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

### Chapter 69: Watching Over Ran Fan'in and his group had returned to the Huaxu Realm by the time night had fully fallen. Outside the cavern of the Huaxu Realm, Bo Xue had swept a clean space on the ground and set up a large table. Cang Min, Cen Ran, and He Lan Mian Mian were all seated already. Strangely, Cen Ran and He Lan Mian Mian weren't sitting together this time; there was a person's width between them. He Lan Mian Mian, who had been pouting, instantly brightened up upon seeing Lin Yuxue leading the group. She exclaimed, "Lin Yuxue sister, where have you been? Why were you gone for so long?" After greeting the others, Ning Songwu bypassed the table to help Bo Xue with the dishes, while Ran Fan'in found a seat and sat down. Lin Yuxue smiled at He Lan Mian Mian and took a seat next to her. "We went to discuss some important matters, nothing you'd be interested in." "You said I wouldn't be interested, so I guess I wouldn't be," He Lan Mian Mian giggled, her dimples deepening adorably. Lin Yuxue raised her hand to pat He Lan Mian Mian's head. "You little rascal, why are you smiling at me like that again? What is it that you want to do now?" "Nothing... I just feel very close to you, and I wanted to chat," He Lan Mian Mian wrinkled her nose, her large, round eyes blinking. Suddenly, Cen Ran stood up in silence and walked towards the cave within the Huaxu Realm. Hearing the movement, He Lan Mian Mian turned her head to quietly watch Cen Ran's departing figure. Carrying a dish out, Ning Songwu noticed Cen Ran and intercepted her, puzzled. "Senior sister, aren't you going to eat?" "I don't have much of an appetite. I'll be staying in a guest room in Kunlun tonight since Huaxu can't accommodate this many people. I'll find you tomorrow," Cen Ran forced a smile, her eyebrows drooping as she turned to leave. Ning Songwu grabbed Cen Ran's arm. "Senior sister, at least stay for dinner. Besides, you're going alone? Aren't you going to wait for Mian Mian?" "She doesn't need me to wait," Cen Ran frowned and closed her eyes briefly. "I've been running back and forth between Kunlun for your matters recently. I'm exhausted." "I apologize, senior sister. Please return to the guest room and rest." Ning Songwu, unclear about the current conflict between He Lan Mian Mian and Cen Ran, could only let Cen Ran go rest. After watching her leave, she placed the final dish on the table. Ran Fan'in glanced at Ning Songwu, who understood his signal and smiled before sitting down next to him. Ran Fan'in picked up his chopsticks and scanned the table, asking blandly, "Where’s Cen Ran?" "Senior sister said she’s tired and went back to the guest room to rest," Ning Songwu replied, glancing at He Lan Mian Mian. "..." He Lan Mian Mian kept her head down, silently eating. Cang Min counted on her fingers, "Huaxu Realm has been practically deserted for a hundred years, but now suddenly there are so many people. Fortunately, there’s still a spare guest room which can hold two people, though it only has one bed. Miss Lin, would you mind sharing the bed with Miss He Lan Mian Mian here?" "Oh, senior, you're overthinking. We martial artists are not particular about such things. We’re both women and somewhat familiar with each other. I don't see why not," Lin Yuxue responded with a gentle smile. "Mmm..." He Lan Mian Mian mumbled her agreement, her mouth full of food. Ning Songwu served some food into Ran Fan'in's bowl, pondering. She seemed to have an idea why Cen Ran was upset. After dinner, Ning Songwu said to Ran Fan'in, "I’m going to check on senior sister. The medicine is heated by the stove; make sure to drink it and don’t fall asleep until I return." Ran Fan'in nodded in agreement and stood still to watch Ning Songwu leave. Lin Yuxue, Ran Fan'in, and Ning Songwu had traveled for three days in a carriage before entering the Central Plains. Luanhua Valley was located in the southern part of the Central Plains, so they still had a journey ahead before reaching their destination. Their food supplies from the carriage were nearly exhausted, so they decided to rest in a town named Zhongyang. They planned to travel leisurely, and the town seemed bustling and lively—a suitable place to stay for a day or two. Seeing so much scenery and so many people for the first time, Ning Songwu was completely captivated. As soon as the carriage stopped at the inn, her eagerness to explore became unmistakable. Ran Fan'in’s eyes curved with amusement as he silently sipped his tea. Lin Yuxue was conversing with the innkeeper at the counter, "…Prepare a decent meal and clean several nice rooms." "Certainly, young lady. How many rooms do you need?" The innkeeper clicked his abacus swiftly. Lin Yuxue looked at Ran Fan'in and Ning Songwu, who were glancing around, and decided, "Three rooms." "Very well, miss. Please have a seat." "No rush. By the way, is there any interesting activity in Zhongyang lately, like a lantern festival or something? We’re passing through and want to enjoy ourselves a bit." The innkeeper smiled broadly. "There hasn't been a lantern festival recently. But I did hear talk about the Fu Yu Tower tonight… but it’s best you young ladies don't concern yourselves with such places." "Do tell," Lin Yuxue leaned against the counter, clearly intending to delve into a detailed discussion. "Fu Yu Tower? Never heard of it? Zhongyang is a central hub connecting the Central Plains and the Northern Border, bustling with businesses and countless taverns. Fu Yu Tower stands out among them, famous for its excellent food and drink—a favorite haunt for men. But it’s better to avoid such places of mixed crowds." "And what about tonight at Fu Yu Tower?" “Interesting… attracting people there. Someone must be seeking information…” Lin Yuxue smiled and tipped the innkeeper. Mu Ji came back from reconnaissance, his expression serious. He signaled to Lin Yuxue and whispered, “Young master, we just ran into people from the Burning Heaven Sect. Had a skirmish at the city gate, but they got away. Lost them southeast of the city.” “Southeast? What’s in that area?” “Many places, the southeast is a commercial hub, very crowded…” “Is there a place called Fu Yu Tower?” Mu Ji nodded. “How did you know? Yes, the largest entertainment house in Zhongyang, Fu Yu Tower, is there.” Lin Yuxue pondered for a moment. Running into the Burning Heaven Sect here seemed no coincidence. They might be connected to Fu Yu Tower. Soon, she dismissed Mu Ji, returned to the table, and saw all the dishes had been served. She thought briefly and said, "We still have more than half a day. I know you’re unsure where to entertain yourselves. I just learned about a good place. Shall we visit it tonight?” Ning Songwu smiled, “What place? What can we do?” “Many fun things,” Lin Yuxue grinned. “Though it’s best to blend in by changing our outfits.” “Alright,” Ning Songwu nodded. “Good, after the meal, I’ll have someone send clothes to your rooms. Change, then join me downstairs.” “Will master come?” Ran Fan'in looked up at her, momentarily stunned. “Of course, she must come. She’s never been to such a place. Plus, if anything happens… we have her, don’t we?” Lin Yuxue raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Alright,” Ran Fan'in replied softly. Lin Yuxue arranged three rooms, as expected. Ning Songwu returned to her room and found the clothes laid out on the bed. Impressed by the efficiency, she excitedly picked up the light blue robe and shook it open. It was male attire. Recalling Lin Yuxue's words, it clicked that she had hinted at this change. Unaccustomed but intrigued, Ning Songwu quickly donned the outfit. She then uncoiled her hair and styled it into a man’s bun, scrutinizing her reflection. She looked a bit too pretty for a man, especially with the cinnabar mole on her forehead and slightly upturned eyes, making her appear more charming. Did men really look this beautiful? Adjusting her robes and checking her reflection, she thought she could pass as a handsome young man. She wondered about her master in male clothes... Ning Songwu chuckled, eager to see, and left her room. Mu Ji, standing guard outside, gestured, “Miss, please proceed downstairs. The carriage is ready, and the young master and the master are waiting.” Ning Songwu descended and found a luxurious carriage at the entrance. She climbed in, lifting the curtain, to see two men—one in blue, one in white—sitting face-to-face and chatting. Clearly, they were Lin Yuxue and Ran Fan'in in male disguise. Lin Yuxue looked elegantly refined in male attire, holding a plain fan which he gently tapped in his palm. Ran Fan'in turned at the sound. In that moment, Ning Songwu thought, if Ran Fan'in were a man, she’d fall in love with her beauty. ### Chapter 69: Watching Over Ran Fan'in and his group had returned to the Huaxu Realm by the time night had fully fallen. Outside the cavern of the Huaxu Realm, Bo Xue had swept a clean space on the ground and set up a large table. Cang Min, Cen Ran, and He Lan Mian Mian were all seated already. Strangely, Cen Ran and He Lan Mian Mian weren't sitting together this time; there was a person's width between them. He Lan Mian Mian, who had been pouting, instantly brightened up upon seeing Lin Yuxue leading the group. She exclaimed, "Lin Yuxue sister, where have you been? Why were you gone for so long?" After greeting the others, Ning Songwu bypassed the table to help Bo Xue with the dishes, while Ran Fan'in found a seat and sat down. Lin Yuxue smiled at He Lan Mian Mian and took a seat next to her. "We went to discuss some important matters, nothing you'd be interested in." "You said I wouldn't be interested, so I guess I wouldn't be," He Lan Mian Mian giggled, her dimples deepening adorably. Lin Yuxue raised her hand to pat He Lan Mian Mian's head. "You little rascal, why are you smiling at me like that again? What is it that you want to do now?" "Nothing... I just feel very close to you, and I wanted to chat," He Lan Mian Mian wrinkled her nose, her large, round eyes blinking. Suddenly, Cen Ran stood up in silence and walked towards the cave within the Huaxu Realm. Hearing the movement, He Lan Mian Mian turned her head to quietly watch Cen Ran's departing figure. Carrying a dish out, Ning Songwu noticed Cen Ran and intercepted her, puzzled. "Senior sister, aren't you going to eat?" "I don't have much of an appetite. I'll be staying in a guest room in Kunlun tonight since Huaxu can't accommodate this many people. I'll find you tomorrow," Cen Ran forced a smile, her eyebrows drooping as she turned to leave. Ning Songwu grabbed Cen Ran's arm. "Senior sister, at least stay for dinner. Besides, you're going alone? Aren't you going to wait for Mian Mian?" "She doesn't need me to wait," Cen Ran frowned and closed her eyes briefly. "I've been running back and forth between Kunlun for your matters recently. I'm exhausted." "I apologize, senior sister. Please return to the guest room and rest." Ning Songwu, unclear about the current conflict between He Lan Mian Mian and Cen Ran, could only let Cen Ran go rest. After watching her leave, she placed the final dish on the table. Ran Fan'in glanced at Ning Songwu, who understood his signal and smiled before sitting down next to him. Ran Fan'in picked up his chopsticks and scanned the table, asking blandly, "Where’s Cen Ran?" "Senior sister said she’s tired and went back to the guest room to rest," Ning Songwu replied, glancing at He Lan Mian Mian. "..." He Lan Mian Mian kept her head down, silently eating. Cang Min counted on her fingers, "Huaxu Realm has been practically deserted for a hundred years, but now suddenly there are so many people. Fortunately, there’s still a spare guest room which can hold two people, though it only has one bed. Miss Lin, would you mind sharing the bed with Miss He Lan Mian Mian here?" "Oh, senior, you're overthinking. We martial artists are not particular about such things. We’re both women and somewhat familiar with each other. I don't see why not," Lin Yuxue responded with a gentle smile. "Mmm..." He Lan Mian Mian mumbled her agreement, her mouth full of food. Ning Songwu served some food into Ran Fan'in's bowl, pondering. She seemed to have an idea why Cen Ran was upset. After dinner, Ning Songwu said to Ran Fan'in, "I’m going to check on senior sister. The medicine is heated by the stove; make sure to drink it and don’t fall asleep until I return." Ran Fan'in nodded in agreement and stood still to watch Ning Songwu leave. Lin Yuxue, Ran Fan'in, and Ning Songwu had traveled for three days in a carriage before entering the Central Plains. Luanhua Valley was located in the southern part of the Central Plains, so they still had a journey ahead before reaching their destination. Their food supplies from the carriage were nearly exhausted, so they decided to rest in a town named Zhongyang. They planned to travel leisurely, and the town seemed bustling and lively—a suitable place to stay for a day or two. Seeing so much scenery and so many people for the first time, Ning Songwu was completely captivated. As soon as the carriage stopped at the inn, her eagerness to explore became unmistakable. Ran Fan'in’s eyes curved with amusement as he silently sipped his tea. Lin Yuxue was conversing with the innkeeper at the counter, "…Prepare a decent meal and clean several nice rooms." "Certainly, young lady. How many rooms do you need?" The innkeeper clicked his abacus swiftly. Lin Yuxue looked at Ran Fan'in and Ning Songwu, who were glancing around, and decided, "Three rooms." "Very well, miss. Please have a seat." "No rush. By the way, is there any interesting activity in Zhongyang lately, like a lantern festival or something? We’re passing through and want to enjoy ourselves a bit." The innkeeper smiled broadly. "There hasn't been a lantern festival recently. But I did hear talk about the Fu Yu Tower tonight… but it’s best you young ladies don't concern yourselves with such places." "Do tell," Lin Yuxue leaned against the counter, clearly intending to delve into a detailed discussion. "Fu Yu Tower? Never heard of it? Zhongyang is a central hub connecting the Central Plains and the Northern Border, bustling with businesses and countless taverns. Fu Yu Tower stands out among them, famous for its excellent food and drink—a favorite haunt for men. But it’s better to avoid such places of mixed crowds." "And what about tonight at Fu Yu Tower?" “Interesting… attracting people there. Someone must be seeking information…” Lin Yuxue smiled and tipped the innkeeper. Mu Ji came back from reconnaissance, his expression serious. He signaled to Lin Yuxue and whispered, “Young master, we just ran into people from the Burning Heaven Sect. Had a skirmish at the city gate, but they got away. Lost them southeast of the city.” “Southeast? What’s in that area?” “Many places, the southeast is a commercial hub, very crowded…” “Is there a place called Fu Yu Tower?” Mu Ji nodded. “How did you know? Yes, the largest entertainment house in Zhongyang, Fu Yu Tower, is there.” Lin Yuxue pondered for a moment. Running into the Burning Heaven Sect here seemed no coincidence. They might be connected to Fu Yu Tower. Soon, she dismissed Mu Ji, returned to the table, and saw all the dishes had been served. She thought briefly and said, "We still have more than half a day. I know you’re unsure where to entertain yourselves. I just learned about a good place. Shall we visit it tonight?” Ning Songwu smiled, “What place? What can we do?” “Many fun things,” Lin Yuxue grinned. “Though it’s best to blend in by changing our outfits.” “Alright,” Ning Songwu nodded. “Good, after the meal, I’ll have someone send clothes to your rooms. Change, then join me downstairs.” “Will master come?” Ran Fan'in looked up at her, momentarily stunned. “Of course, she must come. She’s never been to such a place. Plus, if anything happens… we have her, don’t we?” Lin Yuxue raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Alright,” Ran Fan'in replied softly. Lin Yuxue arranged three rooms, as expected. Ning Songwu returned to her room and found the clothes laid out on the bed. Impressed by the efficiency, she excitedly picked up the light blue robe and shook it open. It was male attire. Recalling Lin Yuxue's words, it clicked that she had hinted at this change. Unaccustomed but intrigued, Ning Songwu quickly donned the outfit. She then uncoiled her hair and styled it into a man’s bun, scrutinizing her reflection. She looked a bit too pretty for a man, especially with the cinnabar mole on her forehead and slightly upturned eyes, making her appear more charming. Did men really look this beautiful? Adjusting her robes and checking her reflection, she thought she could pass as a handsome young man. She wondered about her master in male clothes... Ning Songwu chuckled, eager to see, and left her room. Mu Ji, standing guard outside, gestured, “Miss, please proceed downstairs. The carriage is ready, and the young master and the master are waiting.” Ning Songwu descended and found a luxurious carriage at the entrance. She climbed in, lifting the curtain, to see two men—one in blue, one in white—sitting face-to-face and chatting. Clearly, they were Lin Yuxue and Ran Fan'in in male disguise. Lin Yuxue looked elegantly refined in male attire, holding a plain fan which he gently tapped in his palm. Ran Fan'in turned at the sound, causing Ning Songwu's heart to momentarily skip a beat. Her hair, only loosely tied at the back with a white jade ribbon, fell lightly over the shoulders of her white robe. The simple yet elegant white outfit on her, adding to her composed demeanor, made her appear even more graceful and captivating. Her finely honed manners imbued every movement with a scholarly elegance, while the cool, distant gaze in her eyes made people want to get closer to her, to truly know her. Feeling somewhat awkward, Ran Fan'in fiddled with her sash, then looked up to see Ning Songwu still standing there in a daze. She extended her hand, "Aren’t you coming in to sit?" Startled as if waking from a dream, Ning Songwu grabbed Ran Fan'in's offered hand and, with a tug, entered the carriage and sat beside her. "Ning Songwu looks quite dashing in men's attire. If I didn't know you were a woman, I might actually fancy you," Lin Yuxue quipped. "Young master, you're teasing," Ning Songwu replied, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she lowered her head. Ran Fan'in glanced sideways at Ning Songwu and said languidly, "Far more handsome than Zi Sheng and those other men." "It's not just about looking dashing; take your master, for instance. Her men's attire, while elegant, is too plain. You, on the other hand, look stunning in women's clothes and even more striking in men's. Don't be surprised if you attract quite a few young ladies tonight," Lin Yuxue laughed. Lin Yuxue then walked over, following Ran Fan'in’s gaze, and chuckled lightly, "You do seem quite concerned about your little disciple, watching her like this. Afraid she might trip in the dark?" "Not really..." Ran Fan'in's lips curved into a smile as she glanced at Lin Yuxue. "Young master, don’t you enjoy my tea? Come over, let's make some to warm up." "We've known each other long enough that I've always considered you a friend. Why so formal with me?" Lin Yuxue followed Ran Fan'in to the stove under the tree. "It's just a habit. What would young master consider informal?" Ran Fan'in sat cross-legged, removing the medicine pot from the stove, her gaze fixed on the medicine inside. Lin Yuxue was silent for a moment, gently touching the white jade mask at her waist, and said softly, "You can just call me by my name..." "Lin Yuxue," Ran Fan'in said absentmindedly, not even looking at her, as if it were a casual remark. When Ning Songwu found Cen Ran, she was sitting idly on the roof, staring into space. "Senior sister, didn't you say you were tired? What are you doing here?" Ning Songwu joked, sitting beside her. "…Don’t pretend you don’t know." Hearing Ning Songwu's tone, Cen Ran knew she had guessed something. Ning Songwu brushed snow off her dress and said, "Aren't you cold, senior sister? Sleeping alone means no one to warm your bed. Getting frozen here isn’t good either." Cen Ran was momentarily stunned. "He Lan Mian Mian... isn't coming to the guest room... to sleep?" "There happens to be a spare room in Huaxu. Tonight, He Lan Mian Mian will share a bed with the young master," Ning Songwu said, closely observing Cen Ran's reaction. "One bed... ha," Cen Ran's voice grew deep and heavy. "Senior sister," Ning Songwu placed a hand on Cen Ran's shoulder. "It's late, and it'll be harder to return if it gets any later. You should go back to Huaxu," Cen Ran said, rubbing her eyes, looking worn out. "Senior sister, don’t be upset. He Lan Mian Mian is just young..." "She's only a year younger than you," Cen Ran interrupted. "Our relationship has always been complicated, with a bleak future. I know that when she reaches a certain age, she’ll have to return to the palace and accept the emperor's arranged marriage. Many things aren't as simple as we wish they could be." "Senior sister, do you mean..." "…If this path is so difficult, and we can't be of one mind, what's the point of continuing?" Cen Ran smiled bitterly. "Senior sister, you shouldn't say such things lightly. He Lan Mian Mian isn't as you think. You see her as flirtatious, but that’s not her intention. Many times, she's just trying to see if you’ll get jealous because she cares about how you feel." "Ning Songwu, these things, I need to hear them from her. But given her royal background, she’ll never say them." Cen Ran sighed deeply. "She enjoys playing around, and I've indulged her. But endless tolerance only makes her more heedless. How am I supposed to... never mind. I’m heading back to Kunlun tomorrow. There are many matters I need to attend to at the sect." "Senior sister, He Lan Mian Mian is a good person; don’t give up on her." Ning Songwu patted Cen Ran’s shoulder. She understood that Cen Ran cared deeply about He Lan Mian Mian, which led to her insecurities. Once she calmed down, she’d realize she couldn't be without her. [No pop-up ads. Permanent domain...]