255 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Ran Fan Yin deliberately avoided Ning Song Wu’s eyes and nonchalantly said, "See, my technique is better; look how nicely the bandage is wrapped." Ning Song Wu, feeling a bit sulky, replied, "Madam, your medical skills are indeed impressive." Ran Fan Yin, going against her true feelings, said, "Don't go back tonight. Stay with me for the next couple of days. On the morning of the ninth, we will set off for the capital. Here, you don't have to worry about your identity being exposed, and I can help you change your bandages." After a brief pause, she added, "Also, Fengming Pavilion is completely transformed now. It's no longer a typical brothel flaunting charm and inviting trouble. The girls have all reformed, and you shouldn't hold any prejudices or look down on them." Ning Song Wu hurriedly responded, "How could I? Most of the girls here didn’t end up like this by choice. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s those heartless human traffickers." Throughout the afternoon and evening, guests came in an endless stream, and Yun Niang made a handsome profit, recovering the costs of the past two days and even earning a bit more. As for Ran Fan Yin keeping her cousin overnight, Yun Niang turned a blind eye. After all, Ran Fan Yin had helped her immensely and owed her a great debt for the rebirth of Fengming Pavilion. Late at night, when the crowd dispersed, Ran Fan Yin, exhausted, returned to the room after freshening up. Ning Song Wu was still awake, sitting by the bed and waiting for her. Ran Fan Yin said, "Didn't I tell you to go to sleep without waiting for me?" Ning Song Wu replied, "I can't sleep. I’ve slept enough these past two days. This moment won't make a difference." "You sleep inside, I’ll sleep outside," Ran Fan Yin said. She had many tasks to handle the next morning and needed to get up early. Letting Ning Song Wu sleep inside was to avoid waking her too early, allowing her to get enough rest to aid her recovery. "Aren't you taking off your outerwear?" Ran Fan Yin noticed Ning Song Wu still dressed in her outer clothes as she was about to stretch her legs onto the bed. "I'll take it off now," Ning Song Wu said awkwardly. The revelation of her identity had made their interactions significantly more uncomfortable. The two climbed into bed, one after the other. Since Ning Song Wu's left shoulder was injured, she could only lie on her back. Turning to her right side would face Ran Fan Yin, which she didn't dare to do. As the night deepened, Ning Song Wu’s breathing became steady, indicating she had fallen asleep, only then did Ran Fan Yin gently turn to face her. Looking at the sleeping figure before her, Ran Fan Yin couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and touch Ning Song Wu. The thought startled her. Yet, she comforted herself: They are both women—nothing wrong with a touch. Besides, they weren't divorced yet, so touching her 'husband' was justifiable! She thought this and acted on it. Ran Fan Yin gently ran her fingers over Ning Song Wu's eyebrows, feeling the distinct texture of each hair, then downwards along the nose bridge to the tip. She paused momentarily. Gliding over the philtrum to her lips, she lingered there, eventually resting her palm on Ning Song Wu's cheek, her thumb gently rubbing the corner of her mouth. Such delicate and well-defined features, a small face, smooth and tender skin—it felt wonderful. This curious thought lingered briefly in her mind before her hand shifted. Her palm covered Ning Song Wu’s cheek, softly rubbing. The emptiness in her heart was filled at this moment, and she marveled at the sheer tenderness. Just then, Ning Song Wu turned over. Since Ran Fan Yin was watching closely, Ning Song Wu’s entire face came right up against hers, with the tip of her nose brushing across Ran Fan Yin's lips. Ning Song Wu’s breath lingered between Ran Fan Yin’s nose and lips, stirring confusion in her heart, as if thousands of ants were gnawing at her. She noticed Ning Song Wu's faint gardenia scent, especially pleasant tonight, drawing her closer. Looking at those tender, alluring lips once more, she involuntarily gulped. Despite trying to control her breathing, she couldn’t manage her pounding heart. A fish out of water wouldn’t survive long without water and oxygen. She was that dying fish, desperately needing salvation. And water and oxygen lay right before her—within reach. She only needed to move a little closer, or simply lean forward a bit, and she would be rejuvenated. Once a thought takes root, it grows like wild grass, unstoppable even by a thousand strong horses. Her heart turned into action, the desire to act immediately. This became her new motto. So... In no time, the year-end approached, and Ning Song Wu returned to the capital to prepare for the wedding. In the seventeenth year of Jiankang, on the fifth day of the first month, the Ning and Ran families joyfully celebrated their union. The emperor bestowed the marriage, known by all. The streets leading to the Sima Residence were lined with cheering citizens. The ground was covered in red decorations as far as the eye could see, with noble ladies casting peach blossom petals along the procession's path. Inside the bridal sedan, the bride’s red veil concealed her face, her feet resting on a lotus pad. "The bride dismounts, the groom carries the bride into the residence—" the matchmaker announced loudly. Ning Song Wu squatted, knees bent in a horse stance, back arched, waiting for Ran Fan Yin to climb on, her expression as if attending a funeral, full of reluctance. "Squat lower; I can’t get on," Ran Fan Yin whispered. Ning Song Wu shuddered slightly, losing balance and nearly toppling, saved only by the matchmaker’s timely support. "How weak…" Ran Fan Yin thought, matching her rumored frailty. Ning Song Wu's face flushed, veins bulging on her forehead, sweat beading like soybeans, struggling like an ox under a heavy load. She hadn't expected the woman on her back, despite her thin figure and bony frame, to feel as heavy as a mountain. She knew Ran Fan Yin was the beloved daughter of the current emperor's favorite minister, Zhong Shuling Ran Hou Meng, famed as the capital's top talented woman and the secret owner of many businesses. She was a remarkable woman whose life was suddenly intertwined with hers due to an unexpected imperial decree. Ran Fan Yin had heard that Ning Song Wu was the only son from a wealthy and noble family, but also frail and incompetent, barely passing the imperial examinations on the third attempt. With nothing much to worry about, Ran Fan Yin had been relieved. Today’s wedding robe weighed heavily, symbolic only of the beginning. The real challenge lay ahead: convincing Ning Song Wu to agree to a divorce. It seemed the Ning family wasn’t as united as it appeared.