Today was a day spent on the road back to the Hundred Flowers Palace. It could, arguably, be called a pleasant day. After all...
"Didn't you say before that you wanted to ride back on horseback?"
Her mouth was blocked by a slender finger, but Chu Ruo remained undeterred. Even with that jade-like digit in the way, she desperately tried to brush her lips against the other woman’s. "Didn't you also say that was *before*? Right now, I just want to sit in the carriage, because then I can ki—"
Amusement flickered in Nan Muxue’s eyes, but she pointedly turned her head away. "Fickle."
"As long as I’m not fickle toward you, it’s fine. Just let me have one kiss..."
Nan Muxue suddenly leaned forward, causing the other girl to fall backward onto the seat. Ignoring her, Nan Muxue picked up the book titled *Master, Have Mercy* and began flipping through it with an expression as solemn as if she were reading a sacred scripture.
Chu Ruo was, naturally, quite dissatisfied. "Xue’er, a kiss..."
"That phrase," Nan Muxue said without looking up, taking a sip of fragrant tea from her cup, "is all you’ve said the entire morning."
"Has it been? Well, even if I’ve said it, that doesn't mean I can't say it again or that I can't have a kiss later, right?" Chu Ruo wrapped her arms around the other's slender waist from behind. "I’m always the one initiating the kisses. When are you ever going to kiss me of your own accord, hmm?"
Nan Muxue turned her head, their noses brushing, her red lips teasingly close. "You’ve already taken so many liberties, and yet you still dare to indulge in such wishful thinking?"
"Hehe, then I’ll just kiss you instead." Chu Ruo happily closed her eyes, the distance between them shrinking to practically zero. Their lips were just about to touch when, with agonizing timing, the carriage jerked to a halt.
Chu Ruo frowned in annoyance. "Why have we stopped? It should be another hour before the next town. Wait for me here, I’ll go out and see what’s happening."
"I’ll go with you—"
"No need," Chu Ruo replied, pulling open the carriage door. "With so many people around, what are you afraid will happen to me? Just wait here like a good girl. I’ll be right back."
As fate would have it, just as she opened the door, Duan Ning was raising a hand as if to knock. She gave a playful, knowing smile. "Oh? The Holy Envoy is in such a hurry. Could it be because you knew your Lady Zhier had arrived?"
Chu Ruo felt a sudden, icy draft whistle down her spine in that enclosed space. And it didn't stop there—several cold glares followed. She looked back. Just a moment ago, her little snake-scorpion had been sitting so close, looking so beautiful and enchanting. Now, the spot where she sat felt miles away and had turned into a blurred, dark mass of shadow. It was exactly like a manga protagonist when they’re furious—head bowed, face pitch black with three dark lines where their features should be. A total vengeful spirit.
*Gulp.* Chu Ruo swallowed hard, her tongue trembling. "Xue... Xue’er..."
In what felt like the blink of an eye, Nan Muxue was suddenly looming over her, closer and closer. "Get out."
"Oh." Chu Ruo felt certain that if she were even a second too slow, she would either be hauled out by her collar or ruthlessly kicked out. She moved like a gale of wind, scrambling off the carriage.
Once outside, she couldn't help but steal a glance back. Unfortunately, their eyes met instantly. *Gulp.* Under extreme tension, her saliva was secreting at record speed. "Um..."
"Keep walking."
Chu Ruo looked like a wilted plant, all her usual vivacity gone. She hung her head obediently and walked forward, while Nan Muxue followed at a leisurely pace behind her, her aura enough to intimidate everyone in sight.
*How annoying.* Why were there so many disciples up ahead? They were all waiting on horseback. As Chu Ruo passed, a few horses snorted impatiently, making her jump. Finally, she reached the very front and saw the other girl—the one who also had only Chu Ruo in her heart.
Dressed in white upon a spirited horse, looking down from above—in some ways, Bai Zhier and Nan Muxue were remarkably similar. That look of looking down upon the world was a quality few others possessed. Though Nan Muxue was not mounted, her presence was in no way inferior. she tilted her head slightly, proud, cold, and peerless. She didn't need to speak; simply standing there was enough to command the room.
"Ruo’er." The first person Bai Zhier saw was, naturally, her beloved. The joy in her eyes was impossible to hide. But she quickly noticed the person behind Chu Ruo. She leaned back into her saddle, her face returning to a faint, gentle smile that made one feel at ease.
"Zhier," Chu Ruo said, happy to see her, but it was only the happiness of seeing a friend. Furthermore, with the little snake-scorpion behind her looking like she was about to explode, she asked cautiously, "Did you come to see me for something?"
"Can't I come to see you even if there's nothing specific?"
*You’re going to be the death of me.* Chu Ruo thought. *Why are you being so playful? You’re having fun, but don't drag me down with you! I’m definitely going to die later.* "Zhier..."
Nan Muxue gripped Ice Soul, though she did not draw it. "Are you in such a hurry to lie in a coffin?"
"Honestly, you’re so petty. I really don't know what Ruo’er sees in you. You’re not as gentle as me, not as good-looking, and you’re neither generous nor refined." Bai Zhier was clearly recalling Nan Muxue’s previous threat that their next meeting would be over a coffin. She showed no gratitude for the warning, instead counting off her rival's flaws on her fingers. "Even your figure... hmph."
That "hmph" was thick with contempt. Fearing they would come to blows, Chu Ruo quickly stepped between them to separate them. "Zhier, don't—"
"Move."
The cold voice came from behind her. Chu Ruo had to turn around again with a forced smile. "Xue—"
Nan Muxue looked at her with a gaze that was profoundly meaningful. "What? Has my disciple forgotten the pain so quickly now that the wounds have healed? It seems your hands are all better now."
With that one sentence, Bai Zhier—who was a doctor and intimately familiar with needle marks and scabs—spotted the dense cluster of tiny red dots on Chu Ruo’s fingertips with her sharp eyes. Her anger flared. "You bullied Ruo’er again!"
"I, Nan Muxue, am disciplining my own disciple. Does that interfere with your marriage prospects, Miss Bai?" Mentioning it only made Nan Muxue angrier as she recalled that book, *Master, Have Mercy*.
"You!" Bai Zhier was furious at first, but she quickly calmed down. "It does interfere somewhat. After all, you’ve injured my future husband..."
*Swish, swish, swish!*
Silver needles flew past her face. She dodged them nimbly. "What? I’m distressed for my future husband. Does that interfere with you, Young Palace Mistress Nan, getting married and having children?"
"Oh, enough!" Seeing that the atmosphere was about to explode, Chu Ruo shouted intentionally. "Stop arguing, both of you! Aren't you embarrassed with so many disciples watching?" In truth, the disciples had sensibly retreated quite a distance, leaving the three of them plenty of space. "Can't you just sit down calmly and talk things out?"
Bai Zhier tucked away the poisonous needles she had held between her fingers. "I came to find Ruo’er. I have no interest in dealing with idle bystanders."
Nan Muxue slung her sword behind her back. "Without my permission, let’s see if she dares to say another word to you." Without another word, she turned and went back to the carriage.
Chu Ruo knew this was a silent consent. However, after that shout she’d just let out, she knew she wouldn't have an easy time later. *Sigh, a wife is hard to coax, especially a short-tempered little snake-scorpion. That’s double the difficulty.*
Bai Zhier turned her horse. Chu Ruo looked around, walked over to lead a disciple’s horse, and mounted it. The two of them rode off, one after the other. They didn't go far, stopping at a flat area near a shallow river. The others could only see their two backs as they stood side-by-side by the water.
"The scenery here is nice," Bai Zhier said, looking ahead. "Back in the Demon Realm, I had to carry you with me. Now, you can ride a horse on your own."
"Yeah. I always felt bad about troubling you to carry me."
"This place still isn't as beautiful as that lake." She turned to look at Chu Ruo with a gentle smile. "The water there is so blue now, crystal clear. But, as expected, you are no longer at that lake."
Chu Ruo felt a sting in her nose. "Zhier, don't be like this. In my heart, you will always be my best friend here."
"That... is all we can ever be." Bai Zhier looked away despondently. "Ruo’er, I told you. If she bullies you, I’ll take you away. Your hands..."
"No, it’s not like that," Chu Ruo said hurriedly. "It’s not what you think. Xue’er is very good to me. It was I who provoked her..."
"It was because of me, wasn't it?" Bai Zhier blinked mischievously. It seemed nothing could be hidden from this perceptive girl. "She’s such a petty person. Judging by how those needle marks have healed, it must have been right after I rescued you."
*Why is everyone so smart?* "It’s my fault. Xue’er..."
"Ruo’er," Bai Zhier said, her expression turning melancholy again. "It’s dangerous to be by her side. You can only follow her closely. Are you sure you want to be like this for the rest of your life? Following her, being her shadow?"
"Yes." The response was incredibly firm. Chu Ruo’s gaze drifted toward the carriage. "I won't leave her again. Zhier, you really don't need to worry so much. Once we’re back, I’ll practice my martial arts diligently. I want to protect Xue’er, not be a burden to her."
*You have never looked at me that way. From the very beginning, I lost completely.* Bai Zhier forced a smile. "Then I wish you success. Ruo’er, after you return to the Hundred Flowers Palace, be careful in everything. The Martial Arts Assembly was only the beginning. Whether it’s my foster father or the other sects, you must protect yourself."
"I will. Zhier, you take care of yourself too. You’re a doctor, but you still get tired and hungry. Don't get so busy that you forget to eat and sleep. If possible, I wish there were no conflict in the martial world."
"You are too kind and naive, yet so adorably foolish."
"Zhier, what exactly is the history between you, Shanshan, and Xue’er..."
"Ruo’er, I’ve never hidden anything from you, have I?"
"No, you haven't."
"Then give me one honest answer. You and her... has she already... with you..."
Chu Ruo understood the meaning behind the words. She knew it was cruel to someone whose love was unrequited, but in such cases, it was better to cut the knot quickly. She nodded. "Xue’er... she is already mine."
Bai Zhier backed her horse away silently. "I guessed as much. I saw your hair ribbons just now. You’re a pair." She raised her hand, holding an old hair ribbon. "And I... I’ve made off with yours."
"Zhier, I—"
"It’s fine. As your friend, I’m very happy for you. You’ve found the one you love." She turned her horse around. "I’m leaving. I don't know when we’ll meet again. Maybe soon, maybe never. One last thing: watch out for Nan Menghua."
"Why?" Chu Ruo knew Nan Menghua was dangerous without being told, but why would Zhier bring it up so suddenly?
"I suspect she is an acquaintance of my foster father."
"What?"
"I thought my foster father would make a move on the day the Alliance Leader was chosen. But it seems that no matter which sect he targets or who he kills, he has no intention of touching the Hundred Flowers Palace. In any case, be careful. She was capable of raising her own biological daughter to be a cold-blooded, heartless assassin. Now that you’ve made off with her daughter, Nan Muxue won't be in any mortal danger, but you... you must be careful."
"I know. Zhier, you be careful too. If your foster father really is an old acquaintance of hers, he definitely won't let you two hurt her. You and your sister... take care."
Bai Zhier gave a light laugh. "You won't let me hurt your little snake-scorpion either, will you? Will you point your sword at me in the future?" Without waiting for an answer, she tightened the reins. "Chu Ruo, farewell. *Jia!*" She galloped away...
***
"Xue’er... just acknowledge me, please? I was wrong, I was really wrong. I shouldn't have spoken to her from the start. If I hadn't spoken to her..."
"If you make one more sound, get out and walk."
"Oh."
Chu Ruo immediately shut her mouth under that cold glare. *I’ll just go back to squatting in the carriage and balancing this teacup on my head. Sigh, when will these days end?*
Several days later.
The group finally drew closer to Cloud-Piercing Peak. They would arrive in a day and a half. What depressed Chu Ruo, however, was that ever since the day Bai Zhier had visited, the little snake-scorpion had been giving her the cold shoulder for the entire journey. It was a miserable state of affairs.
No kisses, no hugs. She wasn't allowed in the bed and had to sleep on the floor. Later, Nan Muxue stopped riding in the carriage altogether and went on horseback, making any private time impossible. With their return imminent, things were still like this. She had hoped to cherish these last moments of the journey and be intimate, but it was all gone. It was too sad.
It so happened that today’s campsite was next to a sea of pink flowers. Feeling restless, she wandered into the field. After wandering for a bit, she found a spot to sit down, gazing at the distant horizon. It was actually quite pleasant.
*Rustle, rustle...*
The grass moved. She turned her head to see a white figure approaching. Without hesitation, the woman sat down beside her.
"Xue’er!" Chu Ruo cried out excitedly, quickly pressing closer. "Why did you come over?"
Nan Muxue turned to stare at her. "Why have you been looking so worried these past few days?"
"It’s nothing. I just upset you, and you haven't been talking to me. I’ve been feeling troubled."
Nan Muxue tilted her chin up. "Liar. The closer we get to the Hundred Flowers Palace, the worse your expression becomes. You’re afraid of going back, aren't you?"
"Yes." Chu Ruo couldn't help but pull the other woman into an embrace. Though the flowers weren't very tall, they were hidden from view while sitting. It had been so long since she’d held her. All the grievances and frustrations in her heart suddenly burst forth. "I’m afraid. I don't want to go back. I’m afraid we won't be able to be together. Can we just not go back?"
The last sentence was a selfish whim. She knew the consequences would be severe. Nan Muxue patted the back of her head. "Don't be afraid. Even if we go back, no one will be able to tear us apart. Don't be afraid. Once I’ve settled everything, I’ll take you away. We’ll go wherever you want. If you don't want to return, we’ll never return for the rest of our lives."
"Xue’er..."
"Mm, I’m here."
Nan Muxue could always give her immense courage and soothe her restless heart. "Then... stop being mad at me, okay?"
Nan Muxue immediately let go. "You wish."
Hearing that tone, Chu Ruo knew the storm had passed. She leaned in with a grin. "Hehe, let’s look at the scenery. Look at the scenery."
Neither spoke again. They sat side-by-side, gazing up at the clouds drifting across the sky. The sunlight grew warmer, and Chu Ruo felt her eyelids grow heavy, her head beginning to nod.
Suddenly, she felt a weight on her lap. Her sleepiness vanished instantly. She looked down to see her beloved resting her head on Chu Ruo’s thighs. She looked quite docile. It was rare for Nan Muxue to act this way. Chu Ruo gently reached out to shade her eyes from the sun. "If you’re tired, sleep for a bit."
Nan Muxue caught her hand. "Are you annoyed with me? We’re almost back at the palace, and we should have spent this time well, yet I’ve been angry with you the whole way. Do you hold a grudge?"
Chu Ruo continued to smile. "Seeing you like this makes everything feel worth it. Xue’er, no matter how much you’re annoyed with me, ignore me, or bully me, I love you."
"Mm." Nan Muxue turned over, finally looking up at her. "Tonight, you don't have to sleep on the floor."
*Oh yeah! The punishment is over! I won't hold back then, hehehe...*
***
Cloud-Piercing Peak.
What was meant to come would eventually arrive, neither late nor early. Exactly on schedule, everyone returned to the Hundred Flowers Palace. Chu Ruo immediately dashed to her own room. When she opened the door, she was stunned. Her reasonably spacious room was filled with items—a dazzling array of things, some still in their boxes. It would probably take days to unwrap them all. She was rich! She flopped onto the bed and stretched luxuriously. "Ah, I’m finally back. My dear room, I’ve missed you so much."
The other woman, who should have returned to her own quarters, had followed her in and lay down beside her. Their eyes met. "Nothing in this room has changed. I personally looked after it before. When it was time for the Martial Arts Assembly, I left it to two disciples, but I forbade them from moving anything."
"Mm." Chu Ruo picked up a rattle-drum from the bedside and shook it, making a *dong-dong* sound. She laughed. "I told you you treat me like a child. You even bought this."
"Mm."
Nan Muxue didn't deny it. Chu Ruo moved her head a few inches closer. "I have no way to repay you. What should I do?"
Nan Muxue’s fingers traced the girl’s lips. It was a gesture she hadn't made in a long time. The one who had been unable to restrain herself for days immediately leaned in for a kiss. " I really hope the 'good news' is that your mother stays in seclusion forever."
Unfortunately, they didn't get their wish. As if by design, the very next day, the Old Palace Mistress, Nan Menghua, emerged from her seclusion.
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
冰魄 | Ice Soul | Nan Muxue's sword.
入云峰 | Cloud-Piercing Peak | The location of the Hundred Flowers Palace.
南梦华 | Nan Menghua | The Old Palace Mistress and Nan Muxue's mother.
出关 | Emerged from seclusion | Finishing a period of isolated meditative training.
老宫主 | Old Palace Mistress | The previous leader of the palace, Nan Menghua.
