Deep in a slumbering stupor, Chu Ruo could never have imagined the scene she would wake to that morning.
As the first light of dawn broke, Bai Zhier’s eyes snapped open. It wasn't the morning sun that roused her, but rather...
*Bang!*
The door was unceremoniously kicked open. A faint, wicked smirk played on Bai Zhier’s lips. As the intruder approached, she rose, dodged, and finally sat back down with perfect grace.
“How lacking in poise for a Palace Master,” Bai Zhier remarked, smoothing her sleeves. She looked upon the crowd of newcomers with total composure. “Entering without so much as a knock—how rude.”
Nan Muxue’s gaze was fixed on the figure on the bed. Seeing this, Bai Zhier deliberately shifted her body to block the other woman’s line of sight. “As the Sage said: ‘Look not at what is contrary to propriety.’ Have you no sense of decorum?”
Behind Nan Muxue, Duan Ning and Nangong Yan were frantically exchanging looks. It seemed a grand show was about to begin.
“You may leave now,” Nan Muxue said coldly.
“Leave? What a joke. Anyone can come and go as they please in a brothel. This isn't the territory of your Baihua Palace, and I paid for this room. If anyone should leave, it’s you.”
“Sister, I—Nan Muxue!” Bai Shan burst into the room. The moment she saw Nan Muxue, her eyes turned bloodshot with rage. “I’ll kill you!”
*Ice Soul* cleared its scabbard. Before anyone could react, the freezing blade was already pressed against Bai Shan’s throat. “Do not let your impulses outrun your ability,” Nan Muxue said.
Bai Zhier stood up instantly, but the woman holding the blade merely tilted her head to meet her gaze with disdain. “With such a foolish sister, you must spend quite a lot of time cleaning up after her.”
“Our sisterly affairs are none of your concern.” Bai Zhier swiftly pulled Bai Shan behind her. She could tell that Nan Muxue wasn't truly intent on killing; for whatever reason, the Palace Master still considered Chu Ruo’s relationship with her. Moreover, Bai Zhier had just saved Chu Ruo. At most, Nan Muxue was venting her displeasure. “Go outside and wait for me,” she told her sister.
“Go outside? Why should we leave? Nan Muxue is the one who should go!” Bai Shan glanced at the sleeping Chu Ruo, then looked back at Nan Muxue provocatively. “Why are you so furious? Oh, did your precious Ruo’er not tell you? She slept with my sister.”
She watched with satisfaction as the expressions of the onlookers shifted. Bai Shan covered her mouth in mock shock. “You really didn't know? This isn't even the first time my sister has slept with her.”
“Shanshan!” Bai Zhier knew her sister was saying this just to be spiteful, but her face flushed crimson nonetheless. “Get out.”
“All of you, withdraw,” Nan Muxue commanded, dismissing her own followers.
Having achieved her goal, Bai Shan laughed with smug triumph. Even if she couldn't kill Nan Muxue right now, making her miserable was just as good. “I’ll wait for you downstairs, then.”
Yin Liuli and the others exchanged glances and exited as well, though they kept their distance from Bai Shan. Since Nan Muxue hadn't given the order to attack, they stayed their hands. Bai Shan, meanwhile, headed to the main hall with her head held high to drink and watch the dancers.
“I warned you,” Bai Zhier said. “If you treated Ruo’er poorly, I would take her away. Look at what you’ve done to her. Do you have any idea how close she came to dying?”
“This is a matter between Ruo’er and me. It requires no interference from you.”
“You cannot protect her, so naturally, I must interfere. Your subordinates are so useless that she vanished in less than half a day. What do you expect Ruo’er to do in the future? Follow you like a shadow, never leaving your side? She wouldn't even have her own freedom. What kind of life is that?”
“I am her freedom,” Nan Muxue replied, standing with her hands behind her back. “You are welcome to ask her if she is willing to leave my side for even a single step.”
“Hah, sophistry. Can’t you see? As long as you are the Young Palace Master of Baihua Palace, trouble will always find you. Every time Ruo’er is in danger, it is because of you. Since you cannot keep her safe, you should let her go. Your love is selfish.”
“Love has always been selfish. I will not let her go.” Nan Muxue turned her head. “As for you, you have been constantly meddling in our affairs. You call my love selfish, but are you any different? Even if you took her away, she wouldn't be happy. Do you think forcing her to leave me is for her own good? I can tell you now: Chu Ruo’er’s heart belongs only to me. That will not change, even unto death.”
Bai Zhier turned away to look at the face on the bed she had missed so dearly. She admitted to herself that her heart was bleeding. She had always known that Chu Ruo didn't belong to her. Walking toward the door, she said, “This is the last time. If you ever let Ruo’er fall into such peril again, I will make you regret it.”
“I have no wish to see you or your sister again. This is also the last time. Especially you—stay away from Ruo’er. The next time you sisters try to speak to me, it will be from inside your coffins.”
Bai Zhier let out a cold laugh. “The room rate here is quite expensive. Remember to pay.”
Once she was gone, Nan Muxue immediately sat by the bed. “Ruo’er.” She checked the girl’s pulse. It was a redundant gesture—Bai Zhier would never have harmed her—but she needed to feel it for herself to be at peace. Finally, a relaxed smile touched her lips as she stroked Chu Ruo’s brow. “As long as you’re alright.”
A moment later, however, she pinched the girl’s cheek with a hint of resentment. “You certainly have a blessed life. Someone is always pining for you, and you’re hopelessly entangled with that Miss Bai. Do you truly think your Master won't punish you?” She frowned again. “Sharing a bed with another... you certainly kept that well-hidden.”
***
“Hey, who do you think is more beautiful? Our Young Palace Master or that woman from just now?”
Yin Liuli looked over with a warning glare. “Careful, or Xue’er might hear you.”
“It’s fine. Xiao Guo’er, A-Yue, what do you think?”
“Those two sisters aren't good people,” Xiao Guo’er said, shaking her head. “The Young Palace Master is definitely better.” Nan Muxue hadn't told the others much about Bai Zhier’s identity. Since Chu Ruo’s return, she had only told Nan Muxue everything in detail. Xiao Guo’er was a quiet soul who only answered when asked, so she hadn't volunteered any information. If the others knew that the destruction of their various branches was linked to those sisters, they wouldn't be in the mood for such a discussion.
“Incredible,” Duan Ning teased. “What was that word Chu Ruo taught me the other day? Right, Xue’er’s ‘little fangirl.’ Not bad, not bad at all.”
A-Yue added, “The Young Palace Master is better.”
“They’re both good. I think it’s hard to say who wins,” Nangong Yan chimed in. “Don't you think they actually look a bit similar?”
“Really? With Xue’er’s temper? That girl seemed quite gentle. I never knew there was such a beauty in the martial world. It’s a pity she isn't famous, or she and Xue’er could be the ‘Twin Jades of the Jianghu.’ But do you really think they look alike? I don't see it.”
“A little bit, maybe. I don't mean their personalities, just... a certain feeling,” Nangong Yan said, waving her hand. “What surprises me most is how such a beauty could also take a liking to Chu Ruo. What kind of love potion did she give them?”
“One is a soulmate, the other is a Master who beats, scolds, and threatens her with poison. If it were me, I’d definitely choose the first one. What was her name again? Anyway, Chu Ruo must have a screw loose...”
*Shing!*
“Young... Young Palace Master!” As they were joking, a hidden projectile thudded nearby. A-Yue and Xiao Guo’er immediately shut their mouths in terror.
“A-Yue.”
“Yes, I am here for your orders, Young Palace Master.”
“Go brew some white congee. Bring it up when Ruo’er wakes.”
“Yes,” A-Yue said, then added cautiously, “Should I prepare anything else?”
“No. For the next few days, you will only brew white congee for her three meals a day. Do not add anything else. Use very little rice; the thinner the congee, the better.”
Yin Liuli asked, “For the next few days? Do you intend to stay here in this brothel until the competition is over?”
“Follow me up first. I have instructions.”
“Yes.”
“What is Xue’er doing?”
Only Duan Ning smiled knowingly. “Don't you get it? Chu Ruo is in for some suffering. I smell a very strong scent of vinegar. Xue’er is definitely feeling threatened.”
***
“Ah... Ow!” A piercing scream rang out in the room. Chu Ruo was jolted awake by pain—sharp pain in her hand. The length of the silver needle stuck into the huddle of her thumb made her doubt her own eyes. “It hurts! Who stabbed me? It hurts so much...”
“A little sting. If not for this needle, my disciple wouldn't have woken up at all.”
Chu Ruo looked around. “Everyone’s here? Wait, where’s Zhier...” She hurriedly covered her mouth and started whistling. *Oh no, I feel like I should write my will. I don't have money, but I have the Snow-Ruo Pavilion. I should probably give that back to the little snake-scorpion.*
“What? Are you disappointed that you didn't see your Miss Bai the moment you opened your eyes?”
“I’m not!” Duan Ning was struggling mightily to hold back her laughter. Chu Ruo gritted her teeth in annoyance. Just as she was about to snap at her, Nan Muxue spoke again.
“I am asking you a question. You’re looking at the Third Protector; are you planning to set your sights on the Fourth Protector next?”
“No, I didn't... Ow...” Chu Ruo was distracted, and the pain in her hand flared up again. She groaned a few times. “Xue... Master, can you pull this needle out now?” *I’m so miserable.*
To her surprise, Nan Muxue actually withdrew the needle quite readily. Chu Ruo was just beginning to feel relieved when a faint sense of unease rose in her heart. Sure enough...
“Stretch out your hands.” *Good, very good. Since you’ve seen your Miss Bai, you’ve gone back to calling me ‘Master,’ haven't you?*
“Oh.”
“Both of them.”
She obediently held them out. “What are you going to... Ow!” She looked down to see Nan Muxue using needles to prick her fingertips. And not just one—she was going for every single finger on both hands. *Ten fingers lead to the heart! What are you doing?!* She felt utterly drained.
“The toxins in your body haven't been fully cleared. I’m using acupuncture to force them out. It will help you recover faster.”
The innocent Chu Ruo believed her instantly. “Did Zhier tell you that? But she said it was cured. Is it not fully gone?”
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile. “Indeed. She said she had urgent business and was short on time, so she asked me to treat you in her stead.”
“Oh.” Chu Ruo nodded absently, staring at her fingers. “Then... be a bit gentler.”
“Alright,” Nan Muxue replied. But the force with which she drove the needles in was more lethal with every strike.
Duan Ning watched the scene of constant screaming from a distance and sighed. “This fool actually thinks Xue’er is being good to her. Can’t she tell she’s being toyed with? They say you become like those you spend time with; I’m truly worried for Xue’er’s future.”
“Open your mouth. Drink the congee.”
After finally finishing the acupuncture, Nan Muxue wouldn't even let her lie down. Chu Ruo pouted. “Congee again.”
“Drink.”
It was just one word. Usually, Nan Muxue doted on her and never let her suffer when it came to food. Today, it was just one word. Chu Ruo looked at her. “You... how did I offend you this time?”
Nan Muxue gave her a remarkably "gentle" smile. “Did you?”
“Then why are you treating me like this?”
“This is good for your injuries. Drink up.”
“Oh. As long as you’re not angry. I’ll drink.”
“Mm.” *Not angry? Chu Ruo, just you wait.*
It tasted terrible. Chu Ruo was forced to gulp down a large bowl of white congee. It was tasteless and incredibly thin, barely better than water. “Finally finished.” She looked over at Duan Ning and the others. “I’m a bit sleepy.”
“Then lie down.”
*Don't you understand my hint? I want to be alone with you! How can you be so slow, you little snake-scorpion?* “I...”
“If you have something to say, say it.”
*Damn it.* “There are too many people. I can’t sleep.”
“In that case, you should rest. I am going out as well.”
“Wait, you’re going? And the others are staying here?”
Nan Muxue tilted Chu Ruo’s chin up. It looked incredibly intimate, but the reality was anything but. The strength in her grip was quite something. “Is there a problem?”
Chu Ruo felt like the little snake-scorpion was genuinely annoyed, but she hadn't done anything wrong. She had just asked, and Nan Muxue said she wasn't angry. So what was it? “No, no problem.”
Nan Muxue let go, stood up, and left.
As soon as she was gone, Chu Ruo tried to get out of bed. Duan Ning and the others immediately moved to the bedside. “Don't you dare move, Your Highness. Not an inch. If anything happens to you, we’ll be the ones to pay for it.”
“You’re being awfully sarcastic. Did you forget your medicine?”
Duan Ning raised a hand as if to strike. Chu Ruo quickly covered her head. “If you hit me again, I’ll tell Xue’er to deal with you when she gets back!”
“Oh, I’m so scared,” Duan Ning said, giving her a playful shove. “Why don't you tell us about that soulmate of yours?”
“Who? You mean Zhier?”
“Listen to that. She admitted it herself. You really are a... what was that word? A ‘scumbag.’”
“That’s enough! You keep using the words I taught you to insult me. Besides, how am I a scumbag? Do you know where Zhier went?”
Nangong Yan covered her forehead. “You still dare to mention her? Aren't you worried Xue’er will...”
“Ahem!” Duan Ning coughed violently, signaling Nangong Yan to stop. Nan Muxue had instructed them not to let Chu Ruo know she was angry. This time, the girl wouldn't be let off easily.
Chu Ruo didn't notice. “I have things to ask her. I don't even know how she found me. And that E Tu...”
“Oh, don't worry about that. First, tell us about you and this Miss Bai.”
Chu Ruo: “...”
***
At the Cloud-Coming Inn.
“Fort Leader, someone sent this for you. They said you must open it yourself.”
Liu Songhe set down his teacup and took the small wooden box. “Who sent it?”
“A beggar. He said someone on the next street gave him a few copper coins to bring it. I’ve already asked; the person was wrapped in a black robe with a black veil over their head. It was impossible to tell if it was a man or a woman.”
He opened the box. The moment he saw the contents, his face turned ghastly. He gripped his teacup so hard it shattered, heedless of the scalding tea. A disciple rushed to clean it up and caught a glimpse of the box. Inside was a bloody finger. The ring on that finger was unmistakably familiar.
“That Nan Muxue... she dared to sever my Peng’er’s finger! That bitch! I will have her pay in blood! Call all the disciples, arm yourselves...”
“Fort Leader,” another disciple entered and whispered in his ear. Liu Songhe waved him off. “Show them in.” Then he told the cleaning disciple, “Hurry up and leave.”
“Yes.”
***
Back at the brothel, the others had been following Chu Ruo all day. They claimed it was for her safety, but they even watched her sleep and waited outside the door when she went to the latrine. It was unbearable. Worst of all was the little snake-scorpion; she had been gone all day and only returned after dinner. *Shouldn't she be by my side, caring for me? So heartless.*
“How is Ruo’er?”
“She’s been sleeping all day. You wouldn't let her out or let her eat anything. What else could she do? You’re finally back.” Yin Liuli let out a long sigh of relief upon seeing Nan Muxue. “If you hadn't come, we wouldn't have been able to hold out much longer.”
“Exactly,” Duan Ning said, rubbing her arms and legs. “Are you punishing her or us? Making us follow her every step of the way like shadows.”
“Both,” Nan Muxue said tonelessly. “When mistakes are made, punishment must be endured. Since you have so many complaints, and I didn't have time to deal with you before, go back with Yan’er and copy the palace rules fifty times each. Give them to me tomorrow morning. Liuli and Xiao Guo’er will supervise. If anyone dares to help them, they will be punished as well.”
“Xue’er, you...”
“One hundred times.”
Yin Liuli quickly pulled Duan Ning away. “In that case, we’ll return to our rooms first.”
Once they were outside, Nangong Yan made a long face. “It’s all your fault. A few extra words and the punishment doubled. At least you have Liuli to help you, but I’m the one suffering.”
Yin Liuli crossed her arms. “I’m not helping this time. This girl needs to learn her lesson. Besides, Xue’er said helping would be treated as the same crime. I don't want to get dragged down.”
“Wow, Liuli, you’re so heartless!” Duan Ning leaned on Xiao Guo’er’s shoulder. “Xiao Guo’er, how is your handwriting?”
Xiao Guo’er replied with total sincerity, “My handwriting is not very good.”
The others: “...”
In the room, Nan Muxue sat by the bed. Looking at that face, she couldn't help but smile. “Sleeping again. You never get enough.” Her hand brushed Chu Ruo’s cheek. “Calling you a glutton would be a compliment.”
“Mmm...” Chu Ruo felt a slight itch on her face. Having slept all day, she wasn't in a deep slumber. She opened her eyes and woke up. “Xue’er!” She sat up with a wide grin and threw her arms around the other woman, resting her head on Nan Muxue’s shoulder. “Xue’er.”
Her voice was soft and pleading, filled with the longing of their days apart, mixed with a hint of grievance. Nan Muxue raised her arms to return the embrace. “Have you slept enough?”
“Mm. Xue’er, I missed you so much.”
“Mm.”
“Xue’er, I missed you every second you were gone. Why did you have to go out? I missed you, I wanted to talk to you, I wanted to hold you, I wanted to sleep with you.”
Chu Ruo couldn't see the smile in Nan Muxue’s eyes, but the woman’s voice remained cool. “You have your Miss Bai. Why bother thinking about your Master?”
“I only think about you. I haven't had a good night’s sleep in days. Do you know about the Silent Gu? If you make a loud sound, the bugs inside you explode. E Tu forced me to take it. I didn't even dare to sleep. I was afraid I’d talk in my sleep or shout. I even stuffed a cloth in my mouth. Xue’er, that dungeon was so terrifying. It was so quiet, and there was a rotting corpse on the floor that had been blown to pieces by the Silent Gu. Rats and bugs came to eat it at night. I was so afraid I’d never see you again. I was afraid I’d die there and no one would know, and my body would be eaten by vermin. E Tu said he was going to eat my flesh in a few days. Xue’er, I was so scared...”
“It’s over now, it’s over.” Nan Muxue’s heart was filled with pain and regret. she hated herself for her carelessness and for not rescuing Chu Ruo immediately. She stroked the back of the girl’s head with infinite tenderness. “ I am here, Ruo’er. Nothing will happen to you again.”
“Xue’er... Xue’er...” To Chu Ruo, Nan Muxue was her only love in this strange world, her everything. She unconsciously relied on her, so after every ordeal, this was the person she thought of first. She showed her vulnerable side, murmuring the name over and over as she held the woman tightly, never wanting to let go.
“It’s alright.” The thought of staying away for a few days as punishment vanished instantly. “I won't go out for the next few days. I’ll stay with you.”
“Mm. You have to keep your word.”
“Mm.”
Chu Ruo finally pulled back, slowly moving her lips toward Nan Muxue’s. Just as they were about to touch, she was heartlessly blocked. She was beyond annoyed. “What now?”
“Do you have nothing else to tell your Master?”
“Tell you? Oh, right!” Chu Ruo’s eyes lit up. “Why did Zhier leave so suddenly? Did she tell you how she rescued me?”
“I don't know. Ask her yourself.”
Chu Ruo lowered her head and started playing with Nan Muxue’s fingers. “But she’s gone. Where am I supposed to ask?”
“Chu Ruo!”
“What? What?” She looked up and quickly put on a fawning smile. “Don't be angry, don't be angry. I was just curious how she found me. Really, just that. Nothing else.”
Nan Muxue snatched her hand back in annoyance, but she answered anyway. “Others were in the light, she was in the dark. Besides, she cares for you so much; how hard could it be for her to find you? When I found that maze and you were gone, I suspected it was her. You certainly have a blessed life, not even needing your Master to save you...”
“Having you is the greatest blessing of all.” *If I let you keep talking, you’ll definitely blow a fuse.* “Xue’er, did I cause trouble for you again? I wanted to help, so I came to the brothel to investigate, but I got caught before I found anything. Did he use me to threaten you?”
“How did you know?”
“E Tu said he wouldn't kill me for now, which meant I was useful. What use could a transmigrator like me have? At most, I’m a bargaining chip. Have I just been causing trouble for you...”
“It’s not your fault. He hadn't even made his demands yet. He and Liu Songhe joined forces to distract me. They probably planned to trade you for Liu Shaopeng after winning the Alliance Leader position.” Nan Muxue stroked Chu Ruo’s face again. “If not for me, you wouldn't have been in danger. Ruo’er, do you blame me? I didn't rescue you immediately.”
“Don't talk like that.” Chu Ruo cut her off. “I knew you’d come for me. Look, we’re together again. Xue’er, I never blamed you. I only worry about being a burden to you. I...”
“From now on, I will never let you leave my side.”
“I won't act recklessly anymore. I shouldn't have come to the brothel. Xue’er, don't be mad at me.”
Nan Muxue’s mood had improved considerably. “You, always thinking about brothels. Let’s see if you’ve learned your lesson.”
“Mm-hmm. But honestly, brothels are actually quite interesting...”
“Chu Ruo!”
“Hehe, just kidding, just kidding!” Chu Ruo laughed brightly. “Xue’er, let me hold you. Come here.”
Facing the girl’s open arms, Nan Muxue pulled her into her embrace. Chu Ruo was surprised for a moment, then leaned back contentedly. “Xue’er, you’re so cool.”
“Don't you find it cold?”
“No, it’s hot out. When winter comes...”
“Ruo’er.” Nan Muxue closed her eyes and smiled, her fingers subtly pressing a certain spot on the girl’s spine. “What were you going to say?”
*You poisonous little snake-scorpion, using that spine-chilling trick again. But I’m scared!* “Uh, I was saying that in winter, you can hold me for warmth. I’m very warm, hehe.”
“Shameless.”
“By the way, you have to catch that E Tu and get revenge for me. That bastard forced me to take the Silent Gu and said he’d eat my flesh. He even ate human meat in front of me to scare me. I haven't had a single good night’s sleep. Look, I have dark circles under my eyes.” *I’m so pitiful. Everywhere I go, someone poisons me.*
Nan Muxue felt a pang of sympathy. With a mix of doting and dominance, she replied, “He dared to harm you. I’ve crippled him.”
“Mm. During the competition in a few days, we should sever his hamstrings and tendons so he can’t do evil anymore.”
“Why wait until then? Severing tendons is too light a punishment.”
“Then what did you do?”
“I left him in that dungeon.”
Earlier that day, E Tu had his tendons and meridians severed and was thrown into the dungeon. He looked up to see Nan Muxue’s eyes, red with fury. “Since you love trapping people here so much, I’ll let you try it. And the Silent Gu—let’s see if anyone saves you.” She knelt down. “Do you know why I didn't cut out your tongue? I want to see if you’ll cry for help.”
The pain of his severed meridians was unbearable. Knowing his fate, he didn't dare make a sound. He gritted his teeth and glared at her with venomous eyes. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. His lips clearly formed the words: *I will kill you.*
“You shouldn't have provoked Baihua Palace.” Her eyes were full of disdain. “And you certainly shouldn't have touched my Ruo’er. Anyone who harms her must die!”
*Mama mia.* Chu Ruo swallowed hard. “So you gave him a taste of his own medicine? That’s what you were doing all day?”
“Not entirely.” Nan Muxue couldn't resist pinching Chu Ruo’s left cheek. “I also prepared a gift for Liu Songhe.”
“What?”
“A finger.”
“Liu Shaopeng’s?”
Nan Muxue chuckled. “You’re quick on the uptake now. Tomorrow, it will be his ear. As for the day after... Liu Songhe will see for himself.”
“Sending one piece a day... aren't you afraid he’ll go mad?” *Killing someone is one thing, but this is psychological torture. Sending a body part every day would drive anyone insane.*
“This is returning the favor. Baihua Palace is not to be trifled with. To think he could use you as a pawn... anyone who touches what is mine must face the consequences. I want the whole world to know that Baihua Palace is not to be bullied, and that no one dares touch you.”
“Oh.” Chu Ruo nodded, then realized something. “What is yours?”
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. “Are you not?”
“Since when did I become yours?” Chu Ruo propped herself up. “You’re the one who’s mine. Well, not yet, but you will be sooner or later.”
“Be quiet.”
“You’ve been out all day. Have you eaten? How about I make you some old duck soup?”
Nan Muxue stopped her. “No need. Did you drink your congee tonight?”
“Could I not? Several pairs of eyes were staring at me. If I missed a sip, they’d hold my nose and pour it down. It was so bland. I’ve been running to the latrine constantly.” She tugged on Nan Muxue’s sleeve piteously. “Xue’er, that congee was really tasteless.”
Nan Muxue’s eyes were full of the girl’s image. She took out something she had bought on her way back. “Just eat a few.” She had intended to punish her with only congee, yet she couldn't help but buy treats for her. Since when had she become so unwilling to let this girl suffer even a little? Since when had she let herself fall this far?
Chu Ruo couldn't wait to put one in her mouth. “These strawberries are so sweet. My Xue’er is the best!” She bit into one and offered it to the other woman. This time, Nan Muxue didn't refuse. Chu Ruo was about to lean in for a deep kiss when Nan Muxue held her back.
“Do you have anything else to confess to your Master?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
Nan Muxue held back her irritation, trying to smile kindly. One last chance. “Really nothing? For example... you and that Miss Bai.”
“Zhier? There’s nothing between us! She saved me, but I don't even know how. I was in that dungeon for days and finally couldn't take it anymore and fell asleep. When I woke up, she was there. There’s nothing going on.”
“Are you sure?”
“Mm.”
*Good. Very good.* Nan Muxue smiled radiantly. “Stretch out your fingers. You need one more round of acupuncture before bed.” *It seems tomorrow’s congee is a bit too thick. I should add some croton seeds.*
***
“My hand is killing me. I’ve only finished two copies. Forget tomorrow morning, I won't be done by the morning after. Just let Xue’er kill me,” Duan Ning groaned, slumped in her chair.
“It’s your own fault for talking too much,” Nangong Yan said, her condition not much better. “You keep teasing Chu Ruo, and now Xue’er is punishing us for everything at once. And I’m the one suffering with you.”
“Tsk, tsk. You’re just worried about her, aren't you? My, my. I’m starting to think that girl is quite likable too. Otherwise, why would you all defend her so much? Maybe I’ll start caring for her tomorrow too.”
A crumpled ball of paper was thrown at her. “You brat!” Nangong Yan then smirked. “Aren't you afraid Liuli will be jealous?”
“Liuli wouldn't... Liuli?” Duan Ning turned to find that Yin Liuli and Xiao Guo’er were gone. “Where did they go?”
“They went to get us a midnight snack. You’re so unobservant.”
“Hmph, you...”
*Creak.*
Yin Liuli and Xiao Guo’er arrived with food: almond shortbread, bird’s nest congee, and a plate of fried dumplings. Duan Ning dropped her brush to grab some, but her hand was swatted away. “The dumplings are for Yan’er.”
“Wow, Liuli, you’re so biased! You specifically prepared her favorite.”
“Don't you like almond shortbread? You’re always the one grabbing them first.”
“Hmph, no one cares about me.”
Though it was late, the room was filled with laughter.
“Liuli...”
“Shh, Yan’er fell asleep.”
Duan Ning rubbed her eyes. “It’s only the first watch. What’s wrong with her today? she was so energetic just now.”
As she spoke, someone else pushed the door open. It was Nan Yunshuang. Duan Ning immediately understood. “Oh, so you were the one who made those dumplings for Yan’er.”
Nan Yunshuang was holding a robe, which she draped over Nangong Yan. She then quietly took a brush and paper and sat down. “There are only a few hours left. It will be faster if the three of us copy.”
Yin Liuli also took some paper and sat down. “Don't say anything else. Let’s try to finish by dawn.” Xiao Guo’er was quite sensible this time; she leaned on the table and pretended to sleep, though she was truly exhausted and fell asleep for real soon after.
Duan Ning curled her lip. “Are you here to help us, or just Yan’er? Fine, copy her portion. I don't need the Great Protector’s help with mine.” Deep down, they all knew Nan Yunshuang was only following Nan Menghua’s orders, or she never would have betrayed the branch. But the sting was still there, and they couldn't help but be sarcastic.
Nan Yunshuang held a brush in each hand, writing rapidly on two separate sheets. “I still remember your handwriting.” She was the only one in the palace who could use a sword with either hand to perfection. The handwriting on both sheets perfectly matched the two women’s styles; no one would be able to tell the difference.
Yin Liuli tapped Duan Ning’s head. “Stop talking and write. Yunshuang and I calculated it; you and Yan’er have about forty copies left. That means one hundred and sixty more. You and I will do thirty of yours, and Yunshuang will do twenty.”
“What about Yan’er’s eighty?”
“I’ll do them,” Nan Yunshuang said tonelessly. “Just don't tell her.”
Duan Ning nodded. “If she knew it was you, she probably wouldn't accept it.” But the person who knew Nangong Yan best in this palace was that very woman.
Yin Liuli smiled. “Remember when we used to stay up late copying like this? Back then, we always made Yunshuang help us. Those were the days...”
Duan Ning smiled as well, but the smile quickly faded. “Who would have thought we’d end up like this?”
“Ning’er, at least for tonight, let’s not think about that. It’s been a long time since the four of us sat together like this. Let’s just enjoy it, okay?”
Duan Ning thought back to their past, how innocent they had been before Baihua Palace changed them. She nodded. “Mm.” She offered a few small snacks. “Here.”
Nan Yunshuang took them. For a rare, fleeting moment, the corners of her mouth turned upward.
***
*Domestic discipline doesn't end that easily. Thinking you can sleep in the little snake-scorpion’s arms tonight? Not a chance.*
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 绝音蛊 | Silent Gu | A parasite that explodes if the host makes a loud sound. |
| 冰魄 | Ice Soul | Nan Muxue's sword. |
| 飞鹏堡 | Feipeng Fort | A rival martial arts sect (also referred to as Flying Eagle Fort). |
| 惑心散 | Heart-Confusing Powder | A medicinal/poisonous powder from Zhujian Villa. |
| 小蛇蝎 | Little Snake-Scorpion | Chu Ruo's internal nickname for Nan Muxue. |
| 柳松鹤 | Liu Songhe | Leader of Feipeng Fort. |
| 柳少鹏 | Liu Shaopeng | Liu Songhe's son. |
| 杏仁小酥饼 | Almond Shortbread | A type of Chinese pastry. |
| 糖水燕窝粥 | Bird's Nest Congee | A sweet, luxurious medicinal porridge. |
| 煎饺 | Fried Dumplings | Potstickers or pan-fried dumplings. |
| 巴豆 | Croton Seeds | A potent herbal laxative. |
