"Palace Master Nan, it has been many years. I trust you have been well?"
"Very well. It is a rare honor to have you grace our halls, Fort Master Liu. It truly brings a sparkle to my humble palace. By the way," she glanced at Liu Shaopeng standing behind him, "how is the Young Fort Master’s recovery progressing? Is he feeling better?"
"It is nothing serious. You are too kind, Palace Master. I must thank your noble palace for your intervention in sending this worthless creature back to me." Before Liu Shaopeng could answer, Liu Songhe took over the conversation. He stroked his long beard, and though his heart was filled with a murderous rage, his face remained as calm as a breeze, showing no sign of his inner turmoil. Furthermore, the fact that the Liu family line had been severed was not something to be easily leaked. He wasn't certain if the woman before him knew of Peng’er’s physical condition, but even if she did, it didn't matter. As long as the price was right, anything was possible. "I have come today for a joyous occasion—one that would be a monumental blessing for both our houses."
"Oh?" Nan Menghua already knew exactly what he was getting at, yet she asked anyway, "And to what matter does the Fort Master refer?"
"Then I shall not stand on ceremony. To be blunt, ever since my son met your esteemed daughter, he has been unable to put her out of his mind. Previously, the Martial Arts Assembly was approaching, but now that it has concluded, he has been pestering me to come and propose marriage. I hope the Palace Master will not find it laughable."
"Not at all. The Young Fort Master is a dragon among men, handsome and distinguished. It is Xue’er’s good fortune that he has taken an interest in her."
These were mere pleasantries. As Nan Menghua spoke, her sharp, glinting eyes locked onto Liu Shaopeng, making him feel incredibly uneasy. He hated that bitch Nan Muxue, he hated Chu Ruo even more, and he loathed the Baihua Palace and everything within it. Yet, at the same time, his heart was consumed by terror. Every time he remembered that he was no longer... that feeling was enough to drive him insane, making him want to slaughter everyone. From the moment he took his first step onto Cloud-Reaching Peak, his hands had begun to tremble. Nan Muxue alone was terrifying enough; Nan Menghua was a hundred times more ghastly.
Snapping back to reality, he saw his father glaring at him. He hurried forward, his lips pale, having long lost his former air of arrogance and bravado. He cupped his fists and bowed. "Palace... Palace Master, you flatter me. The Young Palace Master... she has such grace. I have always... always admired her. I hope the Palace Master will grant us your blessing."
Nan Menghua watched him, her heart filled with cold sneers and disdain. *What a useless waste. Each generation is truly worse than the last.* She feigned a look of deep thought. "This..."
"Palace Master," Liu Songhe chimed in at the opportune moment, "Peng’er and your daughter are a perfect match in both talent and status. As long as you do not disdain this union, I am willing to offer half of Feipeng Fort’s influence as a betrothal gift..."
"Palace Master," Nan Yunshuang, who had returned to the palace earlier, suddenly entered. "Villa Master Shen of the Sword Casting Villa and his eleventh son have arrived."
"Oh? Please, bring them in." Nan Menghua looked at Liu Songhe. "Their visit is unexpected, so I must ask Villa Master Shen to join us. I trust the Fort Master does not mind?"
Liu Songhe forced a couple of laughs. "Not at all, not at all." Internally, however, he cursed his luck. This Shen Wanxiong had likely come for the same reason—he wouldn't visit unless there was something to gain. Moreover, he had brought his son, that famous sickly weakling. There could be no other reason but a marriage proposal. It was obvious from the glint in Nan Menghua’s eyes that she had arranged this on purpose. *An unexpected visit? Hmph. If there hadn't been letters exchanged beforehand, how could it be such a coincidence that they arrived today? She wants Feipeng Fort and the Sword Casting Villa to fight like the snipe and the clam so she can benefit. What a clever 'retired' Palace Master!*
"Palace Master Nan, I trust you have been well."
"Thank you for your concern. You look quite spirited, Villa Master Shen."
Shen Wanxiong walked in, followed by his eleventh son, Shen Ruoxuan, who coughed occasionally. After the usual pleasantries, they sat down. Shen Wanxiong sat directly opposite Liu Songhe, showing no surprise at his presence, as if he had known all along. "So, Brother Liu and your son are here as well."
Liu Songhe cupped his hands. "Brother Shen is quite the rare guest himself."
"Likewise, likewise." Though the two had formed a brief alliance during the Martial Arts Assembly, that fragile bond had naturally dissolved once Lin Jianghong of Green Willow Villa emerged as the dark horse victor. Now that they were here for their own interests, their smiles were purely superficial.
Shen Wanxiong took a sip of tea and turned to Nan Menghua. "I am a straightforward man with a hasty temper, so I won't beat around the bush today. Previously, my son saw your Young Palace Master at the Martial Arts Assembly and was struck by her celestial beauty. Thus, I have cast aside my old pride to come and seek the Palace Master’s favor. I wonder what your thoughts are?"
"A pity Brother Shen is a step too late. Palace Master Nan has already agreed to the union between the Young Palace Master and my son," Liu Songhe interjected.
Shen Wanxiong snorted. "Oh? Palace Master, there were some misunderstandings between our houses in the past. Now is the perfect time to let those old matters vanish through the marriage of our children. The Sword Casting Villa and the Baihua Palace have always established branches in the same locations. If our two great powers join forces, would that not be a grand thing?"
"I beg to differ. If there is conflict, why force a union? Everyone in the martial world knows that Feipeng Fort and the Baihua Palace share a deep bond. Brother Shen, please do not joke..."
"If I remember correctly, at the Martial Arts Assembly, Brother Liu used lethal moves at every turn, intending to drive the Baihua Palace to its death."
"You are slandering me!"
"Heh, everyone saw it with their own eyes."
As the two sides looked ready to come to blows, Nan Menghua, who had been watching the show, finally spoke. "Gentlemen, please, calm yourselves."
Liu Songhe smiled. "Palace Master, we were just discussing..."
"Wait," she raised a hand. "The Fort Master had only just mentioned his intent to propose. Nothing has been settled yet."
Shen Wanxiong laughed loudly. "Palace Master, then Xuan’er and your daughter..."
"Both young masters are outstanding talents. But since you have both proposed at once, this matter requires further deliberation..."
A disciple quietly entered and whispered something into Nan Yunshuang’s ear. Nan Yunshuang then relayed it softly to Nan Menghua, whose expression shifted slightly in surprise. "Invite them in immediately."
"Yes."
*Strange. Someone else has arrived?* Shen Wanxiong and Liu Songhe both felt a pang of doubt. Aside from each other, what other sect in the martial world had a relationship with the Baihua Palace? Could they also be here to propose? But regardless of martial arts or influence, they believed no one could compare to them. Whoever it was, they wouldn't take them seriously.
Two women entered, one dressed in purple and the other in white, followed by several subordinates. Nan Menghua stood up, and even Shen Wanxiong and Liu Songhe were forced to follow suit and salute. "Greetings, Alliance Leader Lin."
The woman in purple was indeed Lin Jianghong of Green Willow Villa. She looked a bit awkward. "You are all my seniors; there is no need for such ceremony. Please, sit." No matter how indignant or unwilling they were, they had to show respect to the Alliance Leader. Such were the rules of the martial world.
"Yes."
Once everyone was seated again, Shen Wanxiong studied the woman in white. "And this is?"
Nan Yunshuang replied, "Villa Master Shen, this lady is the descendant of the God of Medicine, Bai Zhier."
"Oh?" Everyone was stunned. It was said that the Bai family had vanished for years; they hadn't expected to see a descendant now. What on earth had the Baihua Palace done to make even the God of Medicine’s successor pay a visit? This was becoming increasingly interesting. Shen Ruoxuan, however, felt like laughing. *Isn't this one of the two sisters from the portrait Nan Muxue drew of herself? So, a love rival has come knocking. But seeing her in person... she truly is a peerless beauty.*
Not to mention the others, even Liu Shaopeng was speechless with shock. This wasn't his first time seeing Bai Zhier. The ambush on the Baihua Palace branch had relied entirely on the Weak-Bone Powder provided by the Bai sisters, but he had never known this woman was the descendant of the legendary and mysterious Bai family!
"What brings you two to the Baihua Palace?"
Bai Zhier didn't look at anyone, saying indifferently, "I simply happened to run into Alliance Leader Lin on the way up. We are not traveling together. I have come for one thing: to propose marriage."
"Um, I..." Lin Jianghong looked embarrassed, her face flushing. "Actually, I am also here to propose marriage."
Proposing marriage? And it was two women? It was truly baffling. Liu Songhe couldn't help but ask, "On whose behalf are you two proposing?"
Naturally, everyone assumed they were there for Nan Muxue. It made sense—the Martial Arts Alliance Leader and the descendant of the God of Medicine. If they were representing someone, it would certainly be a match of equal status. Furthermore, the Baihua Palace did not allow romance; even though the Palace Masters would have a daughter to succeed them, no one ever knew who the father was. Just who was this person with such immense face?
Bai Zhier smiled charmingly, her demeanor bearing a slight resemblance to Nan Muxue’s. "Who said I am proposing on behalf of someone else? Can I not ask for myself? In the name of the God of Medicine’s house, I propose marriage for myself."
Shen Wanxiong looked puzzled. "This?"
Lin Jianghong also chimed in, "I also wish to propose to the Palace Master, for myself as well."
There was no doubt about it. If there was only one man in the Baihua Palace, it was Chu Ruo.
***
The scene shifted...
"What? Zhier and that Lin Jianghong are here too?" And from the sound of it, they wanted to marry *her*? What kind of situation was this? Weren't men supposed to propose to women in ancient times? She wasn't even done worrying about the two guys on the Little Viper’s side, and now she was caught in it too. The worst part was Lin Jianghong—*please, we barely know each other, why are you joining the chaos?* "I guess my charm is just too much. This won't do."
*Smack!*
Chu Ruo clutched her head. "What did you hit me for!"
Before she could finish, Duan Ning grabbed her ponytail, making her yelp in pain. "Instead of thinking about what to do, why are you just standing there being shocked?"
"Well, I really was surprised they came! By the way," aside from Nan Yunshuang, Nan Muxue had just been called away. Now it was just Chu Ruo and the other Protectors in the study. "Why didn't you guys go over?"
Yin Lili’s face was clouded with her usual worry. "The Palace Master did not summon us. She only trusts Yunshuang."
"Now isn't the time to worry about me. The main issue is Xue’er. Will the Old Palace Master just marry her off to the Great Roc or Shen Eleven on the spot?"
Nan Gongyan laughed. "Great Roc? Shen Eleven? You certainly have a knack for nicknames."
"It’s hard to say," Duan Ning said, winking at the others while feigning a heavy tone. "The Palace Master’s thoughts are always impossible to fathom. She might just marry her off to whichever house offers the best terms. However..."
"However what?"
"Sigh, one is a castrated cripple with no martial arts, and the other is a famous medicine jar. If Xue’er marries either of them, it’ll be a tragedy."
Chu Ruo’s face grew even more frantic. "Then what should we do?" She paced back and forth, muttering to herself. "Even if we all fought together, we couldn't beat Nan Menghua, let alone with Liu Songhe and Shen Wanxiong there. If we elope, it wouldn't be hard for the three powers to find us. But if we don't leave... No! I can't just stand by and watch Xue’er marry them..."
"Alright," Nan Gongyan pulled her down to sit and poured her a cup of tea to calm her nerves. "Don't panic yet. Things aren't that dire."
"But Xue’er..."
"Ning’er was just teasing you," Nan Gongyan shot a glare at the feigning-innocent Duan Ning. "You too, always playing tricks on her. I think you're just too bored. Xue’er should send you off on more errands."
"What, do you feel bad for her? Oh my, why don't you propose to her yourself then?"
"You brat, I'll..."
Yin Lili also poked Duan Ning’s forehead in annoyance. "Can you put away your playfulness for a moment?" She then whispered in her ear, "Careful, or Xue’er will punish you again. Haven't Yan’er and I suffered enough being dragged down with you? We get punished every single time."
Chu Ruo took a few sips of tea and finally calmed down a bit. "Tell me, is there any way to keep Xue’er from marrying them?"
Yin Lili shook her head. "There’s no need to be so tense. The successive Palace Masters of Baihua Palace never marry other men."
"Then... how are they born?"
"There must be men involved, but no one ever knows who they are, and no one has ever seen them. My guess is that each Palace Master finds a man, and once a daughter is born, that man’s purpose is fulfilled."
Nan Gongyan nodded in agreement. "It has been this way for hundreds of years in the Baihua Palace. Whether the Palace Master will break this tradition, we don't know. But actually, having these two groups arrive is a good thing. If there were only one party, she might have actually agreed. But now that Feipeng Fort and the Sword Casting Villa are both involved, the Palace Master—who is a very calculating person—will likely sit back and watch the tigers fight. She won't agree to anything immediately. Right now, you should be more worried about yourself."
"Me?"
Duan Ning stopped joking. "Yes. To the Palace Master, you are just an expendable disciple. But a marriage with either the Martial Arts Alliance Leader or the God of Medicine’s house would be excellent. So, it’s more likely that *you* will be the one getting married first. Maybe even to both of them at once..."
*...Why did those two women have to come and make a mess?* "I don't want to."
"You think it’s up to you? No one has ever defied the Palace Master’s decisions. Remember, it’s not that they don't dare, it’s that they never get the chance. In the Baihua Palace, you only need to remember one thing: obey the Palace Master’s orders, no matter what they are."
"Oh."
Duan Ning sighed and pulled Yin Lili aside. "She’s too slow. She should have been able to figure this out herself. I really don't know how Xue’er usually teaches her."
Nan Gongyan shook her head. "No, Chu Ruo is quite sharp. It’s just that she’s too emotional. Sometimes concern leads to confusion; otherwise, she would have realized all this."
"Oho, you seem to know her quite well. No wonder there were rumors about you two back then..."
"See if I don't shave your head today..."
Just then, Xiao Guo’er and A-Yue suddenly pushed the door open, and Nan Muxue appeared before them. Chu Ruo was about to happily run over and call her "Xue’er," but then she remembered the figures blocked behind her. If it was Nan Menghua, Nan Yunshuang, or the Great Roc... *Sigh, whoever it is, I have to be careful with my words and actions right now.* Thinking this, she stayed where she was and cupped her fists. "Master."
Nan Muxue entered with an expressionless face, not even glancing at her as she passed. "Your 'bosom friends' have arrived. No wonder you are so well-behaved and polite today."
*Aha?* Looking out the door, sure enough, Bai Zhier was standing there. Hearing those words, she walked over without hesitation and took Chu Ruo’s arm. "Saint Envoy, it has been a long time."
"Zhi... *cough*, I mean, Miss Bai, you..."
"Why so formal? I prefer it when you call me Zhier~"
*Yikes.* If she didn't know this girl’s personality, she would have broken out in goosebumps. "There are people here..."
Bai Zhier became even more mischievous. "Then let’s go somewhere where there are no people. I came here to find you, anyway. I don't want to see anyone else."
*You're going to be the death of me.* Chu Ruo nervously glanced at the Little Viper. She didn't even need to think to know the woman’s face would be sour and her words biting... *Wait, no reaction? What does this mean?* Looking at the others, they all had playful expressions. However, Bai Zhier gave her no chance to linger, dragging her away. "Let’s go."
"Master~"
"Don't bother calling her. She has no time for you right now," Bai Zhier’s smile turned triumphant. "Besides, she was the one who invited me, so she expected this outcome."
"What is going on... Ah, Zhier, don't pull me! Master..." *Waaaah, Little Viper, you're ignoring me! You don't love me anymore! You don't want me! I hate you!*
"Hey," Duan Ning crossed her arms. "You're really not going to do anything?" Normally, that vinegar jar would have overturned long ago. Had she suddenly changed her nature today?
Nan Muxue sat down. "You all sit as well. I have something to say."
***
"Zhier, where are you taking me?"
Bai Zhier finally slowed her pace, walking slowly side-by-side with her. "Nowhere in particular. I just didn't want to see your Little Viper."
*Cough, cough.* "So, how did you end up coming here?"
"Do you not want to see me?"
"No! Not at all, that’s not what I meant."
"Then, are you happy?"
"Yes. It’s always a joy to reunite with an old friend."
The two were now standing by the cliffside. Ever since her fall, Chu Ruo rarely approached the edge unless Nan Muxue was with her. Now, Bai Zhier pulled her close. As if sensing her thoughts, the woman gripped her sleeve tightly. "It’s alright."
"Where is Bai Shan? Why isn't she with you?"
"That girl left me a note saying she wanted to study toxicology and then ran off. She writes to me regularly, though. Let her go wild; studying that is better than her causing trouble everywhere."
"Zhier, tell me the truth. Why did you really come?"
"Ruo’er, you don't actually think I came specifically to deal with your Little Viper—who isn't as pretty as me and doesn't have as good a temper, by the way—do you?" Bai Zhier had been admiring the sunset, but she turned back to look at her. Bathed in the afterglow, the two looked beautiful together, their shadows stretching long behind them. She smiled gently. "I came to help you."
"So, was it Xue’er who contacted you?"
A slender finger poked Chu Ruo’s chest. "Mm. Sometimes you are so adorably silly, yet the next moment you react so quickly."
"I’m just guessing. Liu Shaopeng and his father must have had some scheme when they came to propose, and you all must have been brought here by Xue’er."
"I don't know about the others, but she did come to 'beg' me recently." Bai Zhier clearly used the word "beg" as a joke, but she seemed quite happy about it. "She said if Feipeng Fort came to Cloud-Reaching Peak, she wanted me to come and propose. Needless to say, that little Martial Arts Alliance Leader was likely invited by her as well. She really is something. On one hand, she had me propose for your sake, and on the other, she feared Nan Menghua might actually agree to one of the marriages, so she brought in the Alliance Leader to muddy the waters. That way, Nan Menghua will have to navigate between the parties for a while. You calling her a 'Little Viper' is quite fitting. I suppose that Shen Ruoxuan was also invited by her."
"Zhier, thank you."
"Is there any need for that word between us? Ruo’er, do you know why she came to us?"
Chu Ruo lowered her head. "For me. For my safety. Her mother might not have proof of what’s between Xue’er and me, but she already has an idea. Now that Feipeng Fort and the Sword Casting Villa have come to propose, her mother wouldn't let someone like me—who is involved with her daughter—continue to live. She can't let me be a stumbling block. She’s worried Xue’er might refuse to marry because of me. Once a marriage is set, it would be my death. But the appearance of you two showed her my value. For now, I am safe."
"Ruo’er, are you tired?" Bai Zhier’s eyes were full of heartache. "I told you, being by her side wouldn't be easy. You’ll wear yourself out."
"No. Only by Xue’er’s side can I truly live. Without her, what would be the point of living?"
She had always known that Chu Ruo didn't love her. Bai Zhier admitted that hearing those words made her feel a pang of jealousy. In a voice so soft only she could hear, she whispered, "To think you would say such a thing for her..." She blinked and laughed again. "Well, I am a distinguished guest of your Baihua Palace now. Aren't you going to show me around?"
"Oh, right. I’ll take you for a walk."
"Ruo’er."
"Yes?"
"Look over there."
Chu Ruo instinctively turned her head, but there was nothing. She realized she’d been tricked again. Sure enough, the next second, Bai Zhier hugged her. She gasped. "Zhier, let go—"
"Don't move. Someone is watching from the southwest."
That had to be one of Nan Menghua’s people. In that case, it was better to put on a show. If she pushed Zhier away now, it would only confirm her relationship with the Little Viper. She could only stand there like a statue, not daring to hug her back. Bai Zhier, however, held her tighter and tighter. *Lady, are you sure you aren't just using this as an excuse to hug me?*
"Ruo’er, what is that hard thing against your chest?"
"A book I wrote..."
She really wanted to slap herself. But once the words were out, they couldn't be taken back. Bai Zhier’s interest was immediately piqued. "Let me see."
"That... might not be a good idea..."
"I’m not just saving you; I’m indirectly helping both of you, right? Are you really going to be so stingy?"
*The Little Viper didn't... probably... maybe... say I couldn't show it to anyone? Yeah, she probably didn't.* So, Chu Ruo boldly, and perhaps death-defyingly, handed over the copy of *Master, Have Mercy* from her robes...
"Hehe~" As expected, Bai Zhier couldn't stop laughing after just a few pages. Then, suppressing her mirth, she said, "Ruo’er, since I’m helping you this time, do you owe me a favor?"
"Yes. I owed you from before, too. You’ve saved me more than once. If there’s anything you need from me, as long as it doesn't hurt Xue’er or the Baihua Palace, I’ll agree."
"Well, it’s quite simple," she whispered in her ear. "Go back and take a sheet of paper. List the pros and cons of me versus your Little Viper. I want to see them."
"Uh, that..."
A pair of bright, sparkling eyes met hers, accompanied by a slightly wheedling tone—charming but not cloying. "You said you wanted to repay me. It’s just a small matter of writing a few words. Will you do it or not?"
"...Fine." *Seriously, one makes me write a novel and the other makes me write a comparison list. What kind of strange minds do these two women have? Oh well, I guess I do owe her my life.*
"Then write it tonight and show me. You must write it well and tell the truth, or I’ll make you rewrite it."
*Heaven help me. Save this poor baby.* She wanted to cry, but no tears came.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 南梦华 | Nan Menghua | The retired Palace Master of Baihua Palace; Nan Muxue's mother. |
| 柳松鹤 | Liu Songhe | Fort Master of Feipeng Fort. |
| 沈万雄 | Shen Wanxiong | Villa Master of Sword Casting Villa. |
| 沈若轩 | Shen Ruoxuan | The 11th son of Shen Wanxiong; known for being sickly. |
| 白芷儿 | Bai Zhier | Descendant of the God of Medicine; friend/rival of Chu Ruo. |
| 药罐子 | Medicine jar | A slang term for someone who is constantly sick and taking medicine. |
| 醋坛子 | Vinegar jar | A metaphor for a very jealous person. |
