RPDPHW Chapter 37

“Slow down, slow down!” Zhong Shujin struggled to keep up as Gu Qingyin pulled her along. When she saw that no one was around, she finally protested, “Ziyan wants to join my Bloodflame Sect—why are you so angry about it?”

Hearing this, Gu Qingyin finally stopped, turned around, and asked, “And you’re happy about it?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’ve never had the chance to order around an official’s daughter before. If I get the opportunity, I might as well try it!”

Zhong Shujin pulled Gu Qingyin to sit on the wide railing under the corridor, secretly taking her hand before continuing, “Besides, I haven’t even agreed to let her attend yet! And you’re already this angry! Don’t you know that our Bloodflame Sect doesn’t accept people from government families? If not for—”

If not for Gu Qingyin’s sake, Zhong Shujin would have shut down Lin Ziyan’s idea on the spot, telling her outright that Bloodflame Sect had no place for an official’s child.

After all, if someone with ulterior motives used the excuse of joining the sect to infiltrate and destroy it from within, the consequences would be devastating.

But Zhong Shujin couldn’t quite bring herself to say it was because of Gu Qingyin, so she changed her words: “Even if Ziyan is strong and treats me well, I wouldn’t just let her join so easily!”

“So? You’re actually considering leaving her into Bloodflame Sect?”

“Why not? Ziyan is skilled. If she comes and works as my enforcer, she’d be useful!”

Zhong Shujin raised her eyebrows, clearly in high spirits.

Gu Qingyin sighed, looking down at the hand that had quietly crept into her own. “You don’t understand. Ziyan… she shouldn’t be roaming the world like us.”

“We’re all human—why can we roam free, but she can’t?”

Zhong Shujin huffed in dissatisfaction at Gu Qingyin’s words.

Gu Qingyin had no choice but to explain further. “You don’t know—she’s not like us. She has ambitions. She wants to protect her country, achieve great deeds, bring honor to her family, ease her father’s burdens, help her mother, and fight for power on behalf of her younger brother. There are so many things she wants to do but hasn’t accomplished yet.”

“When I first met her, she told me—if a woman could make a name for herself, achieve great things, and rise to a position of power, wouldn’t the world start taking women more seriously? A’Jin, that’s her dream. She wants to be a heroine—a warrior who leaves her mark on history. She shouldn’t be wandering the world aimlessly with us.”

Indeed, Lin Ziyan had her own ambitions and dreams. If she suddenly left with them this time, she would have no place to return to.

And those aspirations she had yet to fulfill—she might never get the chance to complete them.

Understanding this, Zhong Shujin finally realized why Gu Qingyin was so upset. However, even so, she still didn’t change her stance and simply said, “I understand now. But I will still respect her choice. If she truly wishes to seek refuge in my sect, I will not refuse her! After all, having someone like her join Bloodflame Sect would be a great advantage for us.”

Zhong Shujin’s serious demeanor made Gu Qingyin pause for a moment.

If they only considered the benefits—setting aside Lin Ziyan’s status as an official’s daughter—her joining Bloodflame Sect would indeed be a good thing.

Besides, Zhong Shujin trusted her instincts. She was certain Lin Ziyan wasn’t someone with ulterior motives.

She still remembered how guarded Lin Ziyan had been against her own mother and how deeply she cared for Dan Wenshu.

Zhong Shujin figured that Lin Ziyan’s proposal probably stemmed from a simple desire to escape the General’s Manor.

Originally, Zhong Shujin had planned to argue with Gu Qingyin over this, but when she met Gu Qingyin’s intense gaze, she found herself blushing uncontrollably.

“I… Do you understand what I mean or not?”

“Mm, I understand.” Gu Qingyin stared at her, absentmindedly stroking the back of Zhong Shujin’s hand as she smirked. “You’re the sect leader. What you say goes, of course.”

The teasing touch made Zhong Shujin’s heart itch. Flustered, she quickly grabbed Gu Qingyin’s unruly thumb with her other hand and asked, “So you’re not mad anymore?”

“This is between the two of you. What right do I have to be mad?”

… Was that a sulky remark?

Zhong Shujin quickly said, “Of course, you have the right! She’s your close friend, and I’m your… uh… anyway, you have the right to be mad!”

“What are you to me?” Upon hearing this, a smile gradually appeared in Gu Qingyin’s eyes. She leaned in closer to Zhong Shujin’s ear. “What are you, hmm?”

Her warm breath brushed against Zhong Shujin’s ear, making her blush even more.

Ugh, the focus of the conversation was supposed to be whether Gu Qingyin had the right to be mad, wasn’t it?!

Panicking, Zhong Shujin quickly pushed Gu Qingyin away and jumped down from the railing first.

“Alright, alright, let’s head back! Now that Ziyan is here, there’s nothing else for us to do. We should rest up—otherwise, we won’t have the energy to travel tomorrow!”

Her blatant attempt to change the subject made Gu Qingyin sigh softly, almost imperceptibly.

But she didn’t press further. Instead, she caught up with Zhong Shujin in a few steps and casually wrapped an arm around her waist, teasing, “Walking so fast? Not sore anymore?”

Hearing this, Zhong Shujin didn’t hesitate to elbow Gu Qingyin’s shoulder, then stopped in her tracks, glaring at her in embarrassment and frustration.

Gu Qingyin, still smiling, reached out as if to take her hand. “Come on, come on. Just walk slower.”

“I’m not walking!” Zhong Shujin dodged her hand and, as if in challenge, jumped onto Gu Qingyin’s back. “You carry me! I’m too tired to walk!”

The sudden weight nearly made Gu Qingyin stumble backward.

Once she steadied herself, she didn’t push Zhong Shujin off. Instead, she naturally adjusted her grip, supporting Zhong Shujin’s legs before continuing forward.

“Alright, alright, it’s my fault for making you so tired. I *should* carry you.”

The way she said that…

On the quiet path, away from the clamor of the world, Zhong Shujin couldn’t help but recall old memories.

Back then, on those fragrant mountain paths filled with birdsong, Gu Qingyin would often carry her just like this—spoiling her, indulging her.

Zhong Shujin didn’t argue with Gu Qingyin this time. Instead, she quietly wrapped her arms around Gu Qingyin’s neck and rested her head on her shoulders, a small, contented smile curling on her lips.

Thankfully, they met again.

Thankfully, she hadn’t lost the person in front of her.

Only heaven knew how terrified she had been last year when she secretly returned to Bainin Village, only to find Gu Qingyin missing.

Her arms tightened around Gu Qingyin, pressing herself even closer.

If only she could ignore the hand that was mischievously wandering over her backside—then this would have been a peaceful, tender moment.

“Gu Qingyin!” Zhong Shujin, flustered and furious, bit her ear. “You rogue!”

Wasn’t last night enough? And this morning too?

And now, in broad daylight, on the open road, she was starting again?!

“I thought you fell asleep since you weren’t saying anything,” Gu Qingyin replied with a grin, finally withdrawing her misbehaving hand and returning to properly supporting Zhong Shujin’s legs.

“So if I had fallen asleep, you would’ve done whatever you wanted?!”

“It was just a little touch—what’s the big deal?”

“Do you think you can touch this cult leader whenever you please?!”

“Hmm… but last night—”

“You’re not allowed to bring up last night! Without my permission, you are absolutely forbidden to touch me!”

“Alright, alright, everything will be as our great cult leader commands…”

Laughing and teasing each other, the two made their way back to their lodgings. This journey, filled with playful bickering, felt especially joyful.

Perhaps that night of passion had been too exhausting. After returning to their room, Gu Qingyin didn’t entertain any mischievous thoughts. Instead, she obediently held Zhong Shujin in her arms, lying on the bed fully clothed, catching up on sleep to prepare for the journey ahead.

Zhong Shujin slept soundly, undisturbed until the moon rose high above the willow branches.

Tonight, the stars dotted the sky like scattered gems.

On the rooftop, two beauties sat drinking together.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had a drink with you. This feels wonderful.”

Lin Ziyan wiped the traces of wine from the corner of her lips, smiling.

Gu Qingyin rested her head on Lin Ziyan’s lap, gazing up at the vast sky. After a moment of silence, she asked, “When did you decide to leave?”

“Hm… I had originally planned to wait a little longer, to convince Shuer first before leaving. But after what my mother said to me today, I have no choice but to act sooner.”

“Ziyan,” Gu Qingyin sighed, “When I first befriended you, it was out of admiration for your heroic spirit.” Though you are a woman, you are no less than any man. But I never thought that, one day, you would abandon everything you’ve worked for all these years. Compared to the person you once were, how is this any different from cowardice?”

“Qingqing, I thought you would understand.” Lin Ziyan took another swig of wine before continuing, “The fire in my heart has long been worn out by Shuer’s illness. Do you know how much it hurts me every time I see her hovering between life and death? I wish I could take her pain upon myself, bear her suffering so she wouldn’t have to, but I can’t. I am powerless. I can only watch as she suffers, as she barely clings to life—again and again.”

She paused, then went on, “Perhaps, as a physician, you’ve seen too much of life and death to feel the same pain. But I’m not like you. To me, nothing is more important than Shuer. Sometimes, only after experiencing the agony of nearly losing someone do you truly understand what you want. Now, for me, power and status mean nothing compared to her life. If she remains in this residence, wallowing in sorrow day after day, then what is the point of everything I have fought for? I would rather give it all up and wander the world with her. At least that way, I could see more smiles on her face.”

Lin Ziyan knew that running away wouldn’t truly solve anything. But the obstacles between them were simply too great. If they didn’t take this desperate gamble, if they stayed in the General’s Manor, they would never have a real chance to stand side by side.

And if they couldn’t truly stand together, then Dan Wenshu would never truly be happy.

In the end, Gu Qingyin only sighed, lifted the wine jar, and took a deep drink before asking, “Who else knows about this?”

“Apart from the four of us, no one. My trusted subordinates only think that tonight’s operation is meant to help you leave the city tomorrow. After all, it’s better for them not to know the truth.”

“Mm. But don’t get too optimistic just yet. The jianghu is a dangerous place—it’s not as fun as you might think.”

“Don’t worry, I understand that!” Seeing that Gu Qingyin wasn’t going to keep persuading her, Lin Ziyan’s mood brightened. “Qingqing, trust me, I’m not afraid of hardship. The only thing I fear is that Shuer will never find true happiness in this life. Once we leave here, she won’t have to dwell on all the obstacles between us anymore. As for what comes next—I’ll bear it all for her.”

Perhaps it was because Gu Qingyin had faced the same struggles that she could understand her so well. If it had been anyone else, they would never agree to Lin Ziyan throwing away such a promising future.

But when you love women in a world that won’t accept them, when you know what it’s like to feel powerless against fate—how could you not have more compassion, more understanding?

The two continued drinking and talking, sharing stories well into the night. Eventually, when Gu Qingyin was slightly tipsy, Lin Ziyan leaned close and whispered in her ear, “Your little cult leader has been hiding behind that tree for quite a while now. Should we call her over for a drink?”

Their posture was intimate, their movements natural and close.

“She, huh?” Gu Qingyin gave a bitter smile. “That blockhead… Let’s ignore her and keep drinking.”

They had already come this far, yet Zhong Shujin still refused to speak of love. What more could Gu Qingyin do but sigh in helplessness?

Gu Qingyin said to ignore her, and Lin Ziyan truly pretended not to notice the figure hiding in the shadows, continuing to drink and chat with Gu Qingyin as if nothing had happened.

However, before they could extend an invitation, the person in the dark took the initiative to climb up on her own.

She didn’t look too pleased—her thin lips pressed into a tight line, brows furrowed as she stared at the two on the rooftop, one sitting and the other lying down.