Nan Yunshuang’s sudden appearance caught everyone off guard.
The room, which had been buzzing with lively chatter just a moment ago, fell into a heavy silence. Nangong Yan looked displeased to the extreme, while Duan Ning spoke with biting sarcasm. "Oh? What business does the Great Protector have with us today?"
Yin Liuli gave her a gentle tug. "Yunshuang, come in. It’s rare for everyone to be free at the same time."
"If she comes in, I’m leaving," Nangong Yan snapped, turning to go. Chu Ruo, standing nearby, reached out to stop her. It wasn't hard to see that Nan Yunshuang was unwell; her lips were a pale, sickly shade. "Don't be like that. She came here to find you..."
To her surprise, Nan Yunshuang frowned at Chu Ruo’s hand and barked coldly, "Let go!"
This immediately ignited Nangong Yan’s temper. "Who are you to tell her what to do? Chu Ruo, don't you dare let go!"
*...What does this have to do with me again?* Chu Ruo thought. Knowing she couldn't rely on Duan Ning, she turned to Yin Liuli with a pleading gaze. Thankfully, the Second Protector was steady and composed enough to take the hint. "Ning’er, the Holy Envoy and I still have things to discuss. Let’s go first..."
But Nangong Yan refused to listen. Not only did she stay, she proactively and affectionately linked her arm with Chu Ruo’s. "I don't care. You’re coming to play with me."
The atmosphere grew incredibly tense. If looks could kill, Nan Yunshuang’s glare would be no less lethal than the one Chu Ruo gave anyone who dared get close to her Little Scorpion. *Ugh, why am I so unlucky?* Chu Ruo offered Nan Yunshuang a smile that looked more like a grimace, whispering through gritted teeth, "Sister, don't drag me into this every time. She looks like she’s about to skin me alive."
"Stop whining," Nangong Yan whispered back. "Who told you to borrow my identity with Xue’er before? You have to play this part to the end."
"I’d like to keep my life, though..."
Nan Yunshuang was already reaching for her sword. Fortunately, Chu Ruo’s Little Scorpion arrived just in time—a literal ray of righteous light. Chu Ruo was so relieved she could have cried; it was like a deity descending in a golden glow. "Little... Master!"
Nan Muxue walked to Nan Yunshuang’s side with an expressionless face. Without needing to lift a finger or even cast a glance, the hand on the sword hilt silently dropped. "Have you finished memorizing the mental cultivation techniques I assigned you?"
*...When did you assign me those?* Chu Ruo wondered. *Well, maybe she did. Time flies when you're happy.* Ever since they had solidified their relationship, things weren't like they used to be. Even if the Little Scorpion pushed her to practice martial arts, Chu Ruo could usually act spoiled and coax her way out of it. "Not yet..."
"Then you still have the heart to be here playing around?"
*She’s doing this on purpose,* Chu Ruo thought, *putting on the 'Master' act in front of them again.* She sighed inwardly at her tsundere wife. "This disciple knows her mistake."
"Then why are you still standing here?"
Nan Muxue had already turned to leave. Nangong Yan couldn't very well keep holding onto Chu Ruo, so she was finally able to break free. "This disciple is going now."
After Nan Muxue led Chu Ruo away, Yin Liuli pulled a sour-faced Duan Ning out as well, much to the latter's annoyance. "Liuli, why are you so tolerant of her? You’re always so nice to her face."
"And what should I do? Be like you and wear everything on my sleeve?"
"You..."
"Enough. Didn't you see that Yunshuang is unwell? Her complexion was terrible. We grew up together; there’s no need for this."
"I don't care. If you want me to be nice to her, fat chance."
"Willful girl."
***
On the other side, Chu Ruo took advantage of the lack of onlookers to hook her finger into Nan Muxue’s. "Luckily you came when you did, otherwise I..."
Nan Muxue spoke with a playful, teasing tone. "Oh? This Master feels she arrived too early and interrupted your 'good business.'"
"What?"
"Where was your hand when I walked in just now?"
"I... I just gave Nangong Yan a little tug. And that was for Nan Yunshuang’s sake! But she didn't appreciate it, and then you..."
"It seems you have quite a lot of grievances."
Chu Ruo felt like she was about to be in trouble. "Xue’er..."
"Go back tonight and kneel on the floor while copying the mental cultivation techniques a hundred times."
"You want my life!" One sharp look from Nan Muxue, and Chu Ruo immediately folded. "Can we... can we change the punishment?"
"Fine."
"I knew my Xue’er was—"
"Copy 'Master, have mercy' ten thousand times."
*...I feel so wronged.*
***
*Cough, cough—*
Inside the room, Nan Yunshuang began to cough violently. Nangong Yan initially tried to ignore it, but in the end, she couldn't bear it. She helped her sit down and poured a cup of tea. "Drink."
Nan Yunshuang took it, a faint smile touching her lips. "Cough... Thank... cough..."
"Alright, alright, don't talk." Nangong Yan rubbed her back to help her catch her breath, grumbling, "Following the old Palace Master isn't exactly easy, is it? Look at the state you're in."
"Yan’er..." Nan Yunshuang’s voice was terrifyingly hoarse. Anyone trained in martial arts could tell her throat had been injured by a crushing grip. Nangong Yan tried to look at her neck, but Nan Yunshuang pulled up her collar to hide it.
"What did you do?"
Nan Yunshuang only looked at her. Suddenly, a streak of bright red seeped from the corner of her mouth. "Yan’er."
"Stop talking. Just breathe."
"Yan’er," Nan Yunshuang gripped her hand. "Don't... be angry with me..."
Nangong Yan finally sighed. "That depends on your own choices."
*I have no choice. The only thing I can do is try my best to protect you, even if it’s insignificant.* "I... cough... want to rest for a bit." As she spoke, she leaned her head against the other woman's shoulder. Nangong Yan raised a hand to push her away but hesitated, eventually patting her gently. "Sleep then."
*Yan’er, even if you hate me, even if we can never go back to how we were, this is the only way. I would rather you hate me.*
***
Half a month later.
"Xue’er, Xue’er!"
Before Nan Muxue even looked up, her eyes were already full of warmth. By the time she stood, the other person had already reached her side. "Quick, try this. I made braised duck with chestnuts. It smells amazing..."
"Why is it that every time you see me, you start smiling and running toward me from so far away?"
Chu Ruo answered without a second thought, "Because I’m happy to see you!"
The smile in Nan Muxue’s eyes deepened, though she still feigned disdain. "Slick-tongued."
"But I’m telling the truth," Chu Ruo said, resting her hands on the other's waist. "As long as I can see my Xue’er, that’s the happiest thing in the world."
"Let’s eat." Nan Muxue gave Chu Ruo’s ear a light tug. "Did you do something wrong again? Is that why you’re being so sweet?"
"Can't it be that I have an ulterior motive?"
"And what would that be?"
"Hmm," Chu Ruo looked at the ceiling as if thinking hard. "I wonder if the woman I love could give me a kiss?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt a cool, sweet sensation on her lips. Her smile grew even brighter. "Eat, eat! I also made a mushroom soup. You’ll definitely like it."
"By the way," Chu Ruo said while they were eating, "it’s been over half a month. Your mother is just leaving everyone hanging in the palace? Even if she’s healing, it shouldn't take this many days, right? And with her personality, she’d push through even if she was struggling."
"You’ve actually learned to be observant. You even noticed my mother is acting strangely." Nan Muxue placed a piece of meat into Chu Ruo’s bowl as usual. "She must have other plans. If you have time, go visit that bosom friend of yours."
"Hey, you..." Chu Ruo felt her brain spark. She suddenly realized something. They were talking about Nan Menghua, so why bring up Bai Zhier? "Are you saying Zhier is in danger?"
The other woman gave a half-smile. "Usually you’re so slow, but the moment she’s mentioned, your head clears right up. It seems she holds a significant place in your heart."
"Not as significant as you. My heart is with you; the place where it used to be is just a hollow hole now. It doesn't count."
Nan Muxue gave a light huff. "Tell her to be careful. Yunshuang is not easy to deal with."
"Nan Yunshuang is your mother’s person, but why would she want to kill Zhier? And this is inside the palace; she wouldn't dare move directly, would she?"
"The Divine Healer’s family has never had dealings with the Hundred Flowers Palace," Nan Muxue said, her brow furrowing. "If it’s because of the marriage proposal, there’s no need for murder. Killing her brings no benefit. I’m afraid this matter isn't as simple as it seems."
"If we can't figure it out, let's not think about it for now. Here, have some soup. You said she’s kept everyone here from summer all the way into autumn; surely she won't drag it out until winter."
The moment Nan Muxue took the bowl of soup, she frowned. Chu Ruo noticed and asked with concern, "What’s wrong? It hasn't gone bad, has it? You don't like it? Then don't drink it, I’ll throw it out."
Nan Muxue shook her head. "I don't know why, but I feel a bit nauseous. Perhaps it’s the cooling weather; my stomach feels a bit off." That said, she surprisingly picked up a piece of duck meat. "Make some sweet and sour pork tomorrow."
Chu Ruo laughed. "What’s with you lately? Your appetite is different. You’re actually eating greasy things. The braised duck wasn't enough, and now you want sweet and sour pork?"
Nan Muxue was already wiping her mouth. "Who was the one who boasted about taking over this Master’s three meals a day? Now I ask for one dish and you have so much to say." She stood up and went to the rocking chair in the back to rest with her eyes closed. "When you’re done eating, look over the letters on the desk, then..."
"Alright, I know. Process them by priority and then organize them for your review, right?" Chu Ruo followed her over, squatting by the rocking chair. "Hey, you’ve really gotten lazy lately. You just nap after eating. Aren't you afraid of gaining weight?"
Nan Muxue looked at her languidly and reached out to stroke her cheek. "I’ve been feeling quite fatigued these past few days. Since I have a disciple to share my burdens, can't this Master be a little lazy?"
"Fine." Chu Ruo leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You worked hard in the past. From now on, leave it to me. You just rest; I’ll handle everything else."
"Mm..."
The next day, Chu Ruo made a large plate of sweet and sour pork and even a side of spicy and sour chicken feet as a snack for Nan Muxue. However, when Nan Muxue felt nauseous again, Chu Ruo, who was sitting at the desk organizing palace affairs, joked, "You couldn't be... expecting, could you?"
Before she could react, a woman was already in her lap. Chu Ruo laughed. "What, the chair wasn't comfortable enough, so you came to use me as a human cushion?"
"This Master thinks you’ve become too comfortable. Your mouth is getting more and more unruly."
"But your reactions lately really look like it. Nausea, vomiting, sleeping all the time... Sigh, if this Holy Envoy weren't a woman, I’d really suspect you..."
"Then it would be your sin," Nan Muxue actually joked back. "Do you admit it or not?"
"I admit it! If a child is born, I’ll raise both mother and daughter," Chu Ruo played along. They both laughed, but then Chu Ruo’s expression shifted. "But this joke has to be somewhat grounded. You can't be pregnant just from nausea. What about your period... wait, your period lately, has it...?"
Nan Muxue’s expression suddenly changed. She finished the thought. "It hasn't come."
"Your body was always cold before, so your cycle was never regular. We didn't pay it much mind... It couldn't be, right?" Chu Ruo began to feel that something was wrong. The Little Scorpion’s reactions these past few days were exactly like someone who was expecting. "Why don't you check your own pulse?"
*Knock, knock—*
A-Yue knocked on the door. Nan Menghua was calling everyone over for the second round of the competition. This time, the matches were Liu Songhe against Shen Ruoxuan, and Shen Wanxiong against Liu Shaopeng.
The two of them hurried out, and the matter of checking the pulse was momentarily forgotten. "Your mother is so sudden. She always catches people off guard."
"Shen Ruoxuan and Liu Shaopeng... she wants to see how many moves they can withstand against Liu Songhe and Shen Wanxiong. Whoever lasts longer wins. Although they say the matches stop before injury, Liu Songhe and Shen Wanxiong won't hold back for the sake of their sons. They’ll want to end it quickly." Nan Muxue smiled thinly. "It looks like she’s testing the sons, but actually..."
"Actually, she’s testing the martial arts of those two old foxes! Your mother is clever. Even if they guess her motive, they have to grit their teeth and fight for your sake."
"It’s their choice. She is calculating whether her strength can contend with theirs. To be precise, she’s seeing if she can take on both at once. If she can, it won't be long before Casting Sword Villa and Flying Eagle Fort—these two prestigious sects—cease to exist."
"You mean she might use this chance to wipe them out?"
"Mother is capable of anything. If that happens, the next person to be discarded... will be me."
"Xue’er, then..."
"It’s fine," Nan Muxue gave her a gentle smile. "I’m here. Don't worry."
***
