51 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

Chapter 51: Beloved The journey from the northern rope ladder to the valley wasn’t too far but wasn’t close either. The atmosphere was oppressive along the way, paired with the overcast and drizzly weather. Everyone walked in silence, not uttering a word. Not long after they started, an imposing archway made of blue-grey stone came into view. The archway spanned about a hundred paces, with an air of solemn grandeur. On the arch, two large characters were elegantly engraved from right to left: "Chaos Flowers" (亂花). On a nearby stone pillar, a vertical couplet was inscribed in the same elegant script, but due to the gloomy weather, the words were barely visible. By the blue-stone archway stood four disciples of Chaos Flowers, each dressed in blue robes. They wore rain-proof hats and carried swords in their right hands while holding wind lanterns steadily in their left. The disciples initially wanted to step forward and conduct a thorough check on the approaching group. However, upon recognizing Lin Yu Xue among them, they hurriedly knelt before her, disregarding the muddy and dirty ground. Their discipline was evident, as was their utmost respect for their superior. "Greetings, Young Valley Master!" "Rise," Lin Yu Xue nodded slightly. After a brief pause, she asked, "Is there anything unusual in the valley? Why was there no one guarding the mechanism ladder at the northern entrance?" "Replying to the Young Valley Master, a guest arrived shortly before you. The guards at the northern mechanism ladder escorted them into the valley to wait for you." Another disciple added, "The visitors claimed to be from the Bing Mountain Sect, though their intentions remain unclear. With the Valley Master gravely ill and you away, the Right Elder made an executive decision to allow them entry." A complex expression crossed Lin Yu Xue's face. She lowered her head as if in thought, then turned to glance at the group behind her. Ran Fan Yin stood silently with a blank face, her serene gaze lightly resting on Lin Yu Xue. Ning Song Wu, standing behind Ran Fan Yin, widened her eyes slightly, casting a glance at Ran Fan Yin before her gaze wandered towards the inside of the Chaos Flowers Valley, seemingly having heard something that left her uneasy. Lin Yu Xue tightened her grip on the umbrella in her hand, feeling the rain intensify. She said, "Enter the valley. Wu Gong, settle our guests properly. Wu Ji, follow me directly to the main hall to meet with the Bing Mountain Sect’s guests." Wu Gong and Wu Ji acknowledged the orders, and as the blue-clad disciples respectfully bowed, Lin Yu Xue's group continued deeper into the valley. Reaching the center of the valley, where the population density was highest, Lin Yu Xue and Wu Ji parted ways with Ran Fan Yin and Ning Song Wu. Wu Gong led Ran Fan Yin and Ning Song Wu to the guest quarters, preparing two adjacent clean rooms for them to rest. Ning Song Wu carefully tidied up the rooms once more, knowing her master’s preference for cleanliness. Some corners could easily be overlooked by the servants, so she felt compelled to personally ensure everything was in order. After thoroughly cleaning, Ning Song Wu stepped out with a basin of water, seeing Ran Fan Yin quietly sitting on the steps outside, staring contemplatively at the diagonal rain beyond the eaves. Ning Song Wu smiled slightly, put down the basin, and quietly walked up behind Ran Fan Yin, bending down to gently kiss her on the side of her face. Warm, soft, a tantalizing moisture lingering. Ran Fan Yin raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She patted the spot beside her on the step. "Sit." "Are you in a good mood?" Ning Song Wu sat down beside Ran Fan Yin, lowering her rolled-up sleeves and wiping the sweat from her forehead. "…You seem preoccupied, and you look a little pale," Ran Fan Yin murmured, finding Ning Song Wu’s hand and intertwining their fingers. Her gaze lowered. "You've grown up; I won’t pry into your affairs. But I worry you might be burdened. Cheer up." Ning Song Wu forced a smile and said, "With you by my side, I have no reason to be unhappy." Time flew by; the world had changed with the passing years. Famous figures rose and fell; new generations emerged. Many sects declined, while new ones flourished. However, the dominant sects remained unchanged. The Ming Xiu Palace still flourished with songs and dances, the Tang Family Fortress retained its mysterious and eerie aura. The Northern Punish Palace, perpetually covered in snow. It was as if time had stood still here. In the main hall of the Rong Ku Pavilion, a newly framed painting hung on the wall, depicting the entirety of the snow-covered Northern Punish Palace. The overlapping palaces, with their carved beams and painted rafters, were depicted magnificently. In the part depicting the Rong Ku Pavilion, a faint white-robed figure was discernible. On the right side of the painting was an inscription: "Live in the vast abode of the world, stand in the righteous place of the world, walk on the great path of the world." There was no signature. In the snowy courtyard of Rong Ku Pavilion, an old stone table was still set with steaming, sumptuous dishes. Cen Ran and Luo Sheng sat beside it, resting their heads on their hands as they gazed at the food. Ran Fan Yin sat upright nearby, her delicate, cool face holding its usual serene expression. She seemed to look through rather than at anything. The three of them hadn't moved their chopsticks, as if waiting for someone. Luo Sheng finally voiced his discomfort with the uneaten meal in front of him. "Master, shall we start eating? When will Ning Song Wu arrive?" Cen Ran scolded him, "Senior Brother, how can you lack so much patience? It’s almost the New Year, and Ning Song Wu has finally been allowed to return to Rong Ku Pavilion for a few days. She will be here shortly. How can you not hold out for her first meal back?" Luo Sheng quickly nodded. "Yes, yes, Junior Sister is right. Time flies so fast; once the New Year passes, Ning Song Wu will be seventeen, right? I haven’t seen her for a while. The last time I saw her, a bit over three months ago, she had already grown as tall as my eyebrows. Ah, these things can’t be overthought. Just think, how small she was when she first arrived at Rong Ku Pavilion. We’ve watched her grow up.” Ran Fan Yin remained silent. They kept glancing ahead but, seeing no one, would lower their gaze again. She had promised to bring Ning Song Wu back to Rong Ku Pavilion after five years. But when Ning Song Wu turned fifteen, she refused Ran Fan Yin’s offer to take her back. She said there was much she still needed to learn, and staying at Hong Fei Pavilion provided valuable experience. Seven years had passed, and the girl had grown significantly. Not just in appearance and stature, but in maturity and self-awareness. She had learned a lot, no longer being the mischievous child she once was. Watching someone grow up was indeed a fascinating thing. Ran Fan Yin had personally witnessed Ning Song Wu’s growth. Ning Song Wu now stood nearly as tall as she did. Her mind drifted back to seven years ago. When Senior Brother Jiang Yue returned after two months, he had successfully destroyed the mother parasite, allowing their master to slowly recover. However, Senior Brother Jiang Yue had lost a pinky finger, and the sword he had spent years forging was lost to the Fen Tian Gate. Senior Brother Cheng Yun Huan had returned earlier upon realizing that Wen Jing Lei was nowhere near Luo City. Lin Yu Xue led the Chaos Flowers disciples to eradicate all remaining Fen Tian Gate members in Luo City, although the master of the Fiery Flag managed to escape. Fortunately, the Fen Tian Gate remained isolated beyond Yu Shui Guan, temporarily recuperating in the East Sea, unable to approach the Northern Punish. Ran Fan Yin had thought that crisis would never be resolved, yet everything eventually calmed, and Northern Punish returned to its previous tranquility. But threats continued to hide in the shadows. The wound on Ran Fan Yin’s wrist had finally healed completely, leaving behind a splash-like red scar, terrifying at first glance, but it resembled a blossoming demonic red lotus on her wrist, strangely endearing. "Oh, look! Speaking of the devil, here she comes." Luo Sheng suddenly laughed. Ran Fan Yin looked up at his words, seeing a graceful, red-robed young woman standing not far away. Her smiling face, like the most dazzling winter sunshine, was so beautiful it could hurt. Seventeen-year-old Ning Song Wu. Ning Song Wu’s features had completely matured, her fair skin maintained by a lack of sun exposure. Her brows were long and distant, with a vermilion mole in the center, like a drop of blood, adding to her stunning beauty. Her dark, clear eyes were like the finest black jade, bright and soulful. The inner corners slightly drooped while the outer corners lifted just enough to form a perfect eye shape. Every expression she made carried infinite charm. A breathtaking beauty. Yet, she seemed out of place in the pure, snow-white Northern Punish Palace. Ran Fan Yin quietly watched her, a faint, barely noticeable smile curving her lips. Luo Sheng greeted Ning Song Wu with a smile. "Ah, getting prettier by the day. No wonder everyone says you and He Lan Mian Mian are the prettiest disciples at Hong Fei Pavilion. Come, sit down; the food's getting cold." Ning Song Wu smiled lightly, walked over to sit next to Ran Fan Yin, and gently said in a melodious voice, "Master, I’m back." Ran Fan Yin nodded slightly, picking up the bamboo chopsticks. "Let’s eat." Ning Song Wu’s gaze lingered on Ran Fan Yin’s profile, her lips curving into an indescribable smile. She no longer clung to Ran Fan Yin and Cen Ran like she did as a child, chattering non-stop. Instead, she quietly watched Ran Fan Yin for a moment, her smile deepening before she lowered her head to eat. Luo Sheng chatted away while eating. "Only two days until New Year's Eve, and while Northern Punish isn’t usually big on celebrations, we at Rong Ku Pavilion should enjoy it properly. These past few years, Junior Sister Cen Ran and I have been busy with errands down the mountain, and little Ning Song Wu has been busy studying at Hong Fei Pavilion. It’s rare for us to all be together." Cen Ran said, "Rest assured, Senior Brother. A few days ago, I brought back enough New Year supplies, plenty of red paper and firecrackers. With just two days left, the time is tight. Senior Brother, you can handle writing the couplets, while Ning Song Wu and I will make dumplings. We’ll split the tasks." Ning Song Wu replied with a smile, "Sister has everything well-organized. Doing these tasks ourselves is what makes it special." "I just find store-bought things boring, so the only things I bought ready-made are the firecrackers. On New Year's Eve, we need to carry lanterns. I’ve prepared plenty of bamboo strips and red cloth; we’ll make our own and see who does it best," Cen Ran said, her face lit with excitement at the rare opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve together. Ran Fan Yin remained silent for a long time before she raised her eyes slightly. Her cool voice echoed softly, "What about me?" There was a moment of silence. Cen Ran, wearing an awkward expression, thought hard before saying, "Master, you... you can just sit there and watch us." Luo Sheng jumped in, "Yes, Master, you don’t have to do anything. Just let us serve you like a deity." Ran Fan Yin shot Luo Sheng a cold glance, her voice soft yet pressure-filled, "Say that again." Ning Song Wu quickly stuffed a large bun into Luo Sheng’s mouth, rendering him unable to speak with a muffled grunt, his face turning red with frustration as he glared at Ning Song Wu. Ning Song Wu picked up a sweet and sour meatball and placed it in Ran Fan Yin's bowl, her tone comforting, "Master, after I finish making dumplings, let’s make lanterns together." Ran Fan Yin glanced at Ning Song Wu, seemingly unimpressed by her lack of respect. Time passed, yet Ran Fan Yin didn’t touch the meatball, as if doing so would demean her. Ning Song Wu’s gaze flickered over occasionally, noticing that the meatball in Ran Fan Yin’s bowl remained untouched, causing her eyes to dim slightly. After the meal, Ran Fan Yin returned to the main hall, quietly reading a book. After a while, her eyes grew tired, and she looked around. The painting hanging on the wall suddenly caught her attention. It was painted by Ning Song Wu with her right hand, taking two years to complete. Because of two years spent painting, Ning Song Wu's right hand had improved significantly, though it was still unable to wield a sword properly. One could only imagine the excruciating pain she endured as she gripped the brush so many times. Just as Ran Fan Yin was thinking about Ning Song Wu, she walked into the main hall. She had taken off her red cloak, revealing a light, moon-white long dress underneath, with sleeves rolled up to her elbows and her hands covered in flour. Ran Fan Yin called out to her, "Where are you going?" Ning Song Wu smiled brightly and changed her path to approach Ran Fan Yin. "I was just making dumplings with Senior Sister Cen Ran. I needed something I forgot, so I came to get it." Ran Fan Yin made a sound of acknowledgment, noticing Ning Song Wu approaching. "Your hands are covered in flour; don’t get too close to me." Ning Song Wu blinked, looking at her hands. "Dirty? They’re just white. Master, you’re a bit too obsessed with cleanliness." Ran Fan Yin cleared her throat softly and picked up her teacup for a drink. Seeing Ran Fan Yin’s eyes fixed on the teacup, Ning Song Wu took the chance and quickly smeared flour on Ran Fan Yin’s face. The usually pristine face of Ran Fan Yin now had a streak of white flour on it. She raised an eyebrow, seemingly in disbelief at Ning Song Wu's audacity. She stared at Ning Song Wu in astonishment. Ning Song Wu laughed mischievously, her smile dazzling as she quickly dashed away. Ran Fan Yin remained stunned for a moment before she took out a handkerchief and wiped her face clean. She then put down her book and got up, heading towards the kitchen. "Those little brats, if I don’t settle this score, they’ll walk all over their master." In the kitchen, Cen Ran was busy kneading a lump of dough, her face also covered with flour. Ning Song Wu was beside her, mixing a bowl of meat filling. "How have your studies at Hong Fei Pavilion been?" Cen Ran asked as she kneaded. "Very good, making steady progress. My swordsmanship has reached the sixth level." "Reaching the sixth level at your age is excellent. There are only nine levels in total; Senior Brother and I have only reached the eighth. With your progress, I’m confident about the upcoming Sword Competition in March. You must win beautifully and bring honor to Rong Ku Pavilion." Ning Song Wu smiled, "Yes, definitely." Cen Ran fell silent for a moment before asking, "So... how has He Lan Mian Mian been lately?" "She’s doing well. The senior brothers at Hong Fei Pavilion all like her and have written many love poems for her. He Lan Mian Mian gets along well with everyone." "Gets along well..." Cen Ran mused, her expression darkening. "Do you not get along with them?" "I’m busy with my studies and sword practice every day, no time to play with them," Ning Song Wu replied, stirring the filling with one hand while sneaking a glance at Cen Ran’s face. "Mhm, that’s good," Cen Ran said, her voice a bit low. "He Lan Mian Mian mentioned a few days ago that she also wants to come to Rong Ku Pavilion for New Year’s Eve." "Mhm," Cen Ran grunted, saying no more. Ning Song Wu smiled enigmatically, putting down her bowl. "I’m off to chop some scallions. Senior Sister, you should knead more gently, or you’ll wear out the dough board." Cen Ran blushed, grabbing a handful of flour and tossing it at Ning Song Wu. "You dare make fun of me!" Ning Song Wu nimbly dodged, narrowly avoiding the flour. The flour flew straight behind her, revealing Ran Fan Yin, who had just entered. Cen Ran thought, "Oh no," and quickly closed her eyes, pretending not to see. Ran Fan Yin reacted swiftly, waving her sleeve just before the flour could land on her face, deflecting it all onto the giggling Ning Song Wu. "Master!" Ning Song Wu exclaimed in surprise. Ran Fan Yin glanced at her calmly, her eyes amused. "What?" Cen Ran exhaled in relief, grateful the flour missed Ran Fan Yin, and quickly spoke up, "Master, why have you come?" "Got bored, decided to come see," Ran Fan Yin replied, scanning the kitchen utensils. Ning Song Wu, busy shaking off the layer of flour that made her look like she had rolled in the snow, complained, "Senior Sister, it’s all your fault! I just changed into these clothes today!" Cen Ran was speechless, thinking, "Can’t put all the blame on me. Yes, I threw the flour, but Master deflected it onto you!" Ran Fan Yin, seeing Ning Song Wu fuss wildly to clean her clothes, subtly moved away, wary of getting flour on herself. Ning Song Wu noticed Ran Fan Yin’s little movement and couldn’t help but laugh through her tears. "Master!" Ran Fan Yin ignored her, calmly asking Cen Ran, "Is there anything I can do?" Cen Ran quickly replied, "Yes, yes. There are freshly washed dishes over there. Master, if you could dry them, that would be helpful." She didn't dare give Ran Fan Yin a complex task. Giving up on cleaning her clothes, Ning Song Wu pouted and walked over to the chopping board, venting her frustrations by chopping the scallions. Ran Fan Yin nodded slightly, rolled up her sleeves, and walked over to the stack of dishes, taking a dry cloth to start drying them. Cen Ran sighed in relief as the situation settled, focusing back on her dough. The kitchen fell silent, except for the sound of chopping scallions. Soft snowflakes drifted in through the window lattice, adding a soothing touch to the atmosphere. Occasionally, a white crane from Northern Punish Palace would soar past outside, blending with the snowy sky to create a picturesque scene. Cen Ran thought, "What a peaceful time." But that peace was short-lived. Soon, a series of crashing and clattering sounds erupted, so intense they sounded like an explosion, as if dozens of pots and pans had been broken, reminiscent of New Year’s firecrackers. Ning Song Wu and Cen Ran quickly looked up to see Ran Fan Yin holding a dry cloth in her slightly awkward grip, in front of a small mountain of broken dishes with shards scattered across the floor. Ran Fan Yin coughed lightly, putting down the cloth gently. "I... I’ll take my leave. You... carry on." "Master, do you have a grudge against the kitchen?" Ning Song Wu asked earnestly. Cen Ran burst into laughter. "Master, you should just go rest. This place isn’t for you." Ran Fan Yin’s ears turned bright red. Without another word, she left the kitchen in a gust. "If I’m not by your side, you shouldn’t be too restrained. I always hope that you can be truly happy," Ran Fan Yin said, gently touching the top of Ning Song Wu's head. "You’ve grown up, and I know there are things you no longer wish to share with me. But I still hope you can express your feelings to me, just like when you were a child." Ning Song Wu, her eyes inexplicably moist, tightened her grip on Ran Fan Yin’s hand, smiling as she said, "Master, what emotions do you want me to express? Right now, my only emotion is wanting to hug you and be close to you. Do you still wish for me to express that?" Ran Fan Yin turned her head, her pale eyes like cold tea harboring an unusual gleam. After a long silence, she softly said, "Not here." Her voice remained cool and distant, like a Buddha of abstinence set high in a temple. "Not here? Then I’ll take you inside," Ning Song Wu said with a deepening smile. She stood up, and without warning, lifted Ran Fan Yin, cradling her in her arms with unmatched care as she slowly walked toward the interior. Ran Fan Yin’s ears turned a subtle shade of red. Gently placed on the guest room bed by Ning Song Wu, she lowered her head slightly. "You... you’re being impudent." "Didn't Master say you missed me? I missed you too," Ning Song Wu said, holding Ran Fan Yin's delicate chin, their faces close. "I think about many things, but those thoughts are tangled and unclear in my heart. Except for one thing: you. I like you, I miss you, Master." "...I never realized you were so eloquent," Ran Fan Yin raised her eyes, casting a sidelong glance at Ning Song Wu. From this angle, her light brown eyes held an inexplicable, ambiguous allure. "When I was at Hong Fei Pavilion, the senior brothers taught me. I also visited the library often; it's all written in the books." "How could that be, those books in the library..." "There's a restricted section on the fourth floor, filled with interesting things. Master, you should check it out when you have time." Ning Song Wu bit Ran Fan Yin’s earlobe, her voice becoming increasingly soft and ambiguous. Before Ran Fan Yin could process the idea of the restricted section, her attention was completely drawn to the woman in front of her. Ning Song Wu was so close, her beautiful eyebrows and pitch-black, gleaming eyes resembling flowing, polished black jade were well within view. Her long eyelashes seemed as if they could brush against Ran Fan Yin’s face. This woman was indeed born to be a temptress. Naturally, their lips met in a close, intimate kiss. Ran Fan Yin's hand rested on Ning Song Wu’s back, her slender fingers curving nervously. As the kiss deepened, Ran Fan Yin's fingers tightened, gripping Ning Song Wu's back with a slight tremor. Ran Fan Yin turned her head to break away from the kiss, gasping lightly. Ning Song Wu, feeling insatiable, continued to kiss Ran Fan Yin’s cheeks and neck, holding her waist tightly. "Ning Song Wu," Ran Fan Yin's voice was soft as she gently stroked Ning Song Wu’s hair, "It seemed the Young Valley Master encountered something earlier. Go check the main hall." Ning Song Wu mumbled around Ran Fan Yin's earlobe, "Right now?" "Mhm, now. I'm worried... there might be some difficult matters over there. Go and check." "But... I still want to hold you for a while longer." "Tonight, when it's bedtime, come to my room. You can hold me all night, okay?" Ran Fan Yin gently coaxed the woman in her arms, continuously stroking her long hair. "…Okay." Despite her reluctance, Ning Song Wu obediently stood up, ruffling Ran Fan Yin’s hair before saying, "I knew you were worried about the Young Valley Master. I’ll go and come back as soon as I can." Ran Fan Yin smiled faintly and nodded. Ning Song Wu sighed, raised an eyebrow, and then left. Outside, the rain continued to pour, with dim, gloomy light. Ning Song Wu held an umbrella in one hand and a wind lantern in the other. Feeling inexplicably uneasy, she looked back at the door of the room where Ran Fan Yin was before following the guiding disciple towards the main hall. Ran Fan Yin watched Ning Song Wu disappear from sight, her smile fading instantly. Pain wrinkled her brows tightly, and red-black blood seeped from her pale lips. Ran Fan Yin closed her eyes tightly, her pale fingers gripping the corner of the bed sheets rigidly, enduring immense difficulty. Her hand shook uncontrollably, her whole body seemingly bound by something, making every move extremely hard. It took her great effort to get off the bed, only to collapse to her knees on the floor. Pain. It felt as though something inside her organs was tearing her body apart from within. The pain surged like an uncontrollable flood, overwhelming and without warning. She couldn't pinpoint exactly where it hurt—her five internal organs seemed to be all in agony, all tearing apart. She felt as though she fell into an ice cellar, yet within her seemed to simmer a volcano, ready to erupt and shatter her from the inside. Something was painstakingly eroding her bones and flesh bit by bit. Ran Fan Yin supported herself with one hand on the ground, sweat trickling down her porcelain face. Her brows and eyelashes were soaked with sweat from the extreme pain, stinging her eyes shut. How could this be... "Hnng..." Ran Fan Yin suppressed her groans with great difficulty, as she was used to enduring pain and didn't want to cause more trouble. A pain worse than death. The excruciating pain made her bite her lips hard, hoping to divert some of the pain elsewhere. She then thought about the wounds on her lips that she couldn’t explain to Ning Song Wu, so she released her lips and clenched her teeth instead. Before long, her mouth was filled with blood. In her hazy consciousness, she raised her right hand, trying to see through her sweat-covered lashes. Beneath her fair skin, from the top of her palm, a faint black line extended downwards, barely two finger-widths long. "Why..." Ran Fan Yin’s brows furrowed in pain, trembling as she murmured unwillingly. "Why... why..." She pressed her right hand harshly against the ground, her fingers digging into the floor tiles, the delicate skin quickly chafing and bleeding red-black blood that seeped into the floor. This site has no pop-up ads; it’s permanently ad-free.