“Xue’er, Xue’er!”
She jolted awake from her dream, finding the familiar woman right beside her. “A nightmare?”
“I...”
Nan Muxue placed a comforting hand against her cheek. “I am here. Go back to sleep.”
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo murmured, pressing herself even closer. Though they were already entwined, she squeezed tighter, needing the physical sensation to prove this was reality and not that horrific dream.
“Mm,” Nan Muxue hummed softly. “You’re covered in sweat.” The next moment, she pulled Chu Ruo into a firm embrace, her voice so tender it could melt stone. “Don’t you always say I’m cool to the touch? If you’re so hot, why didn’t you think to hold your Master tighter?”
“Let me change my clothes first, I’ve sweated so much...”
“So much chatter. Why fuss? Change when it’s time to get up.”
The Little Viper clearly had a severe obsession with cleanliness, yet she pampered Chu Ruo without limit. Chu Ruo leaned into her arms with a clear conscience. “What time is it? Let’s get up.”
Nan Muxue sounded amused. “You’re being quite diligent this time. It’s only the middle of the night, and you want to rise?”
“Only midnight? In the dream, it felt like a lifetime had passed. Let’s wake up early. I want to practice my martial arts properly, then look over the ledgers, and then...”
“All of that can wait until you actually wake up.”
“Mm,” Chu Ruo yawned, nodding in agreement, before suddenly propping herself up. “Wait, something’s wrong.”
“What is it?”
“How did you wake up so fast? Or... did you never sleep at all?”
“I am a light sleeper.”
“Did I wake you?”
Nan Muxue shook her head. “I wasn't particularly sleepy to begin with.” She would never admit that she often spent the dark hours staring quietly at the woman before her, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering into the room. This wasn't the first time; whenever the night was still, she would wake soundlessly just to watch Chu Ruo’s silly, clumsy sleeping face. It was a sight that brought her a strange sense of fulfillment.
Chu Ruo smiled and pressed her lips against Nan Muxue’s—a simple touch, not quite a kiss. “Staying up so late... were you peeking at me?”
“Do you think everyone is like you, always up to some sneaky business?”
“How am I sneaky...” Chu Ruo protested, her eyes darting playfully. “Sneaky, huh? Fine, then I’ll be sneaky with you right now...”
She moved quickly, but Nan Muxue was faster. Before Chu Ruo’s hand could crawl up from her waist, it was pinned down. “You Little Viper, you’re using a sneak attack!”
Even in the pitch black, Chu Ruo could feel the other woman arching an eyebrow. “A sneak attack? You’re the shameless one who moved first, yet you have the nerve to say that?”
Chu Ruo finally managed to peck the corner of her mouth. “How is that 'moving first'? I just wanted to touch you...”
“If you don’t want to be kicked out of bed, shut your mouth.”
...What else could she do? Chu Ruo could only behave like a good little girl and shrink back into the covers. Her sleepiness had mostly vanished, so she began to toy with Nan Muxue’s slender fingers. “Sometimes waking up in the middle of the night is quite fun. I get to talk to you like this. It would be even better if I could take the chance to squeeze in some extra affection.”
“Lecher.” Nan Muxue pulled her hand away with feigned disgust, only to reach out and pinch Chu Ruo’s cheek a few times. “As if you don’t take enough advantage of your Master normally.”
Chu Ruo kissed her neck. “I can never take enough.”
Nan Muxue didn't reply but cooperatively pulled her closer, her fingers threading through Chu Ruo’s hair. However, this time Chu Ruo only gave her a few light, grazing kisses before stopping. “I should be careful. If your mother sees a hickey on your neck...”
Nan Muxue realized her concern, and a smile spread from her heart to her face. “You... one moment you’re bold, the next you’re a coward. You’re brave enough to plot against your Master, yet you’re usually so dim-witted.”
“Why do you love insulting me so much?” Chu Ruo hugged her beloved tightly. “But you’re right. I am a coward—except when it comes to wanting you. Then, my lust gives me the courage of a giant.”
“A woman, yet you’ve learned the ways of those debauched rogues outside. You’ve learned nothing good.”
Chu Ruo felt her heart skip at the flirtatious tone in those last few words. She whispered into Nan Muxue’s ear, “It was all taught by my Master.”
“You’ve turned my Hundred Flowers Palace upside down, and now you dare blame your Master? It seems I truly need to discipline you.”
“As long as it’s you, I’d be happy to be disciplined for a lifetime. I’m just afraid Master will find her disciple too dull-witted and kick me down the mountain...”
“I wouldn’t.”
Chu Ruo was touched for exactly one second before Nan Muxue added, “I would simply throw you down.”
...How toxic.
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo changed the subject, “that nightmare I had was terrifying. It felt so real.”
“What did you dream?”
“I dreamt your mother came out of seclusion. She beat you again, leaving you covered in wounds, but you still protected me. Her sword was about to pierce through... and that’s when I woke up.” Mentioning it made her tighten her grip. “Thank god it was just a dream. Xue’er...”
“Don’t be afraid.” Nan Muxue allowed the embrace to become seamless. “Nothing will happen. Ruo’er, trust me.”
“Actually, I’m a burden to you, aren’t I? If it weren't for me...”
Nan Muxue sealed her lips with a kiss. “I have answered this question many times. I have no regrets being with you.” *If not for you, what would I be now? Still cold, numb, a walking corpse, a submissive chess piece.* “There is only one thing I want to do from now on: be with you. Remember, from the moment you returned to my side, everything I do is for our future.”
Chu Ruo was moved beyond words. She sniffled, her nose feeling a bit runny, and spoke from the bottom of her heart, trying to keep the mood light. “Then... will you marry me? Be my wife.”
Both knew she wasn't talking about the present. There were too many obstacles ahead. She was talking about the future—a beautiful, longed-for future.
“Mm. When the time comes, I will tell the whole world that I am marrying you.”
...
The crow of a rooster drifted in from the distance. Though it was far away, Chu Ruo woke up. The sky outside was still dark. She turned her head and saw that the woman beside her was already awake. Seeing Chu Ruo open her eyes, Nan Muxue leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Sleep. I’m getting up.”
Chu Ruo grabbed her hand. “I’ll get up with you.”
“We were awake for a long time in the night. Sleep more. One day won't make a difference. I need to return to my room; A-Yue will be waking up soon.”
“You get up way too early. In the future, let’s swap—I’ll be the early one and you can sleep in. Other Sect Leaders enjoy their lives, but you wake up earlier than the chickens. If you don’t pity yourself, I pity your body. How can you be my wife if you ruin your health?”
“Endless chatter.” Nan Muxue had already finished tidying herself. She adjusted her collar and pushed Chu Ruo back down. “We just returned today, and I still need to discuss the next steps with Ning’er and the others. You don’t need to rise early. I’ll give you the day off. If you want to find me after you wake, come to the study. If not, go play on your own.”
“You say I talk too much, but you’re just as bad.” Chu Ruo gripped her hand, refusing to let go. “What’s with you lately? You kiss me every morning when you wake up.”
“You don’t like it?”
“How could I not? I love it! Hehe, is it because you like me too much?”
Nan Muxue didn't answer that. She ruthlessly pulled her hand away and left. *If you’re afraid of me leaving, then hold me tight every night, clasp my hand, and kiss me every morning. That will surely keep me here, and I will never leave.* Chu Ruo had said those words during a conversation long ago. And the woman she loved most had done exactly that, day after day, for years. *Nan Muxue, I can never repay the kindness you’ve shown me in this lifetime. Then I shall repay it in the next. Chu Ruo, in the next life, I still want you.*
***
**The Study**
After returning to her room to wash and change, Nan Muxue headed straight for the study. However, the figure at the door was someone she hadn't expected.
“Hehe,” the person greeted her with a radiant smile. “Surprised? Unexpected?”
The sky was still dark, the dawn still hiding behind the clouds, and the moon was still faintly visible. Nan Muxue pushed open the door. “I told you to sleep.”
Chu Ruo followed closely behind and gently closed the door. “I couldn't bear to be away from you. I couldn't sleep once you left, so I washed up quickly and came here to wait.”
It had been less than half an hour since she left. Nan Muxue smiled faintly and walked to the desk. The rocking chair was still positioned behind it. “Go lie down.”
A pair of hands silently wrapped around her slender waist. Chu Ruo rested her chin on Nan Muxue’s shoulder. “Where’s A-Yue? Doesn't she wake up early? Why didn't she come with you?”
“I sent her back to her room after she helped me wash. It’s still early, and I’m used to being alone at this hour. It’s quiet.”
“A-Yue wouldn't dare make a sound without your permission anyway.” The Little Viper liked the quiet, liked being alone... but how much loneliness had she endured to become so accustomed to the cold? “Am I disturbing you then?”
Chu Ruo felt a slightly cool hand cover her own. “If I told you to go back now, would you?”
“No.”
“Shameless. How else am I supposed to answer?”
“Xue’er~” Chu Ruo tilted her head to look at her. “Can’t you cooperate and say something sweet? Like how you can’t bear for me to leave, or how you love having me with you? Just a sentence or two to coax me?”
“You’re a rogue, and yet you want me to coax you?”
“You...”
“But since you’re here, you might as well stay. Grinding ink and tending the lamps for me would be fine.”
*Stubborn and prideful. Why is she such a tsundere ice-queen viper?*
“Chu Ruo!”
...
Throughout the morning, aside from meeting with Duan Ning and the others, Nan Muxue was indeed busy. She had spent a long time away searching for Chu Ruo, followed by the Martial Arts Assembly, and their return had been delayed by Chu Ruo’s whims. Many matters required the Young Palace Master’s personal attention. Chu Ruo was uncharacteristically well-behaved, waiting by her side. She wasn't idle, though; she actively began to learn, even taking out a notebook to jot down notes. This shocked Duan Ning so much she suspected Chu Ruo had been possessed by an evil spirit.
As noon passed, the two finally sat down to eat in the study. Chu Ruo stretched her neck. “My back is sore from sitting, and my eyes are blurry. This is so mentally draining. I finally realize that practicing martial arts is much easier than this.”
Nan Muxue placed a chicken leg in her bowl. “You recorded too much today. Don’t push yourself so hard. Learn slowly; I am here for everything.”
Chu Ruo took Nan Muxue’s hand, her expression incredibly serious. “I want to share the burden with you. Before, it was just you. From now on, you have me.”
“I can shield you from all the wind and rain,” the other replied. “By my side, you don’t need to worry or think about anything. As long as you are here, it is enough.”
“I will always be here.”
“Mm. Go take a nap after eating. We’ll handle the rest tomorrow.”
“What about you?”
“I’m going to the Icy Cavern to meditate.”
“There you go again. You just got back and you’re already going. Your body is already prone to cold, and it’s not even that hot today. Look, it’s getting cloudy; it might even rain later.” Chu Ruo moved her stool closer. “How about we go back to your room instead?”
Nan Muxue paused. “For what?”
“Well, you went to my room yesterday. Now I want to see yours. Honestly, I’ve been here so long but I’ve never properly visited your room. Every time I went before, I was scared to death. Today, I want a proper tour.”
“When you were faking blindness, you stayed there every night,” Nan Muxue said expressionlessly. “Besides, do you think just anyone can enter my chamber? You are already the only one. What more do you want?”
“But that was different. Between us...”
“One more word and you can go back to your own room. You won't be allowed to step into my bedchamber ever again.”
“I won't say it, I won't say it! Let’s eat. Here, have some greens...”
...
Chu Ruo stood with her hands behind her back, feigning a critical look. “Mm, your room is quite well-decorated. Elegant and tasteful. Very good, very good.”
“Pretentious.”
Chu Ruo dropped the act instantly. “Your room is seriously huge! Look at my tiny shack compared to this. You even have a large bathing pool right inside—so convenient. And this big bed...” She flopped onto it. “So comfortable!”
Nan Muxue walked over, feigning sternness. “Get up.”
Chu Ruo reached up a hand. “Pull me up.”
As Nan Muxue reached out, she saw the mischievous glint in the other’s eyes. Sure enough, Chu Ruo used her strength to pull Nan Muxue down, catching her in a firm embrace. “Gotcha!”
Nan Muxue submissively lay against her chest. “Always performing such shameless acts. I’ve run out of words for you.”
“Mm, I’m a rogue.” Chu Ruo tucked a strand of hair behind Nan Muxue’s ear. “I want to hold you like this every day. Xue’er, I love holding you. Even if we do nothing and say nothing, just holding you quietly is wonderful. I’m so happy.”
“I only fear you will grow bored or tired of it later...”
“I won't,” Chu Ruo interrupted quickly. “Trust me, I won't. I could never grow tired of you...”
“Fine, I believe you.” Nan Muxue looked up, her gaze meeting Chu Ruo’s. “Ruo’er...”
The name was filled with deep affection, igniting an ambiguous atmosphere in the room. Chu Ruo licked her dry lips, flipped over to pin the other woman down, and leaned in to kiss her. “Let’s sleep here tonight.”
*Knock, knock.*
The knocking was, as always, ill-timed. Chu Ruo frowned and pouted in frustration. Nan Muxue placed a soft hand on her lips to soothe her. “What is it?”
Unless it was urgent, A-Yue wouldn't dare disturb them. A timid voice answered from outside, “Young Palace Master... the Palace Master has ordered you to the Small Courtyard.”
In the Hundred Flowers Palace, the "Small Courtyard" referred to only one place: the residence of the Old Palace Master, Nan Menghua.
“Understood.”
“A-Yue takes her leave.”
Nan Muxue moved to sit up, but she felt the person on top of her change. The radiant smile from a moment ago had vanished, replaced by a hollow, dazed look filled with terror. “Xue’er...”
Chu Ruo’s voice was incredibly raspy, the word forced out of her throat. She knew Nan Menghua would come out of seclusion eventually, but now that the moment was here, she was still unprepared.
Nan Muxue’s hand moved to stroke her cheek, and she even managed a smile. “It’s fine, you coward.”
“I’m afraid of what she’ll do to you... last night’s dream was so scary. Don’t go, please don’t go...”
Nan Muxue leaned up to kiss the trembling woman. “Don’t be afraid. I was fine before you were here, wasn't I? She won't do anything to me. I am still useful.”
The words were spoken lightly, as if they were mundane, but they pierced Chu Ruo’s heart. *You’re only safe because you’re useful.* “Xue’er...”
“Enough. You said you would trust me.” Nan Muxue was still smiling, but Chu Ruo knew it was forced, meant only to comfort her. “I must go. Play for a while on your own; don’t wait for me. If it gets late, go back to your room.”
No matter how reluctant she was, Chu Ruo had to let go. “Mm.” She forced herself to try and ease the tension so as not to worry Nan Muxue. “Then I’ll go find Xiao Guo’er and the other sisters. Don’t you get jealous.”
Nan Muxue left. Normally, even at a joke, she would have "disciplined" Chu Ruo. The fact that she didn't showed that she, too, knew this meeting would not be pleasant. Chu Ruo clenched her fists. *Xue’er, I will work hard. In the future, I will be the one to protect you.*
***
Two hours later...
Less than half an hour after Nan Muxue had arrived at the courtyard, the sky had turned dark and gloomy, just as Chu Ruo had predicted. A torrential downpour followed. And Nan Muxue was kneeling in the open space, facing the tightly shut doors of the bedchamber, motionless.
*Drip... drop.*
The rain began to slow. The droplets slid off the eaves with agonizing slowness, adding to the stifling atmosphere. This Small Courtyard was perpetually shrouded in a sense of oppression that made people hesitate to approach.
*Creak—*
Nan Yunshuang opened the door from the inside. Visible through the doorway was a set of table and chairs positioned in the center of the room. The Old Palace Master, Nan Menghua, sat upright facing the door. A small stove on the table held a copper kettle, steam billowing from its spout. She moved her lips. “Come in.”
“Yes.”
Nan Muxue stood up. Though her legs were numb and stiff from the cold, she didn't flinch, acting as if she hadn't just been kneeling in a storm. She walked inside steadily. This was the first time she had ever stepped into a room in this courtyard. Usually, she was only allowed to kneel outside to receive instructions or rebukes.
“Sit.”
A simple, direct command. In terms of being laconic, Nan Muxue had clearly inherited it from her mother. She sat down. An empty teacup was placed before her. The two faced each other, but there was no looking around, no exchange of glances—only coldness and lack of emotion.
Nan Menghua didn't speak, and Nan Muxue remained silent. Nan Yunshuang stood behind them. “Yunshuang has told me everything that happened during this period.”
“Yes.”
“You did well.”
Anyone else hearing this would have been stunned. Nan Menghua never praised her daughter; it was always criticism and punishment. "You did well" were words that never appeared in her vocabulary. Even when Nan Muxue was exceptional, she would only snarlingly say it wasn't enough. Today was a complete anomaly.
“Your daughter failed to win the position of Alliance Leader, failing Mother’s teachings.”
“There is always someone better.” Nan Menghua looked at her daughter, her tone shifting. “You have been destroying the branch sects of Flying Eagle Fort?”
Nan Muxue admitted it openly. “Yes.”
“They were merely branches, and those disciples had no talent. If they are destroyed, so be it. I never approved of establishing branches anyway.” Nan Menghua’s question showed she knew everything. “I know the reason. Fort Master Liu has already sought me out. Flying Eagle Fort is a rare ally; you know what to do in the future.”
This was an undeniable command and a warning. Nan Muxue could only answer with a "Yes." She had nothing else to say.
“Liu Shaopeng is missing. To ease the relationship between our families, find him and send him back.” Nan Menghua wasn't actually asking her to find him; she clearly knew he was in her daughter’s hands and was forcing her to return him.
“Your daughter understands.”
“You have been tired lately.” The water was boiling fiercely, whistling. Nan Menghua picked up the copper kettle as if to pour tea, but with a deliberate "tremble," the boiling water splashed directly onto Nan Muxue’s arm. It was a horrifying sight.
“I am old, and my hands shake.” Nan Menghua’s face showed a mask of "concern." “Yunshuang, tend to Xue’er’s injury.”
Nan Yunshuang stepped forward. Nan Muxue showed no sign of pain, not making a single sound. Instead, she calmly lifted her sleeve. “No need. It is not serious.”
At a glance, the skin under the boiling water was scalded red, but the Cinnabar Mark stood out vividly, its color unfaded and striking. Large, pale yellow blisters were already beginning to form around it. It was hard to imagine what kind of person could remain so indifferent to such pain. Even those with the strongest will would usually scream, but Nan Muxue was different.
“If there is nothing else, you may leave. Tend to that wound.”
“Your daughter takes her leave.”
As soon as she left, Nan Menghua poured the tea onto the floor. “Yunshuang, did you see?”
“The Cinnabar Mark on the Young Palace Master’s arm shows no abnormality.”
“Is that so? But I feel my daughter has changed. Are you certain nothing is going on between her and Chu Ruo?”
“Chu Ruo once jumped off a cliff for the Young Palace Master. The Young Palace Master merely indulges her...”
Nan Menghua turned to stare at the woman she had raised, who now stood with a submissive, bowed head. For a moment, her gaze was complex. “The only thing in this world that can make someone discard life and death is love.” She suddenly muttered to herself, “My precious daughter is so capable; how could she be content to remain under her mother forever? Keep watching them. Especially Chu Ruo!”
“Yes. Your disciple obeys.”
***
Night had fallen. Nan Muxue dragged her injured body back to her room. As soon as she entered, she sensed another presence, but she didn't call out. She knew this familiarity could only belong to one person.
She reached out and brightened the candle within the lamp. The modest light illuminated a corner where a figure was crouched. The figure suddenly stood up and ran toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Nan Muxue relaxed instinctively, her voice tender. “Didn't I tell you not to wait?”
“I was worried. I knew I’d be in trouble if I was caught, so I hid in the corner without a light or a sound.” Chu Ruo let go, frantically checking her over. “Where did she hit you? Where are you hurt? Let me see.”
“It’s nothing.” Nan Muxue held the frantic woman still, then submissively leaned into her arms. “It’s nothing.”
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo was stunned by the gesture. Nan Muxue rarely acted this way; she only did so when she felt insecure. She must have suffered terribly. Hugging her, Chu Ruo realized, “Your clothes are soaked. You were in the rain, weren't you? They’re so wet... did she make you stand outside? Quickly, change your clothes...”
“Carry me over.”
The four words were spoken softly, but they made Chu Ruo’s heart ache. She immediately picked the woman up and practically flew to the bedside, then quickly brought a set of dry clothes. “Here, change.”
Nan Muxue actually managed a smile. She looked at her. “Aren't you going to start?”
“What?”
Chu Ruo was serious now, her tone lacking its usual playfulness. Her eyes were filled only with Nan Muxue—concern and tension. This only made the beauty’s smile widen. “Aren't you going to undress your Master?”
“Oh.”
Chu Ruo answered honestly and began to unfasten the buttons with extreme care. She removed the wet clothes and replaced them with dry ones, silent and focused, devoid of any lust. But when she unfastened the top to reveal the arm, she froze...
Nan Muxue opened her eyes and saw Chu Ruo’s expression. “Ruo’er...”
“How could this happen? Why? Why would she do this to you!”
“It didn't hit the bone. It’ll be fine with some medicine.”
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo’s own hands began to tremble. “Xue’er...”
“Silly girl.” Nan Muxue cupped her face. “I’m fine. Don’t be sad.”
Chu Ruo murmured, “She did it on purpose, didn't she? To test you... she wanted to see your Cinnabar Mark...”
“It’s fine. It’s over.” Nan Muxue kissed her repeatedly. “It’s over now.”
Chu Ruo trembled as she kissed her back. They used their kisses to soothe each other, melting each other’s hearts.
“It’s bandaged.” Chu Ruo carefully cut the cloth. Even though it was wrapped, she still blew on it gently. “Be careful. Does it still hurt?”
Nan Muxue shook her head, sitting in Chu Ruo’s lap. “I’ve had worse. Are you going to cry every time?”
“I...”
Nan Muxue simply closed her eyes, nuzzling into her chest. “I was prepared when I went. Mother wouldn't be at peace until she saw it with her own eyes.”
“Does she believe it now?”
“She doesn't. Once she suspects something, she will persist regardless. For now, she simply hasn't seen proof. It’s not yet time to tear the veil. Mother is very suspicious; she only trusts herself.”
“It’s my fault...”
“Don’t blame yourself. Today wasn't without gain.”
“What do you mean?”
“At least, it’s as I thought. Yunshuang is still on our side.”
Chu Ruo was incredulous. “Her?”
“Mother must have come out of seclusion yesterday, otherwise she wouldn't know so much. The one who told her was Yunshuang. However, she didn't mention a word about us, and even omitted many other things.”
“But what does that matter? Even if she has a reason for listening to your mother, it just means she won't help us.”
“We’ll discuss that later. There’s more news: Mother’s seclusion failed this time.”
“Really!”
The look of pure excitement on Chu Ruo’s face made Nan Muxue’s mood brighten. “You really are blunt.” Her gaze turned doting. “If she had succeeded, her attitude toward me today would have been different. She must be severely weakened now and has some wariness toward me. Even so, I am no match for her. For now, her focus will be on recovering her health for the next round of seclusion. But we cannot let our guard down.”
“Mm, I understand.” Seeing that they had talked enough and noticing the fatigue on Nan Muxue’s face, Chu Ruo kissed her. “Then... I’ll head back. Get some rest.”
She tried to get up, but Nan Muxue pushed her back down. “You delivered yourself to my door and climbed onto your Master’s bed. Do you think you can leave now?”
Chu Ruo felt a mix of joy, excitement, and a faint worry. “You...”
Nan Muxue pulled the silk quilt over both of them, then reached out to stroke Chu Ruo’s lips. She lay on top of her like a soft lamb. “Your Master was in the rain and fears catching a cold. I need a consort to warm my bed.”
“Fine,” Chu Ruo kissed her. “This disciple is willing to be Master’s bed-warming consort.”
***
### Glossary
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 南梦华 | Nan Menghua | The Old Palace Master of Hundred Flowers Palace; Nan Muxue's mother. |
| 南云霜 | Nan Yunshuang | A high-ranking member/disciple of the palace; seemingly a confidante to both mother and daughter. |
| 守宫砂 | Cinnabar Mark | Also known as the "Virginity Mark," a traditional trope where a red dot on the arm disappears if a woman loses her virginity. |
| 面首 | Consort | Historically refers to a male favorite or concubine; used playfully here. |
| 寒冰洞 | Icy Cavern | A place for cold-based internal energy cultivation. |
| 阿月 | A-Yue | Nan Muxue's personal maidservant. |
