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

### Chapter 67: Desires Woven in Letter and Paper Cang Min half-squinted his still-sleepy eyes, draping a casual robe over himself as he walked towards the bed while holding a freshly retrieved elixir. Though Huaxu Realm was small, it had a spare guest room where he had placed Ran Fanyin and Ning Songwu earlier. Seeing Ran Fanyin in such a state, he yawned helplessly. “Don’t hold her so tightly. You might strangle her. And stop channeling all your qi into her—she can’t handle so much. Don’t cry; she won’t die. I was just trying to scare you earlier. Here, I came across this some years ago. It can save her life.” Ran Fanyin wiped her eyes and carefully took the pill Cang Min handed her, then cautiously fed it to the unconscious Ning Songwu. She recognized it as one of the ten remaining Tianshan Snow Toad Pills in the world, made with several rare and life-restoring ingredients: Tianshan Snow Lotus, Jiangnian Spirit Ginseng, Arctic Toad Heart, Volcano Mouth Spirit Grass, and Deep Sea Jade Kirin, among others. This elixir was excellent for nurturing the heart and healing internal injuries. Cang Min offering this medicine showed how much he valued Ran Fanyin as a friend. It was precisely because she knew the medicine could save Ning Songwu that she allowed him to engage in the self-destructive behavior earlier. With his arms crossed over his chest, Cang Min watched the unconscious Ning Songwu beside Ran Fanyin thoughtfully. Then he said, "Fanyin, don’t you think her features look familiar? I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere many years ago." Ran Fanyin lightly caressed Ning Songwu’s face, her eyes lowering. “You’re mistaken. You shouldn’t have met her before.” Cang Min chuckled and shook his head. "True, I’ve lived too long. It’s not unusual to see people who look alike." “Cang Min, you’re better at medicine than I am. How is she now? When will she wake up?” “…My medical skills aren’t that great. Don’t look at me like that. But the wound on her chest is over half a month old; it has mostly healed. The elixir will nurture her damaged heart. She should recover fully in a while. She’s just running a fever now; she’ll be fine once she wakes up,” Cang Min said slowly. Ran Fanyin cradled Ning Songwu with one arm and clasped her fingers with the other, continuously channeling pure qi into her. She lowered her head, her refined nose lightly brushing Ning Songwu’s hair. Cang Min adjusted his robe, his gaze falling on the peacefully sleeping Ning Songwu. He spoke slowly, “Fanyin, treasure her well.” “Mm.” Ran Fanyin responded solemnly. She trembled violently; the burning heat in her abdomen made her extremely uncomfortable. Instinctively, she pressed Ning Songwu’s hand. Ning Songwu moved away from her lips, panting, and nibbled softly on Ran Fanyin's flushed earlobe, her hand tightly gripping Fanyin’s waist as if wanting to merge them into one. Ran Fanyin instinctively dodged Ning Songwu’s ear-biting, her hand reflexively trying to push her away. Ning Songwu caught her hand and unceremoniously bit into her wrist, licking and kissing the dark red scar until Ran Fanyin gasped. “Ning Songwu…” Ran Fanyin tilted her head slightly, her voice trembling. With tears in her eyes, Ning Songwu pinned her hand to the side, relentlessly tearing at Ran Fanyin’s robe, their intricately embroidered white garments becoming a disheveled mess as Ning Songwu fervently kissed her exposed neck and forcefully tried to remove her clothes. In her panic, Ran Fanyin instinctively fought back, not caring that her own white robes were falling off, revealing her smooth shoulders. She managed to grasp Ning Songwu’s hand tightly, stopping her frenzied actions. Suddenly calm, Ning Songwu rested her face against Ran Fanyin’s shoulder, closing her eyes as tears fell, soaking Fanyin’s shoulder. “I know…I’m dreaming… I used to dream like this all the time… It must mean I’m about to die, and even heaven can’t bear to see it, giving me such a dream… If it’s the last dream, why can’t you just be good?” Ning Songwu choked out. Ran Fanyin released Ning Songwu’s hand and hugged the weakened woman tightly, her tears inducing panic. “Ning Songwu, this isn’t a dream. You still have a wound on your chest; don’t make such… intense movements…” “You're lying. How could this not be a dream? Master doesn’t want me… She doesn’t want me…” Ning Songwu cried harder. “Ning Songwu, look at me.” Ran Fanyin pulled her back to face her, wiping away her tears. Blushing, she gently lifted Ning Songwu’s hand, slowly bringing it to her lips and biting softly on her fingertip. “Does it hurt? If it hurts and you don’t wake up, then it means this isn’t a dream,” Ran Fanyin said earnestly, her face red. Feeling dizzy from the fever, Ning Songwu withdrew her hand and lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time before finally speaking. “Your bite didn’t hurt at all.” Ran Fanyin’s group spent several peaceful days in Kunlun Mountain. Helan Mianmian, after hearing that Ning Songwu mentioned Cen Ran returned to Beifa Mountain, seemed dazed and eventually couldn’t resist chasing after Cen Ran. Lin Yuxue wasn’t in a hurry, staying with Ran Fanyin in Kunlun Mountain, passing leisurely days until Wujing, Wugong, and Wuming arrived to urge her return to the Central Plains, after which she slowly prepared the carriage. Ning Songwu and Ran Fanyin stood at the entrance, ready to accompany Lin Yuxue for a bit. Lin Yuxue glanced at the three guards around the carriage, sighed, and then turned to Ran Fanyin. “Ran Fanyin, isn’t it boring staying in this place all the time? How about joining me on this trip to the Central Plains?” Ran Fanyin hesitated for a moment, then turned to Ning Songwu beside her. “Do you want to go?” Ning Songwu raised an eyebrow. She had initially planned to stay here for a month or two, spending some tender days with her master before returning to Beifa. Now, Lin Yuxue’s seemingly sudden suggestion sparked excitement within her. She had always lived in cold places since childhood, and in the past ten years, she hadn’t left Beifa’s mountain gate. If she were an elderly person experienced in the world’s vicissitudes, retiring in a secluded place like Beifa would be perfect. But she was still young, with ten years of high martial skills. How could she not want to experience the bustling world of Jianghu? Now, with her health greatly recovered, she was eager to explore the lively Central Plains. “I want to go, Master,” Ning Songwu said with a smile. “I knew you’d like such places. Since you’ve left Beifa Mountain, let’s go to the Central Plains. It shouldn’t take too long,” Ran Fanyin smiled back. She preferred peace but traveling with someone who liked bustling places would be better than staying in the cave for months. Lin Yuxue’s face lit up. “That’s great! I’ll have company on my trip to the Central Plains. Since Beifa and Ranhuaren are so close, as the Young Valley Master, I should invite the Valley Lord of Ranhuaren to visit.” “Going to Ranhuar Valley sounds good. I’ll just need to write a letter to inform Master about the itinerary, and then we can set off.” Ran Fanyin took out paper and pen, diligently writing the details and sending it off via carrier pigeon. Since the Sword Testing Conference should be wrapping up, Master should have time to handle matters between Fentian Sect and Ranhuar Valley. Senior Brother Chenyunhuan could assist Master with the rest. She should be able to leave Beifa for some time without any problems. Cang Min leaned against Huaxu Realm’s entrance, cracking melon seeds and clicking his tongue. “Haven’t had much excitement yet, and suddenly everyone’s leaving. Fanyin, who knows how many years will pass until we meet again? Such a parting deserves wine. Buxue!” In Huaxu Realm, tea and wine were indispensable. Buxue sighed, bringing out a few jars of wine and filling everyone’s cups. Cang Min threw away the seeds, held the wine with both hands, shedding some of his usual nonchalance. “May this parting only bring peace and well-being.” “To peace and well-being,” Ran Fanyin echoed, clinking cups with Cang Min and drinking the wine. The vicissitudes of life are unpredictable, and worldly affairs are intricate. Only peace and wellbeing are simple yet most valuable. “Fanyin, in this lifetime, I have few close friends. Our friendship needs no words. No matter what happens in the future, you will always be my dearest friend. I, Cang Min, am willing to do anything for you, even sacrifice my life without hesitation!” “We’ve known each other for decades. Why say all this?” Ran Fanyin smiled, returning the cup. Cang Min, eyes red, managed a laugh. “Partings are always sentimental. For old time’s sake, I won’t make you pay for that big red sandalwood bed. Take care of yourself and don’t be too dull, lest you bore those around you.” “I will,” Ran Fanyin responded softly. "The vast rivers and mountains evoke distant thoughts, fallen flowers and winds bring sorrow for spring’s end. I won’t see you off. Go well." Cang Min bowed and walked back to the entrance of Huaxu Realm, sitting down to drink alone. Ran Fanyin, Ning Songwu, and Lin Yuxue all boarded the carriage, taking one last nostalgic glance at Huaxu Realm. "The vast rivers and mountains evoke distant thoughts, fallen flowers and winds bring sorrow for spring’s end. Better to cherish those before you." These were Cang Min’s parting words: Cherish those before you. Three of them shared a carriage, while Wujing, Wugong, and Wuming followed on horseback. Ran Fanyin gazed quietly out the carriage window, seemingly lost in thought. Lin Yuxue and Ning Songwu, however, began to chat away. "I first met Lord Ran Fanyin when I was just a little child," Lin Yuxue said with a light smile. "In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. I'm getting old, yet look at her—she's still the same. It feels quite unfair." Ning Songwu also chuckled, reminiscing about her childhood. "Indeed. I first met Master when I was only seven. Hard to believe that ten years or so later, I have gray hair while she remains unchanged." "How could you compare to ordinary people? You're a cultivator; all cultivators live long lives." "I'm different from others," Ning Songwu shook her head, her brows furrowing. "Since I was little, my aptitude was poor, and I probably wasn’t suited for cultivation. At best, my martial skills may surpass others, but as for longevity…” "No, no. I see your bones are of excellent quality. Your ancestors must have been skilled martial artists. If your cultivation and martial skills are lacking, it’s likely due to other reasons," Lin Yuxue nodded affirmatively. "Young Valley Mistress, what do you mean by that?" "I'm not highly knowledgeable in this area, but I can guess that you suffered some life-threatening injury as a child, destroying your original potential and damaging your foundation." "...When I was a child… Well, I can’t remember clearly. But Master never mentioned it either," Ning Songwu frowned in thought, casting a glance at Ran Fanyin beside her. "Master?" Ran Fanyin hummed in acknowledgment, suddenly returning to her senses. She stared blankly at Ning Songwu. "Yes, what is it?" "...Nothing. What were you thinking about, lost in thought like that?” Ning Songwu smiled. Ran Fanyin was silent for a moment, then reflected for a while before saying, "Am I really that boring?" Ning Songwu was momentarily stunned but then recalled Cang Min’s parting words, "You boring gourd, don't be so dull all the time; you’ll bore those around you," and couldn’t help but laugh. So Master had been mulling over that phrase all this time. Lin Yuxue stifled a giggle. "Yes, you are quite dull." “Indeed, very dull,” Ning Songwu added, smiling. Ran Fanyin froze, looking serious as she lowered her head in deep thought. After a long while, she looked up at Ning Songwu. "What should I do to be more interesting?" “You’re fine as you are. Your cold personality and being dull are your unique traits,” Ning Songwu laughed. Ran Fanyin turned her gaze to the window, murmuring softly, "I fear you find me stifling." "You’re not. If you suddenly started talking a lot, I would find it unsettling." Ning Songwu quietly pulled Ran Fanyin's hand behind her back and gave it a gentle squeeze. "...In any case, you should lie down and rest properly now…" Ran Fanyin urged, her tone sincere. "I’m in pain," Ning Songwu whispered. Ran Fanyin sat up on her knees, gripping Ning Songwu’s hand. "Is your wound hurting? Or..." "Yes. Everywhere hurts." Ning Songwu nodded. "Then you should..." "If you don't take off your clothes, it’ll hurt even more." Ran Fanyin immediately understood what Ning Songwu desired. Her face flushed even more as she fell silent. After a while, Ran Fanyin softly asked, "Must you do that..." "I want you... Otherwise, how can you prove to me this isn't a dream?" Ning Songwu gently caressed Ran Fanyin’s face. She loved this woman dearly, with a passion so intense it filled her with fear and disbelief that she was real. Ran Fanyin lowered her eyes, thinking deeply. Finally, she sighed. "Very well, sooner or later…" She knew she loved this disciple and that they would be together for a long time. Such things... she had seen them over the centuries. Human nature. She originally didn’t want to try, but now, Ning Songwu clearly needed her. For Ning Songwu, she was willing to accept… She only wanted to make Ning Songwu a bit happier. Ran Fanyin dared not look at the woman before her, lowering her head and feeling for her belt, slowly undoing it. They had plenty of time, plenty of time. "It’s rare to have someone to care for; it’s even rarer to be able to stay together," Cang Min’s eyes were like water, his grip on his clothing so tight that his knuckles protruded. Cang Min left some more elixirs behind before departing, his robe draped over him. ○ Ning Songwu began to regain consciousness, not knowing how long she had been out. Her entire body felt as if it was falling apart, too exhausted even to lift her eyelids. Everything ached; everything hurt. The usually warm jade against her chest felt cold, likely due to her fever heating it beyond its warm nature. Her left hand seemed to be held by someone. The person's cold fingers tightly enveloped hers, trembling. She desperately wanted to see whose hand held hers. Swallowing the metallic taste in her mouth, her mind in turmoil, Ning Songwu finally managed to open her eyes a tiny bit, driven by sheer determination. Initially, her vision was double but gradually focused. The scene before her slowly became clear. The hand intertwined with hers had slender, fair fingers and a slightly stiff grasp. The wide sleeve had slipped down to the forearm, revealing a thin wrist. On the wrist’s inner side was a dark red scar resembling a blooming lotus flower. Across this patch of scarring was a glaring long, narrow scar, standing out starkly. Ning Songwu stared blankly at the hand, feeling the warmth enveloping her from behind. She tightened her grip on the fingers holding her hand. The person behind her, seemingly sleepless, immediately squeezed her hand tightly, securely holding her. A hoarse, soft voice finally came from behind, "Ning Songwu?" "...Mm." Ning Songwu hummed with difficulty. Ran Fanyin hugged the frail woman tightly to her, burying her head in Ning Songwu’s shoulder crook, her lips near Ning Songwu’s ear, speaking in a voice so soft it felt like a lover’s whisper, "Thirsty? Let me get you some water." Ning Songwu’s eyes inexplicably stung, her voice choked, throat tight as she muttered, "...Mm." Water was within Ran Fanyin’s reach. She shifted gently, still holding Ning Songwu’s hand, moments later pressing the cup’s rim to her lips. Cool water slid slowly down Ning Songwu's throat, soothing the burning sensation and clarifying her mind significantly. Using great effort, Ning Songwu lifted her right hand, pressing down on the hand holding the cup. "...What is it?" Ran Fanyin asked softly. "Am I... dead?" Ning Songwu's voice was hoarse, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ran Fanyin gently kissed Ning Songwu's cheek, her sensitive ears reddening furiously. She treated Ning Songwu like the most precious treasure, leaving kiss after gentle kiss, awkward but meticulous. The jade around her neck suddenly heated up, and Ning Songwu felt a pure, potent energy flow into her, giving her immediate strength. With effort, Ning Songwu rolled over, wrapping her arms tightly around Ran Fanyin’s waist, not caring that water spilled all over the bed. She touched Ran Fanyin’s face, saying nothing but passionately kissing her, melding their lips together. Ran Fanyin remained quiet, her left hand still intertwined with Ning Songwu’s fingers, her blush spreading from her cheeks down to her neck. Her expression was both restrained and passionate. It wasn’t the first time they kissed, but it was the first true, unresisted kiss. Ran Fanyin found Ning Songwu’s lips scorching yet soft, possessing a unique sweetness. Expecting to instinctively reject the touch, she was surprised by how much she liked it—liked this intimate connection. The deeper Ning Songwu kissed, dissatisfied with mere contact, she tentatively explored with her tongue, carefully navigating Ran Fanyin’s lips and teeth. Their tangled breaths kindled sinful desires. Ran Fanyin’s face was flaming, her teeth parting slightly for Ning Songwu. Just as Ning Songwu slipped her tongue inside, a sudden thought halted her. She quickly pulled back, turning away from Ran Fanyin’s lips. As they broke apart, a slender silver thread connected them, an embarrassing reminder of their closeness. "Sorry, I forgot... I'm still hot. I don’t want to infect you..." Ning Songwu’s face was burning; it was unclear whether from fever or emotion. Ran Fanyin, gently panting, placed her cool fingers on Ning Songwu’s face, slowly tracing her perfect features torturously until they reached her delicate chin, lifting it slightly. Saying nothing, Ran Fanyin leaned back in to kiss Ning Songwu’s lips, hesitating for a moment before mimicking Ning Songwu’s earlier actions, shyly exploring with her tongue, easily invading as Ning Songwu froze in shock. No longer worried, Ning Songwu trembled, holding Ran Fanyin tightly, deepening the kiss with focus. Overwhelmed, Ran Fanyin couldn’t contain herself, responding to Ning Songwu’s ardent kisses, her throat emitting a soft moan, “Mm…” Ning Songwu wished she could swallow Ran Fanyin whole, loving her intensely. Kisses alone couldn’t satisfy her desire; she began nibbling Ran Fanyin’s lips, her breaths growing more frantic. Her hands secretly undid Ran Fanyin’s belt, her hot hand slipping inside, resting on the tight muscles of Ran Fanyin’s lower abdomen. No intrusive ads on this site; permanent domain.