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

Chapter 101 - Beyond the Domain (3) "The lower level ones are scant, the higher level ones are few, yet those in between are exceedingly abundant." "Are other families like this too?" "Honestly, what I learned in these few days doesn't compare to what I picked up in the Demon Palace with you." "The people in this family are just too unwelcoming to outsiders." "But you saved me." After the peaceful years of Zhao Ping in the twenties, deep in the night, at the Ran Estate in the capital, it was said. "Master, Yin'er has finally awakened." A young woman clasped the girl's hands tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face. After being in a deep slumber for three days and nights, and declared beyond saving by several renowned doctors who advised preparing for her aftermath, the seven-year-old Ran Fan Yin awoke. She slowly opened her eyes, stared blankly for a few seconds, and scanned the room before finally resting her gaze on the face of the sorcerer by her bedside, looking somewhat surprised. Yu Qing thought to herself, Odd! Isn't that the Taoist I met on Mount Qingcheng a couple of days ago? How could he appear in my dream? As she was filled with doubts, suddenly a voice called out, "Yin'er, you finally woke up. Your father almost lost his soul from fright." It turned out that this traveling sorcerer had knocked on their door in the middle of the night uninvited, fed her a pill, and pulled her back from the brink of death. Before leaving, the sorcerer specifically instructed Ran Hou Meng, saying that his daughter's marriage prospects were complex and unstable, advising that she could remain safe if she did not marry, but a second marriage would be most beneficial. Ran Hou Meng fully believed these words, and when his daughter reached marriageable age, he steadfastly refused any proposals, even as matchmakers wore out his doorstep. After awakening, Ran Fan Yin's personality changed drastically, becoming a completely different person. Her parents just attributed it to leftover effects from her illness. They could scarcely know that their daughter then was no longer the same, but rather the soul of Yu Qing, a Chinese medicine student from the 21st century on the verge of graduating from Capital Medical University. Soon after, the foolish and incompetent Emperor Hui Di Zhao Xin allowed eunuchs to seize power, resulting in chaos within the government, displacing countless citizens, and plunging the nation into unrest, sparking numerous peasant uprisings. Zhou Wang Yang Lun called upon the masses for support, swiftly capturing the capital. He ascended the throne, changing the era name to Jiankang, thus establishing the Bei Liang regime. "People seek renewal, not antiquity," said Yang Lun upon establishing the unstable Bei Liang regime. He retained former officials willing to pledge loyalty. * In the spring of the sixteenth year of Jiankang, within the Sima Manor. "Ning Jing Yang, I must have committed sins in my past life to have brought forth such a simpleton as you in this one! My reputation is almost ruined by you." Great Sima Ning Jing Yang turned blue with rage, glaring and admonishing the trembling Ning Song Wu standing to the side. "Father, calm your anger, rage harms the body. I realize I am unrefined and unskilled, better I seek a different path." Ning Song Wu appeared troubled, head bowed low. "The imperial examination is your only way! If you fail again this year, just get married early. They always say, establish a family before a career. I've been lenient enough with you!" Ning Jing Yang's words were fervently charged with flecks of saliva flying. Ning Song Wu wiped his face, helplessly replying, "Father, I lack the strength to meet your expectations, why must you push so hard?" Though he knew he couldn't avoid the imperial exams and was determined to make another attempt, he dreaded being forced into marriage should he fail, which would cause her secret to be revealed. Ning Jing Yang's fury grew more intense at these words, exclaiming in exasperation, "Did you forget you're a Ning? Who else has the fortune to be aligned with the esteemed Sima family? This is a duty you cannot abandon." Having only one son after years, how could he not be desperate? "Yang Lang, Wu-er she…" Zhou Hua Xiu cautiously tugged at Ning Jing Yang's sleeve, attempting to speak on Ning Song Wu's behalf. But Ning Jing Yang heartlessly shook her off, casting her a piercing look as he accused, "If you hadn't been so indulgent, we wouldn't be in this mess. A doting mother ruins her son!" Blaming her for Ning Song Wu's failings. Ning Song Wu furrowed his brow, finally resolving himself, "Father, rest assured, this time I will exert my utmost effort on the imperial exam, to live up to your hopes." "Excellent." Finally hearing the desired assurance, Ning Jing Yang turned and left briskly. "Wu-er, it's tough on you, it’s all mother's fault, I've wronged you." Zhou Hua Xiu hurriedly helped Ning Song Wu up, her face filled with guilt. Ning Song Wu forced a bitter smile at the sight, wiping away her tears from Zhou Hua Xiu's eyes, resigning, "Mother, speaking of it now serves no purpose." * In the chrysanthemum month of the sixteenth year of Jiankang, when the results of the autumn exams were published, Ning Jing Yang's sole son—Ning Song Wu, after more than ten years of hard study in the sage's writings finally ranked on the golden list. It was said, "A tiger father has no dog son," and Ning Jing Yang, the notable Great Sima once famed as the top scorer, found his son's journey fraught with repeated failures. This was Ning Song Wu’s third attempt in which he barely ranked at the bottom of the list. After three months of training at the Hanlin Academy, the newly appointed scholars were to attend the palace ceremony for the official appointments. The positions were distributed between local governors and court officials, the former being avoided by all, and the latter eagerly pursued by many. The political sphere of Bei Liang was dominated by noble clans, a system known as “aristocratic politics,” where these families almost monopolized the selection of officials. The level of an official's appointment was determined by their birth, succinctly put as "the highest ranks do not admit the humble, and the lowest do not belong to the notable." For noble families' offspring, merely appearing on the golden list sufficed to earn a high-ranking appointment because of their status. Meanwhile, a scholar from a humble background, even should he top the list, would find himself barred from posts higher than the fourth rank. Basing appointments on ranking, Ning Song Wu was only at the bottom of the list, yet coming from the Sima Manor ensured a position no lower than the third rank. Ning Jing Yang had already leaned on Sheng Zong, a court official was as good as secured. Sheng Zong chuckled, "Indeed, it is rare for you not to be swayed by the capital’s apparent splendor. You set a fine example, thus I shall fulfill your wish." In reality, Sheng Zong used Ning Song Wu to break the aristocratic monopoly over high-ranking positions. It just so happened that Ning Song Wu provided the opportunity himself. Upon hearing this, Ning Jing Yang and Wang Chong exclaimed in unison, "Your Majesty, please reconsider." "You need not say more, adjourn the court," Sheng Zong dismissed their plea. * In the twelfth month of the sixteenth year of Jiankang, Ning Song Wu was dispatched to the remote region of Chongzhou County, far from the bustling capital, to take up his post. Ning Song Wu chose Chongzhou County, far from the capital, because he was a woman disguised as a man. Securing an official position in the capital would risk exposure of her secret, but Chongzhou, distant from the power center, offered refuge from potential scandal and threats. But unexpectedly, just days into his post, heavy rains poured continuously over Chongzhou, leading to floods. After several days of disaster relief work, reports claimed that the situation was under control, and everything was being restored methodically. The documents were filled with praises of Ning Song Wu, evidently to curry favor. Unbeknownst to all, although calm prevailed, an undercurrent was brewing, a tempest was indeed approaching. From the memos, Sheng Zong learned that the disaster was manageable, and Ning Song Wu, though new in his official capacity, handled it reasonably well. He rewarded Ning Song Wu with a fine assortment of mulberry fabric and ten acres of fertile land. Knowing that Ning Song Wu was of marrying age but still unmarried, Sheng Zong publicly issued an imperial decree bestowing the marriage of Ran Fan Yin, who was famed as the capital’s foremost talented woman, to Ning Song Wu, urging the selection of a wedding date. An imperial bestowal of marriage was considered a great honor, something countless noble children hoped for. Yet while some rejoiced, some worried. Ning Song Wu couldn't have imagined that after all the evasion, and hiding away in Chongzhou, he would still face an imperial decree of marriage. Despite his reluctance, he could not defy the royal command. "Yin'er, being under your father's care for over a decade, has never suffered any grievance. The heavens may make rain fall, and mothers may marry off their daughters, there is no need for guilt, I have never blamed you, Father." Ran Fan Yin comforted, blowing gently on the medicinal soup as she offered it to her father. Ran Hou Meng took a sip and continued to speak, "Rumors say I adore my daughter to the point of madness, delaying her marriage prospects indefinitely, do you know why?" Ran Fan Yin shook her head. She knew there was a reason but didn’t know the details. Leaning against the bedhead, eyes distant, Ran Hou Meng ventured back to that rainy night fifteen years ago, recounting the sorrowful tale buried so deep within, in a detached tone. "Before you turned three, you and your mother lived in Youzhou. It wasn’t until I was promoted that I brought you two to reunite with the family in the capital." "When you were four, you fell critically ill. They all said not to wrestle you from the hands of Yama, urging me to prepare for your end. The sorcerer who saved you said you could only be safe and smooth if you didn't marry, and a second marriage would be better suited." "Your mother left us early, having barely tasted any joy. With you as my only daughter, I could only wish for you to live well." It turned out all this was due to that sorcerer, yet now the emperor himself had decided the marriage, it couldn’t be refused. She would have to brave it, thinking that in a feudal society, men mostly cherished gentle and virtuous wives; she’d do the opposite, determined to secure a divorce. Ran Fan Yin reassured, "Father, rest easy, Yin'er has ways to obtain a divorce." Regardless of the veracity of the sorcerer's words, she wasn’t inclined to live by rigid traditions, revolving her life around a man in meaningless existence. She had industries to manage, ambitions yet unachieved. The cloistered life wasn’t for her. * Ning Song Wu pondered for a long time, yet followed behind Ran Fan Yin. Once they entered the room, they brushed past the young woman who had been slighted earlier. The young woman looked startled and was about to speak when Ran Fan Yin interrupted with a cold "Close the door." The girl trembled as she replied, "Yes." She couldn’t understand why Lady Yu, who was fine just moments ago, was now speaking so icily, thinking she might have upset her somehow. "It's okay, you can go now, let her close it," Ran Fan Yin said with a smile to the girl. ♂ Ran Fan Yin's demeanor towards Ning Song Wu was entirely different from her attitude towards the girl. Ning Song Wu finally understood that Ran Fan Yin was harboring some anger towards her, so she used her injured left hand to close the door. "Come over and sit down." There was an icy layer in Ran Fan Yin's eyes as she spoke in a commanding tone. Noticing some bandages and medicines on the table, Ning Song Wu approached and sat down, feeling like she was under a spell, doing whatever Ran Fan Yin instructed. "Aren't your hands sore?" Ran Fan Yin asked without looking at her, busy with the items on the table. Ning Song Wu glanced at her hand, realizing that the blood had soaked her palm and was dripping down. No wonder the girl earlier looked so terrified. "It's manageable," Ning Song Wu replied with an awkward smile, knowing there was no point in hiding it anymore. Her hand dropped from her shoulder, as it had become stiff and sore from being held up for too long, with the muscles numb and unresponsive, causing her to rotate her shoulder joint back and forth. "Take off your clothes," Ran Fan Yin sighed, wondering why she didn't take better care of herself. "What?!" Ning Song Wu exclaimed in panic, placing her hands protectively across her chest. What was she planning to do? Ran Fan Yin looked into Ning Song Wu's eyes and asked, "Can you change the dressing on your own?" "No, it's just a minor injury, it’s nothing serious. I can handle it back at the office," Ning Song Wu replied, swallowing the word 'can' back. Indeed, it was difficult to change the dressing by herself, but as far as Ran Fan Yin knew, she was a man, so she couldn't let her help. Ran Fan Yin raised an eyebrow, "Are you concerned about propriety between genders?" "You and I are neither in a real marriage nor do we have an arrangement, so it's best to maintain an appropriate distance," Ning Song Wu said. She didn't want to let Ran Fan Yin help because she feared her identity might be discovered. "So, claiming to be my cousin was also to maintain that distance?" Ran Fan Yin asked with a faint smile, her expression unreadable. Reluctantly, Ning Song Wu replied, "Yes." Ran Fan Yin chuckled, "Have you ever seen a cousin who would enter a cousin’s room alone? We are alone together now, so why are we not maintaining distance anymore?" Ning Song Wu stammered, "I, I maybe should leave for now; it indeed can harm your reputation if someone sees us." Ran Fan Yin said, "Do you know what kind of place this is? A brothel! I've already spent a night here, and perhaps a second, even a third. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'm now the leading performer at Feng Ming Yuan, and tonight I’m supposed to lead the dance. Do I still have any reputation left, Master Ning?" "How can you compare the two? I'll find Yun Niang right now; I have the money. I'll pay for your release, and we can leave this hellish place tonight." Forgetting her shoulder pain, Ning Song Wu tried to take Ran Fan Yin by the hand to rush out. "No one forced me; it was my choice," Ran Fan Yin said, pulling her hand away calmly, knowing Yun Niang hadn’t forced her into anything. Ning Song Wu stared with disbelief. She didn't know how much Ran Fan Yin had suffered and blamed herself for failing to protect her, which allowed Gu Er to exploit the opportunity. Her only thought was to rescue her immediately and punish Gu Er mercilessly, to the extent of tearing him to shreds and feeding him to wild beasts—that was the most vengeful punishment she could imagine. Law, morality—none of it mattered to her at this moment. Ran Fan Yin gazed at Ning Song Wu for a long time, words forming yet unspoken. Eventually, she decided against it, realizing that if the wound wasn't treated soon, it could become a serious problem. "At this point, you're still putting on a brave face. I've known you were a woman for a while now. It's exhausting having to pretend along with you," Ran Fan Yin admitted, dropping the pretense as the hot weather and untreated injury had led to the fear of festering. Ning Song Wu was shocked, her eyes wide as saucers, timidly asking, "When did you find out?" "What do you think?" Ran Fan Yin rolled her eyes at her. Ning Song Wu recalled the day she returned late after drinking, having used impotence as a cover when questioned by Ran Fan Yin. In reality, she hadn't believed the excuse but had chosen not to reveal it. "And will you report me?" Ning Song Wu tentatively asked, anxiety dancing in her heart. "I will." Ran Fan Yin replied without hesitation. Ning Song Wu's eyes showed a flash of panic at this unexpected yet somehow understandable answer. With a slight nervousness, she said, "I see, it was I who wronged you." She lowered her gaze, admitting defeat. "Is there room for negotiation?" Reporting would mean the entire Sima Manor facing imprisonment, while direct relatives could be exiled to harsh frontiers or even beheaded. Ning Song Wu couldn’t bear that outcome, seeking to reason with Ran Fan Yin. "If you don't cooperate and let me change your dressing, upon returning to the capital, I'll head straight to the government office and strike the announcement drum to report to His Majesty that I've been granted a fake husband!" Ran Fan Yin was both angry and frustrated. Even now she was asking such things. Ning Song Wu jumped up, nervously explaining, "I didn't deliberately hide it from you; I was out of options." With sudden energy, she admitted this was not the outcome she wanted, regardless of her intentions. "You fool, we've been married this long. If anything, I'm the accomplice for choosing not to report, aiding the deceit, making me all the more culpable. As for reporting to the emperor, do you think I'm mad and have a death wish? I'm too busy keeping your secret. I'd gain nothing from exposing you." Running her fingers over Ning Song Wu's furrowed brow, Ran Fan Yin was bemused, amazed that someone who had passed the imperial examinations could be so easily startled. "Be assured, I will get you a divorce decree as soon as possible. Currently, there’s just no suitable reason, so I must ask you to endure a little longer. If you don’t believe me, I could swear an oath," Ning Song Wu earnestly offered. "Zip it," Ran Fan Yin said, pressing Ning Song Wu's raised hand down, stopping her from making a vow. The mention of a divorce decree so often was thoroughly annoying. "Oh," Ning Song Wu whispered. "Can we change the dressing now, Miss Ning?" Ran Fan Yin teased. "Please, go ahead," Ning Song Wu replied. Ran Fan Yin leaned over, holding her breath, carefully removing the bandage. The wound had adhered to the gauze, and as she pulled it off, it tugged at the wound, prompting Ning Song Wu to suck in a ragged breath while furrowing her brows, her right hand crushing her thigh. "Bear with it. You’ve delayed too long, didn’t change the dressing in time, and you were just stubborn enough to stand up for that girl. Now look where it's gotten you, an old injury has resurfaced. Ten days to half a month probably won’t cure it," Ran Fan Yin lightly patted Ning Song Wu's trembling form, acknowledging that pain had indeed gotten the better of her. "But don't worry, your wife here is an expert in medicine—you won’t have scars on that fine elbow of yours," Ran Fan Yin reassured, making a show of it. She was very aware that it was on that fateful night when Ning Song Wu sustained the knife wound. Ran Fan Yin couldn't fathom how Ning Song Wu had escaped with her life or had dragged her injured body to Pingyang County. It was a miracle that she was standing unharmed before her now, which made Ran Fan Yin feel guilty for having shown her frustration earlier. Wife? She knew my true identity yet still called herself my wife? What does that mean? Despite all her scholarly pursuits, Ning Song Wu found herself unable to predict this person's thoughts. Earlier she had threatened to expose her, yet now she seemed unfazed and claimed to be her wife. "If you truly can’t handle it, just grab onto my leg. I don’t mind the pain," Ran Fan Yin offered, noticing how Ning Song Wu’s right hand was fiercely pressing into her own thigh, veins bulging with effort. Fearing she'd hurt herself, Ran Fan Yin offered up her own leg. Realizing her words might be misconstrued, Ran Fan Yin quickly added, "We’re both females; there’s no need to worry about propriety." It sounded as much a reassurance for Ning Song Wu as it was for herself. "I can manage," Ning Song Wu said through gritted teeth, her words squeezed from between clenched jaws. Close enough to sense the slight warmth of Ran Fan Yin’s breath, Ning Song Wu reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Ran Fan Yin's ear. At the first touch, a barely-there chill tickled, causing Ran Fan Yin’s face to flush. "Don’t move around," Ran Fan Yin chided. In the quiet room, she could hear her own heartbeat, throbbing faster, echoing back to their wedding day when the veil was lifted and she was struck by her breathtaking beauty all over again, an overwhelming sensation now destabilizing her world even more. Ran Fan Yin's heart fluttered, internally cursing, "This is trouble." An involuntary shiver coursed through her as insecurity crept in, feeling like the wheel had slipped from her control, anxieties crashing over her. Ning Song Wu, startled by Ran Fan Yin's reprimand, realized the seemingly intimate gesture had been an overstep. Unsure of where to direct her gaze, she flushed all over, thoroughly embarrassed. Ran Fan Yin intentionally avoided meeting Ning Song Wu’s eyes, lightheartedly saying, "See, I wrap bandages so well, don’t I?" "Indeed, my lady, your medical skills are exceptional," Ning Song Wu offered modestly. Ran Fan Yin, feigning contentment, continued, "You shouldn’t return for the next couple of days. Stay with me until the ninth, then we’ll depart for the capital. Here, you don’t need to worry about your identity being exposed, and I can help with your dressing." After a pause, she added, "Moreover, Feng Ming Yuan has been reformed. It’s no longer like other brothels, flaunting and luring. The girls have all turned respectable; you mustn’t hold biases or look down on them any longer." Ning Song Wu quickly replied, "I could never. Most women who end up in such places do not wish it upon themselves. The real culprits are those heartless traffickers." From afternoon to night, the guests came in an unending stream, allowing Yun Niang to earn a substantial amount. In these two days, she had not only recovered the costs of expenditure but also gained some profit. Regarding the matter of Ran Fan Yin's so-called cousin staying overnight, Yun Niang turned a blind eye. After all, Ran Fan Yin had done her an enormous favor, essentially giving Feng Ming Yuan a new lease on life. Late at night, as the crowd dispersed, Ran Fan Yin, exhausted, returned to her room after washing up, finding Ning Song Wu still awake, sitting by the bed waiting for her. Ran Fan Yin said, "Didn't I tell you not to wait and just go to sleep?" Ning Song Wu replied, "I couldn't sleep. I’ve slept enough these past few days; a bit won’t make a difference now." "You sleep inside; I'll take the outside." Ran Fan Yin had many things to handle early the next morning, and choosing to sleep on the outside was to avoid waking Ning Song Wu up early, hoping she would get enough rest to heal. "You're not taking off your outer clothing?" asked Ran Fan Yin as she saw Ning Song Wu still dressed in her outerwear just as she was about to get into bed. "This will do," Ning Song Wu replied, slightly flustered. The confession of her true identity had left them both in an awkward and uneasy coexistence. The two lay down one after the other, with Ning Song Wu on her back due to an injured left shoulder, and avoiding lying on her right side facing Ran Fan Yin, probably out of apprehension. In the silent night, Ning Song Wu’s breathing gradually became steady, seemingly falling asleep, allowing Ran Fan Yin to turn gently and face her. Looking at the peacefully sleeping figure next to her, Ran Fan Yin felt an unexpected urge to reach out and touch her. The notion startled her at first, yet she comforted herself internally: They were both women, so a harmless touch shouldn't matter too much, besides, they were not yet divorced. Touching her 'spouse' was entirely reasonable! With that thought came action. Ran Fan Yin allowed her fingers to trace Ning Song Wu's eyebrows, feeling the distinct texture of each strand, moving down to the bridge of her nose and hesitating at the tip momentarily. Her fingers then traversed down to the philtrum, over to the full lips, lingering there before lightly resting a palm against her cheek, her thumb gently caressing the corner of her mouth. Such defined and delicate features on a small, smooth face with good skin—she couldn’t help but wonder how soft it might feel. The thought barely surfaced before her hand moved, cupping the side of the face lightly, curiosity filling the void in her heart as she marveled at the softness. At that moment, Ning Song Wu turned in her sleep. Being so close, her entire face ended up resting against Ran Fan Yin, their noses nearly brushing her lips. Ning Song Wu breathed steadily, the warmth from her breath teasing against Ran Fan Yin's lips and nose, stirring tumultuous feelings within her as if thousands of ants nipped away inside her. A faint scent of gardenia from Ning Song Wu's body was especially alluring tonight, prompting her to unintentionally lean closer. Taking another look at those inviting, tender lips, Ran Fan Yin swallowed nervously. Despite herself, she found it extremely challenging to control the quickened pace of her heart. Like a fish out of water, she felt as if she were gasping for air, desperately needing salvation. And salvation was mere inches away, within reach. A slight shift, or the mere tilt of her head, was all it would take to find oxytocin-like relief. Once such a thought takes hold, it spreads like wildfire—impossible to pull back, no matter how mighty the force. Thus, interest became action, turning intentions into immediate deeds—a newly minted personal motto. So... The festive season approached, and Ning Song Wu returned to the capital as ordered to prepare for the wedding. In the early days of Jiankang year seventeen, on the fifth day of the first month, the joyous union of the Ning and Ran families was finally celebrated. The emperor’s decree for their marriage was known to all, and citizens lined the streets leading to the Sima Manor, cheering while scattered peach blossoms like confetti decorated the path as the bridal procession passed through. Inside the bridal palanquin, the bride was covered with a red veil, standing with feet on red lotus-patterned ground. "The bride alights, the groom carries the bride into the manor—" called the matchmaker loudly. Ning Song Wu squatted halfway, poised in a horse stance, bending over and waiting for Ran Fan Yin to climb onto her back, her expression exhibiting reluctance as if attending a funeral. "Squat a bit lower; I can't climb up," Ran Fan Yin murmured softly, her voice restrained. Ning Song Wu trembled slightly, losing her balance almost tumbling to the ground, but was promptly steadied by the matchmaker's supportive hand. ~ "How fragile," Ran Fan Yin mused. True to rumors, she was indeed delicate. At that moment, Ning Song Wu's face flushed red, her brow veins bulged slightly with sweat the size of beans, laboriously making her way as though burdened like an ox. She hadn’t expected the woman on her back to be so painfully thin yet bone-heavy, the sharp bones seemed to jab into her back, yet the weight felt like a towering mountain. All she knew was that Ran Fan Yin was the beloved daughter of the emperor's close confidant, the Prime Minister Ran Hou Meng, and was lauded as the most talented woman in the capital. However, she was unaware of her standing as the mastermind behind vast industries. Fortune seemed to smile abundantly upon her, but a sudden imperial decree forced their union, mismatched as it was. Ran Fan Yin had heard that Ning Song Wu was the sole heir, financially affluent, noble in status, physically frail, and intellectually unremarkable, someone who barely passed the imperial examination on the third attempt. Knowing this eased the concerns she harbored. Today’s wedding garb lined with weights was just the beginning; figuring out how to make Ning Song Wu retreat and agree to a divorce was what lay ahead. "It seems the Ning family is deeply divided." "Please, just help me reach this place." "A little vulnerability can inspire others to help you." "Especially now, we must rely on each other." "I'm sorry, little girl." "Clearly, a [Spirit Binding Lock] could limit her actions." "Ning Yuan Yue... Why, why!" "No wonder there's a resemblance..." "Indeed, very much alike..." "So, is it really..." "So, you wanted the spirit beads to buy her healing medicine?" "But, with dozens of silver, how good can the medicine be?" "I'm sorry I was late." "I... this will probably sound laughable." "Actually, no need to worry if it’s the original; right now, the attention she gives me surpasses… that person." "Then I truly am, originally her child." "Right?" "Without asking my name, asked why you appeared..." "Senior, thank you, truly." "Learnt from my master, I hope it helps her. Please... remain calm." "Why is everyone so deeply wounded?" "My master is easily injured, she also bears wounds, and Aunt Cheng too." "Heavens, are you not being too unfair to me and those around me?" "Elder Mata Cat, truly a genius." "Heavens, if you have wisdom, why hinder such a genius from breaking through?!" "Indeed, only then is it beautiful." "Stay calm; there are things to be done, remain calm." "...A cousin, perhaps?" "Why hasn’t she voiced a desire for me to claim kinship after all this time?" "Not even directed tasks under the motherly identity." "Do I... call?" "Mother... ah, that sounds strange, call her ma perhaps." This site has no pop-up ads, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)