didn't look away.
Although such close proximity was what Chu Ruo had always dreamed of, having her goddess stare at her like this made her feel a bit self-conscious. She quickly lowered her head. “All done. Give me the other hand.”
“Mm.” Nan Muxue’s voice was very soft, yet she cooperatively offered her other hand, letting the girl apply the medicine.
“Finished.” This time Chu Ruo’s movements were quick, or perhaps Nan Muxue’s perception made it feel fast. Chu Ruo stood up. “Go lie down. I’ll go brew some brown sugar and ginger soup for you.”
“Don't go to the trouble.”
As she opened the door, Chu Ruo turned back with a brilliant smile. “It’s no trouble. If you’re tired, take a nap first. I’ll try to hurry so I don't cut into your rest.”
She had only walked a few steps when more footsteps came from outside. Nan Muxue’s hearing was incredibly sharp; she immediately went to the door. She heard a voice say, “The Fourth Protector clearly hasn't returned, so why is the light on in her room?”
Pushing the door open, she saw a disciple who served Yan’er. Seeing it was her, the disciple immediately knelt. “Young…”
Before the disciple could finish the word, Nan Muxue stopped her—faster than she herself had expected. She actually looked around anxiously, afraid that a certain figure might appear. “Don't make a sound. Get up.”
“Yes.”
“Leave. Do not tell anyone about tonight, do you understand?”
“Understood. This disciple never came here tonight and saw no one.”
Those who served them were, after all, quick-witted. Nan Muxue nodded. “Go back and rest.”
After the disciple left, she went back inside. For some reason, she actually listened to Chu Ruo and went to lie on the bed. This was Yan’er’s room; she should have pushed Chu Ruo away from the start, she shouldn't have said those things to her. Yet her mind was full of that face, and the way she had so gently applied the medicine just now. Her gaze had been so steady when she said she would protect her. *Mm, she is quite good-looking. Her tongue is sweet, too. And she’s a bit… cute.*
Just as Nan Muxue’s thoughts were wandering and her mind was becoming hazy, Chu Ruo finally came in with the ginger soup. She walked to the bedside. “Yan’er, get up and drink this. I added brown sugar; it’s not spicy, it’s sweet and very good.”
“Mm.” Nan Muxue made to sit up but was stopped.
“Forget it, don't get up. Just stay lying down, I’ll feed you.”
“You—” Nan Muxue wanted to refuse, but when the spoonful of cooled ginger soup was brought to her lips, she obediently drank it almost instantly. She didn't understand why she was like this. Throughout the entire bowl of soup, she didn't dare look the girl in the eye.
“All finished. Get some good rest, I’m leaving now.”
“Mm.” Nan Muxue turned her face away, feeling her cheeks grow even hotter.
“By the way, can I come here to find you in the future?”
“Mm.” Another "mm." She clearly should have refused, but the word was already out.
Chu Ruo tucked the quilt around her. “I’m going. Goodnight.”
That night, Nan Muxue slept very well.
***
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