Xiao Guo’er witnessed a miracle today—Chu Ruo had actually woken up early.
Not just early, but exceptionally so. By now, Chu Ruo had fully integrated into their circle, and it was no secret within the Hundred Flowers Palace that she was a chronic over-sleeper. It was practically common knowledge. Every time she was late, Nan Muxue would punish her by making her maintain a horse stance while stacking bowls filled with water on her limbs, layer upon layer. Thus, Xiao Guo’er had specifically made an effort to wake up early to rouse her, hoping that even if Chu Ruo dawdled, she wouldn't be late enough to provoke the Young Palace Mistress’s wrath.
Yet, thinking back, even when Chu Ruo wasn't late, she seemed to find herself punished for other reasons anyway. Curiously, whenever Chu Ruo met with the Fourth Protector in the evening, the next day’s punishment was inevitably more severe, leaving her looking like a ghost of herself, wailing and complaining about her misery upon her return. Was it just a coincidence, or was Xiao Guo’er overthinking things? And why had the Fourth Protector been so mysterious lately? The disciples on day duty hadn't heard anything about her return, yet she appeared every few nights. Xiao Guo’er shook her head; the four Great Protectors were always elusive, constantly traveling on palace business. If she didn't want her presence known, she surely had her reasons, and it wasn't a low-level disciple’s place to pry. The most pressing matter was Chu Ruo—why was she being so abnormal today? If Xiao Guo’er had stepped in a moment later, the girl would have already been out the door.
"Was the food you stole last night poisoned? Oh no, I ate some too! Am I poisoned?"
Chu Ruo watched, speechless, as Xiao Guo’er solemnly pressed a hand to her own wrist to check her pulse, muttering, "Wait, I seem fine. Why is Chu Ruo acting like she’s sick then? Was there something wrong with only the parts she ate?"
"Did you take the wrong medicine this morning?" Chu Ruo mimicked the other girl’s usual habit and gave her a light flick on the forehead. "You’re the one who’s poisoned—poisoned with stupidity. I was kind enough to bring you snacks, and you claim they’re toxic? Are you trying to annoy me on purpose?"
"If you aren't poisoned, why are you acting so strange? This is only the second time you’ve ever been up early, and it’s even earlier than the first." Xiao Guo’er glanced at the sky outside, which was still draped in pre-dawn darkness. "If you didn't eat something bad, you must have fallen and hit your head in your sleep."
"Go away. Can't I just be diligent for once? Go play somewhere else, I’m leaving." Chu Ruo waved her off and jogged away.
Chu Ruo herself wasn't entirely sure why she had woken up so early. Last night, after seeing Yan’er, a thought had nagged at her as she lay in bed: *Was that Little Scorpion beaten too?* She had forgotten to ask Yan’er. She couldn't exactly go back and ask now—besides, who was that Little Scorpion to her anyway? Just someone who forced her into exhausting horse stances every day. But then again, she had stood up for Chu Ruo that one time, and she gave her the antidote every day, and she... and she...
Chu Ruo tossed and turned, barely managing to scrape together a few justifications. *Well, she took me in, made me her disciple to teach me martial arts (even if it’s just horse stances for now, there’s time to learn more), gave me food (mostly stolen from the kitchen by my own hand, but still), and gave me new clothes.* Wait, those were terrible reasons! How could she just gloss over the fact that the Little Scorpion had infected her with the Hundred Flowers Gu? But then, she *did* provide the antidote. Chu Ruo sat up with a start. *Why am I thinking like this? Do I have Stockholm Syndrome?* Forget it. She’d just ask her casually when they met. Her mother was so awful to her; she’d just consider it a tiny bit of pity. After all, she was a good person at heart.
She hadn't even made it halfway when she ran into A-Yue. From the look of surprise on A-Yue’s face, it was clear she hadn't expected this encounter either. "The sun must be rising from the west. The Young Palace Mistress said this would be the right time to catch you, but why are you up so early today?"
*Why is everyone asking the same thing? Is it a crime to wake up early?* Chu Ruo shrugged nonchalantly. "I had a dream last night that the sun rose from the south. It scared me into getting up early."
A-Yue’s lip twitched. However, after spending some time with this person, she had formed a solid impression of her character and quickly ceased to be surprised. "The Young Palace Mistress has ordered that there will be no training today. You may return to your room. If you are interested, you may go to the Library Pavilion to browse the records. Reading more would do you good."
Chu Ruo’s jaw dropped. Her shock was no less than Xiao Guo’er’s had been earlier. "The Little... I mean, Master, she’s giving me a day off?"
"It is not for your rest; disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace never take holidays. It is because the Young Palace Mistress is unwell." Realizing she had said too much, A-Yue quickly covered her mouth and turned to leave. Remembering something, she turned back and pressed a pill into Chu Ruo’s hand. "This is today’s antidote. It will last for one day. Just go back to your room. I’m leaving."
Chu Ruo stood there holding the antidote, lost in thought for a long time. *Unwell?* So the Little Scorpion really had been beaten. Though she didn't know her well, based on A-Yue’s words, the Little Scorpion was likely a workaholic who never took a day off in 365 days. Given her temperament, she was the type who would never stay in bed if she could crawl out of it. If she wasn't so sick she couldn't stand, she wouldn't have been "kind" enough to grant a day off. But wait—even if she were bedridden, she could have ordered A-Yue to watch over the training. So... did she really just want to give her a break?
*Ah, whatever. I have the antidote, why care about her? Time to play!*
She turned around, intending to head back to her room with a swagger, but with every step, a thought intruded. *Is her illness serious? Is she in pain? No one is looking after her, and she isn't actually that bad... she even gave me the antidote.* Her pace slowed until finally, Chu Ruo swallowed the pill, spun around with a flourish, and headed back the way she came. Her steps grew faster and faster, a sharp contrast to her previous hesitation. *I’m just going to see if the Little Scorpion is dead yet. Right, that’s it. I’m not worried. I just need her alive to keep giving me the antidote. Besides, if I go to her room, maybe the stash of antidotes is there, and if I find the right moment... hehehe...*
She had never actually been to Nan Muxue’s room. By the time she realized this, she had already walked quite a distance. Fortunately, she managed to catch a passing disciple. After being mocked for not knowing where her own master lived despite being personally trained by her, Chu Ruo awkwardly rubbed her head and laughed it off before heading in the right direction.
*Oh, so the way to the Little Scorpion’s place passes by the kitchen? It’s practically on the way.* Chu Ruo had intended to go straight there, but after a moment’s thought, she ducked into the kitchen. She’d make her something to eat. From the looks of it, she was likely feverish from the beating, just like Yan’er, and probably had no appetite. She’d cook some porridge. Someone else was likely handling the medicine, so she’d stick to light food. Porridge was a bit bland, so she’d make a few light side dishes, some chicken soup, and stew a pear with rock sugar. *I’ll tempt you with gourmet food and then trick you into giving me the permanent antidote.*
While Chu Ruo was busy with her schemes, reality proved uncooperative. When she arrived at the residence with the food, she discovered the Little Scorpion was not in her room! *What a waste! I worked so hard to show off my skills, and she isn't even here to appreciate it.* However, since she was gone, Chu Ruo took the opportunity to peer around before slipping inside.
Setting the food on the table, she surveyed the room. It was large and luxuriously built but furnished simply. The Little Scorpion wasn't one for decadence. Remembering her "mission," Chu Ruo began searching for the antidote. She found plenty of porcelain bottles, but none were labeled. They were piled here and there; the room was practically filled with them. She gave up. She had no idea what was inside any of them and didn't want to risk an early grave by testing them. Since she couldn't find it, she decided to retreat, but she left the food behind on the off-chance that Nan Muxue would return soon.
As she pulled the door shut, a junior disciple with a broom appeared behind her. "What are you doing sneaking around the Young Palace Mistress’s door?"
*Lord, that was close!* Fortunately, the girl hadn't seen her inside. The disciple continued, "Your hair is so short, it looks so weird. Oh, are you that 'freak' the Young Palace Mistress recently took in?"
*Why does everyone call me a freak?* Chu Ruo took a deep breath and turned with a smile. "My name is Chu Ruo. Do you know where Master went?"
"The Young Palace Mistress went to the Glacial Cavern to practice. Do you have business with her?"
"Yes. Where is the Glacial Cavern?" *What a cliché name,* Chu Ruo thought. *And is that woman insane? Going to a freezing cave while she has a fever?*
"That is a forbidden area of the palace. Disciples aren't allowed to enter; only the Palace Mistress and the Young Palace Mistress can go there."
"I won't go in. I’ll just wait outside for her. Just tell me where it is. I have urgent business with Master. Look at you, you’re so cute and pretty, surely you’ll be kind enough to tell me?" *Hah, as if there’s anywhere I can't get into.*
Flattery worked on most people. The junior disciple nodded and pointed Chu Ruo in the right direction, warning her not to mention who told her. Chu Ruo inwardly grumbled that she couldn't even if she wanted to, since she didn't know the girl’s name.
***
The Glacial Cavern.
The cave lived up to its name, filled with ice over a thousand years old. Cultivating internal energy here yielded results ten or even a hundred times faster than elsewhere. This was why Nan Muxue, despite her youth, possessed internal strength that rivaled many seniors in the martial world. Many sought this place, but the Hundred Flowers Palace disciples were formidable, and the Cloud-Piercing Peak was a sheer, slippery precipice that was impossible to scale without secret methods. Thus, the place remained peaceful—though no one could guarantee it would stay that way forever.
Nan Muxue was suffering from both internal and external injuries, compounded by a cold. Even a body made of iron would struggle to endure it. Yet, Nan Menghua had been strict with her since childhood, requiring her to spend at least two hours a day practicing in this cave. While the Glacial Cavern was beneficial for martial arts, it had a drawback: it was damaging to the body in an irreversible way. Having trained here since she was a child, Nan Muxue’s body was often icy to the touch. Today, for some reason, she couldn't enter a meditative state. Her mind was restless, her breath became erratic, and her qi flowed backward. She spat out a mouthful of steaming blood onto the ground, where it instantly froze into ice, the crimson color vanishing into the frost.
She instinctively reached up to wipe the corner of her mouth, only to find the blood already dry. She lowered her hand dejectedly. *What is wrong with me today?*
Suddenly, a sound came from outside. Nan Muxue’s killing intent flared instantly. "Who is there!" she demanded sharply.
"Little Scor—Master?" Chu Ruo quickly corrected herself. She couldn't seem to stop herself from calling Nan Muxue "Little Scorpion" to her face. Doing that was a death wish; luckily, only Yan’er knew the nickname.
Nan Muxue had been ready to strike, the silver needles between her fingers poised to fly. Hearing that voice, she stopped in a panic. She looked around, grabbed the half-mask she had discarded on an ice pillar upon entering, and put it on before walking out. If it had been anyone else—even a palace disciple—they would likely be a corpse by now. But then again, who else would dare to trespass here but the mindless, fearless Chu Ruo?
"What are you doing here?"
Chu Ruo didn't notice that Nan Muxue’s voice was different today. She didn't look at her directly, but her tone was much softer. Usually, in front of others, Nan Muxue deliberately made her voice sound commanding to suit her status as the Young Palace Mistress, only relaxing it at night or when alone.
"Your voice... why does it sound different? It almost sounds like... maybe I heard wrong." Chu Ruo figured it was her imagination. The Little Scorpion and Yan’er looked alike, so their voices were naturally similar. Perhaps her throat was just sore today, making the resemblance stronger. It sounded quite nice, actually. She didn't dwell on it and continued, "I heard you were unwell, so I came to see you."
When Chu Ruo noted the change in her voice, a flicker of inexplicable panic rose in Nan Muxue’s heart, subsiding only when she saw the girl didn't care. "You have seen me. Now leave."
"How can you be so heartless?" Chu Ruo ran in front of her as she turned to leave. "I came all this way out of the goodness of my heart, brought you food, and even brought you extra clothes because I was afraid you’d be cold. And the moment I get here, you kick me out? You’re being really mean, hey!"
Chu Ruo finished her rant only to realize Nan Muxue was staring at her. The look in her eyes was... unsettling. *Crap, I forgot she’s the Little Scorpion. If I make her explode, will she stop giving me the antidote or punch the one I just swallowed right out of me?* She swallowed hard. "Uh, I..."
Fortunately, Nan Muxue looked away. "I am not cold."
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt a weight on her shoulders. Chu Ruo had draped a long robe over her without a word of protest. "That’s usually. You’re sick right now. Wear it. Don't take it off."
Inexplicably, Nan Muxue didn't take it off. She let the girl have her way. However, looking down, she realized it was her own robe. She immediately grabbed Chu Ruo by the throat. "What were you doing in my room?"
*Here we go again...* Chu Ruo was fuming internally. *If I didn't go in, how was I supposed to get the clothes, sister? Use your brain!* Even if her motives had been a tiny bit impure, she *had* brought the clothes. She patted the other woman’s hand. "Get... getting clothes."
Nan Muxue froze. Looking at the person struggling for breath, her face flushed red and her eyes clear, she released her grip. "Do not enter again. If I find you have lied to me, I will cut off your hands."
"Fine, fine," Chu Ruo muttered, utterly unconvinced but forced to comply. However, Nan Muxue’s intimidation only kept her subdued for a second before her natural sass returned. "I went in to give you food, saw you weren't there, and brought you clothes instead. See if I ever try to be nice again."
A sudden silence fell. Chu Ruo paused and looked up to see Nan Muxue wearing a half-smile. "I was unaware that Ruo’er cared so much for her Master. Pray, do not tell me you went in looking for the antidote to the Hundred Flowers Gu, only to come up empty-handed."
*Awkward.* Why couldn't this woman be a little dumber at times like this? Chu Ruo opted for a change of subject, lifting the food box. "I made you something to eat."
"You made it?" A strange glint appeared in Nan Muxue’s eyes. "Is it poisoned?"
"I wish! Where would I even find poison to use on you? Besides, is there any poison in the Hundred Flowers Palace you can't neutralize?" Chu Ruo grumbled as she began setting the dishes on an ice table, only to find they had already gone cold. "This cave is incredible. I brought these straight here after cooking, and they’re already freezing."
"The ice in this cave is ancient. I have no appetite; go back." For some reason, the restlessness from earlier had vanished without a trace. She wanted to focus on her practice.
"No way! I worked so hard on this. This is the first time I’ve cooked since I got here. Besides, how can you not eat when you’re sick? Wait a second, I brought a fire-starter. I’ll build a fire to heat it up. It’s so cold," she shivered. "I’ll go build it outside." She knew the ancient ice wouldn't melt easily, so a fire inside wouldn't be a problem, but it was a hassle to start and the air was still frigid. Better to go outside into the bright sunlight. *How did I remember to bring clothes for the Little Scorpion but forget myself? Sigh.*
"You—" Nan Muxue started, but Chu Ruo had already dashed out with the food box. She followed her out. The girl was crouched on the ground trying to light a fire, looking rather comical. Suppressing a smile, Nan Muxue said, "I am truly not hungry. Go back. I must practice."
"Wait, don't go!" Chu Ruo grabbed her sleeve. "Why do you have to go back into that cold cave? Missing one day of practice won't kill you. Sit, sit. The scenery outside is great. There’s even a lake over there. I’ll catch a fish and grill it for you. Just relax a bit." The area atop the Cloud-Piercing Peak was surprisingly vast, with mountains within mountains and even high-altitude lakes. Since the peak was the highest point, there was no other way up; it was like a hidden paradise in the sky.
"Diligence brings merit; play is of no use. One must never slacken in martial arts, lest they be overtaken by others."
Chu Ruo ignored her, stood up, and pressed her hands onto Nan Muxue’s shoulders, pushing her down to sit on a patch of clean grass. "There’s always someone better out there. Enough of that. You’re so busy practicing every day that you’ve never properly appreciated the scenery here, have you? Look ahead—that lake is right in front of us. Isn't it beautiful? Now, close your eyes."
Nan Muxue felt a bit awkward; she was rarely this physically close to anyone. "What for?"
"Close them. Trust me, close them." Satisfied when the other woman complied, Chu Ruo nodded. "Now, with your eyes closed, feel the wind. Can you feel it brushing past? Listen to the sounds around you—the rustle of leaves, the birds chirping, the sound of the lake water. Don't move. There’s a butterfly in front of you; feel it with your heart. It’s fluttering its wings. It’s beautiful. Everything here is beautiful."
With her eyes closed, Chu Ruo’s voice drifted into her ears. Whether it was an illusion or not, she felt she could truly hear those sounds. Images bloomed in her mind, and she felt the vibration of the butterfly’s wings. She had lived here for twenty years and had never noticed any of this. A smile touched her lips, and Nan Muxue opened her eyes. "I hear it." The butterfly was still there, vibrant and colorful. She gently raised her hand, and the butterfly actually landed on it for a moment. She turned to Chu Ruo with delight. "Look, the butterfly—"
Their eyes met, and both froze for a moment. Though the mask obscured the upper half of her face, it couldn't hide her captivating beauty. Chu Ruo offered a sincere compliment: "Actually, you are very beautiful too."
*Crackle—* The fire had caught and was burning brightly. Snapping back to reality, Chu Ruo hurried to heat the food. "I’ll heat the food now."
"Mhm," Nan Muxue murmured. *What is wrong with me? Why is my heart racing? The fire must be making my face flush.*
"Um," Chu Ruo started as she worked, "Are you... I mean, are you hurt?"
"Mhm."
"Does it hurt?" Chu Ruo immediately regretted asking. It was like rubbing salt in a wound. She shook her head. "Forget I asked. Don't mind me."
To her surprise, Nan Muxue answered, "When it hurts enough, it stops hurting."
"Then next time she’s going to beat you, wear more layers. Or put some padding in."
Nan Muxue gave her a flat look. "A foolish idea."
"Well, you can't just take it for nothing. Getting beaten all the time... she doesn't know how to cherish you, and you don't know how to be flexible. You just stand there and take it. Let me tell you, when my parents tried to hit me, I’d find all sorts of ways to hide. If I couldn't hide, I’d stuff my clothes with things. Or I’d throw away whatever they were using to hit me. In short: you want to hit me? No way."
"I finally understand why you are so thick-skinned. You have been this way since childhood."
"I call that being resourceful. The chicken soup is hot," Chu Ruo said, handing it over. "Try it. Careful, it’s hot."
"Mhm."
"How is it? Is it good?"
Nan Muxue looked at the expectant face and nodded. The aroma had actually sparked a bit of an appetite. She usually ate very little and had no interest in food, so wanting to eat was a rarity. "Mhm."
"Can't you just say 'good'? It’s always 'mhm'."
Her mood had lightened considerably. Seeing Chu Ruo acting like a child, Nan Muxue opened her mouth. She rarely praised people, let alone food, and said awkwardly, "It is... good."
"Hehe! Then eat up. I’ll take you to catch fish later—wait, you have a cold. I’ll go catch one now and teach you another day. Just wait, I’ll treat you to grilled fish."
She watched the figure run off toward the water. Today, Nan Muxue did something unprecedented: she indulged in laziness. She didn't return to the Glacial Cavern. Instead, she sat there with her arms around her knees, her gaze fixed on the girl. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the area, bathing Chu Ruo in a faint, shimmering light. Everything seemed peaceful and perfect. A moment later, Chu Ruo came charging back, excitedly clutching a large fish. "Look, look—"
And then she tripped. Just a few steps away from Nan Muxue, she fell flat on her face. The fish landed on the ground, flopping about. "Ow, that hurt! My leg!"
Nan Muxue walked over. Chu Ruo looked up to find a silk handkerchief being pressed to her face. Nan Muxue wiped the dirt away, her voice soft. "Are you hurt?"
Chu Ruo was momentarily dazed by the gesture. "No," she replied blankly.
"Then get up." There was a hint of a playful scold in Nan Muxue’s tone.
"Oh." Chu Ruo stood up reluctantly and picked up the fish. "Sucks to be you, fishy!"
***
The meal was quite a feast. Chu Ruo had prepared several dishes, plus the grilled fish. Surprisingly, the two of them finished every last bit. Though Chu Ruo had woken up early, preparing the soup and food had taken time, and they had spent hours at the lake. By the time they finished, the sun was dipping below the horizon. Nan Muxue stood up. "Let us return."
"Going back so soon?" Chu Ruo pouted. "It must be beautiful here at night too."
"Another day," Nan Muxue said, smiling at the girl’s dejected look. "It isn't as if you are forbidden from coming back."
"That’s true! I’ll come find you to play again another day."
"There is no need to wait for 'another day.' From tomorrow onward, you need not go to the training grounds. You will come here to practice with me."
"Huh?" Chu Ruo froze, unable to believe her ears. "No more horse stances?"
"Mhm. However," Nan Muxue walked ahead with her hands behind her back, "you are not coming here to play. You must be diligent in your training and never slacken."
"Oh." *And she’s back to Little Scorpion mode.*
The two returned to the Hundred Flowers Palace. They reached Nan Muxue’s room first. Chu Ruo walked her to the door, and as they stopped, the atmosphere became subtle again. "I am here."
"Oh. Um, do you still have a fever?"
"It has passed."
"Then I’m going. Get some rest."
"Mhm."
Chu Ruo turned to leave just as Yin Liuli approached. "Young Palace Mistress, Yan’er has returned."
"Yan’er?" Chu Ruo’s eyes lit up. She rubbed her hands together excitedly, looking around. "Where is she?"
Seeing this, Nan Muxue’s expression instantly darkened.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
寒冰洞 | Glacial Cavern | A forbidden training area in the Hundred Flowers Palace filled with ancient ice.
藏书阁 | Library Pavilion | The palace's archive or library.
火石 | Fire-starter | Flint or a tool used to start fires.
殷琉璃 | Yin Liuli | A character name (likely a high-ranking member or protector of the palace).
