No matter day or night, you’re hideous all the same

Bai Yu did not know how long a person could cry. She did not know whether her tears would someday dry up or not. From late morning to the afternoon, her lone figure was slumped on the floor in the same position, still sobbing. The woman who answered her questions had disappeared. In the area, there was only the young lady, the surrounding white fog from before was all gone.

Her renowned beauty was replaced by pitifulness. The wicked glint in her eyes was washed away by falling tears, and what could be seen from that gaze was sorrow and confusion from what she had heard. Her nose was as red as the flush on her face caused by continuously crying for a long time without realizing that…she was blocking someone's way.

'Ouyang Feilong' could not go past this way when there was a woman crying in front of him. On top of that, it seemed that this was the woman who saved his life. Yet at the same time, she was vastly different from that night. Right now, she…seemed like she could shatter at any moment.

Ouyang Feilong was a man who never wanted intimacy with any woman. He was satisfied with his life on the battlefield among other brave soldiers. Even when there were women who tried to come close, they all had to give up because this man did not understand how to cherish flowers.

A stern, dignified, and great commander. These were characteristics of Ouyang Feilong who was in the military and war almost his whole life.

The closeness between Bai Yu and Ouyang Feilong last night happened because of an out-of-control circumstance. He was gravely injured, leading him to unconsciously act intimate with a woman. Later, he learned from a soldier under him that the woman was the Bai family's first daughter.

The elegant and beautiful Miss Bai. Those words sounded like an exaggeration because the young lady was weeping her heart out in front of him. At first, Ouyang Feilong did not pay much attention to her since he did not intend to become any more involved with any woman, but the vacant gaze brimming with tears reminded him of someone.

He waved to his accompanied soldier, telling him to leave the area…at least that could protect the dignity of his savior. And then…should he go to comfort her? But how does one comfort a woman?

"Hideous woman."

The one who was called 'hideous' looked up to see the owner of the familiar voice. The moment Bai Yu saw a black mask with a dragon-like pattern, she immediately understood that the man in front of her was the owner of that black jade. Today he was wearing leather armor of Da Yang's army instead of the black attire from last night.

"No matter day or night, you're hideous all the same."

That first word was already vicious, but the next sentence was even more so!

Even while her heart was sorrowful, she still could not help but argue when provoked. Who forced you to look at a beauty in this kind of state?

"How's my hideousness any of your business?!"

The villainess was so overcome by anger that she forgot what had occupied her thought before. She yelled at the man with her hoarse voice and face stained with tears. It was as if this man had a mysterious medicine that could make her lose her character at the first whiff of it.

Ouyang Feilong lifted the corner of his mouth when he saw the kitten tried to act like a lioness again.

"Not any business at all. But you're in benwang's way." The tall figure in armor approached, his firm footsteps stopped at a step away from her. Black cape fluttering behind further enhanced his arrogant manner as a warrior.

Bai Yu lifted her face up to look at him. This time he used a different pronoun, and there was also no trace of an injury at all. But…why did you have to come so close and make me hurt my neck by looking straight up like this?!

"Apologies to Wangye that your path is blocked by a hideous woman like me…" Bai Yu gritted her teeth. "…Please go around me, if that was not too much to ask."

"I refuse."

"You!"

"Benwang is still injured. Going around you would take too much strength."

What a pain!

"Then please, stay here all day, Your Highness!"

"You're not standing up?"

Bai Yu stopped. Why did he suddenly ask? Was he worried about her?

"Ow!"

The force that pulled her arm up lifted her whole body from the floor. Bai Yu staggered, feeling like she was going to fall because she had been sitting for so long that her legs went numb. But this brute just yanked on her and showed no sign of helping her stand at all! Bai Yu cursed at the Wangye whose name she did not know over hundreds of words.

In your dreams! What was she thinking, expecting him to worry about her?

"You like to be forceful to women like this, Your Highness?"

"Bengwang don't like women."

Ouyang Feilong let go of the small wrist that seemed like it could break in his hand. Bai Yu stared at him. "So Your Highness prefers to cut sleeve*?"

"Nonsense!"

"Wangye, there is no need to be shy. Men who subdued men are considered the greatest of men." Her red lips formed a knowing smile. Though her eyes were still puffy, there was no sadness left reflected in them.

"Hideous woman. You're not only foolish but also like to blabber nonsense."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness." Bai Yu mockingly curtsied to him.

"You…"

"Miss!"

Ouyang Feilong took a deep breath to suppress anger when he saw her personal maid approaching. He retained his calmness, completely covering up his prior provoking behavior.

Xiao Xi who had been frantically looking for her young miss suddenly hurried to give a curtsy the moment she saw the tall figure wearing a dragon mask, the symbol of the Da Yang army's general.

"Blessings to Wangye."

Bai Yu raised her eyebrows. Xiao Xi knew him?

"No need for formality."

Who is this man, exactly? How come Xiao Xi knew him but she did not?

"Miss, what happened to you?" After being allowed to act freely, Xiao Xi slowly whispered to Bai Yu. Because of the atmosphere surrounding Rui Wang who was like the god of war, she did not dare to ask out loud no matter how worried she was.

Currently, Bai Yu's eyes were puffy from crying, her lips were swollen because she bit her lips to suppress the sobs, her hair was messy because of the wind, her clothes were wrinkled from when she gripped her chest because of her heartache, both of her wrists also had fingerprints bruise, and those leaves all over her body…no one would be able to guess that this was the number one beauty!

Xiao Xi studied the state that her young miss was in, then turned to look at the general nearby. Though she was, like any ordinary person, afraid of him, Xiao Xi still could not help but think that this Wangye bullied her miss.

"Or miss was…"

"It's not that!" Bai Yu interrupted before her maid could imagine anything further. True, he really did bully her. But with her looking like this, Xiao Xi might think he did something more than just yanking at her arm.

"Then why…"

"Miss Bai wasn't careful. She slipped and fell, then rolled for quite a distance. Benwang happened to pass by so benwang came to help her up."

R…roll…for quite a distance…Liar!

He smiled discreetly at the woman who glared at him. Thought of it as payback for accusing him of being interested in men, then.

"Thank you, Wangye."

"Don't mention it."

Don't mention it, your mother!

"Wangye came all this way here, is there anything Bai family could do to serve?"

Even though she was angry with him, the fact that he appeared in daylight and revealed his identity was enough for her to guess that he had urgent business at this temple. Otherwise, the injured person should have taken a rest and not come here by himself despite his high status.

"Then you should come with benwang to see the abbot together."

"Yes, Your Highness." Because Ouyang Feilong said with a serious tone and manner, Bai Yu had to keep her feelings regarding what happened just now to herself. Though she felt strange seeing his sudden change, she still let Xiao Xi quickly took care of her appearance before following him mannerly. Bai Yu right now was graceful unlike the image Ouyang Feilong saw a while ago at all.

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In the temple, at the honored seat was Ouyang Feilong who had the title of Rui Wang and held the position of the commander-general of Da Yang, the commandeering presence characteristic since birth exuded from the man in black armor. Behind him were two strong-looking soldiers standing guard. On one side of the hall were the abbot of this temple and the head worker from the Bai family who took care of the temple. The other side was Bai Yu and Bai Hua who participated as representatives from the Bai family as well.

After Ouyang Feilong's appearance, armored soldiers suddenly flooded into the temple. All of them wore black cape which was the symbol of Da Yang's grand army.

"Benwang was returning to the capital according to the royal decree. On the way, benwang saw villagers fall ill, so benwang ordered soldiers to investigate. It was found that the cause was an infectious disease. However, there were too few royal doctors within the army and not enough time to determine the true cause, nor the way to cure this disease." The most esteemed person in the hall said calmly. His low voice seemed indifferent despite the gravity of the situation, which had a great effect on the citizen's lives.

"Is it…" Bai Hua muttered to herself. Her voice was low, but since it was quiet, everyone could clearly hear her. Ouyang Feilong spared a brief glance at the beauty in maid attire before continuing.

"This morning benwang's men saw you went to distribute congee at the village where several infected villagers were found. Benwang wishes to bring those people back to the village with benwang. This disease cannot spread in the area of this temple or reach the capital. Until the cure is found, no one will return to the capital!" The tone was impassive. there was something within his voice that could command obedience from listeners. No one dared to object even within their thought.

"Wangye means that I and the people from Bai family had to stay at the village to contain the spread?" Bai Yu said coolly. There was no sign of agitation or concern even though her return was postponed due to the disease.

Ouyang Feilong's indifference right now made her realize that both of their actions before were out of line. His attitude in front of her right now might be his real personality.

"Miss Bai understood correctly."

Bai Yu was not familiar with the way that Ouyang Feilong called her. Still, in such a serious situation, she could not let the matter of how she was addressed bother her. Moreover, it just occurred to her that the man she bickered with every time they meet not only was a Rui Wang but also held the position of the commander-general of the Da Yang army, reigning over hundreds, thousands of men.

With both status and authority, he could order to cut her head off with just a glance. Knowing that, how could this villainess not behave?

"And who will cure the disease, Your Highness?" Bai Hua asked with a worried look, as expected of her nature as a doctor.

"Benwang has sent a messenger to the capital. More royal doctors will come within a few days."

"In the meantime, can I be in charge of the villager's food, Your Highness?" Bai Hua was still concerned about the people's living conditions.

Ouyang Feilong internally admired her graciousness, though he did not express it outward. He was the grand general who had been through many battles, no matter what he did would turn out to be unconsciously aggressive, always making those who saw cower or beg for their lives, even.

Thus, he often acted indifferent in front of outsiders who were not his soldiers. Partly to make himself more approachable, while another part was because he truly did not care about anything else apart from his mission.

His silver eyes swept from the enthusiastically cooperative Bai Hua to Bai Yu. Her manner was calm, poles apart from the woman who relentlessly argues with him. Suddenly, Ouyang Feilong wondered: Which one was her true self?

"Benwang intended for it to be handled by the army at first, but if you volunteer then benwang will let you take care of the matter."

"Wangye is most gracious. But I am afraid that Bai family's supply might not be enough right now."

One man and one woman continued to discuss the topic of supplies. It was as if Bai Yu, the abbot, and the head worker were not in the same room. It was the business among virtuous people, after all, no need for an opinion from a villainess like her.

"Benwang hopes this epidemic end as soon as possible…" Silver eyes turned to another person whose dark eyes were cast down, seeming unconcern about what Ouyang Feilong and Bai Hua were talking about. "And benwang hopes to receive full assistance from both the temple and Bai family."

His emphasis on 'Bai family' forced her to meet his gaze. That good and kind Bai Hua you were talking to was also a Bai, why would you target me?

"Wangye please rest assured…" Bai Yu faked a charming smile. "…I will try to help to the best of my ability, Your Highness."

"Very well." The man revealed a satisfied smile. Even if it was not genuine, at least that smile was better than the tear-stained face from before.

"Benwang will give you one shichen to prepare. After that, everyone must be ready to depart." He announced before turning to leave with his men. His quiet, yet steady pace was accompanied by the flutter of his black cape, all adding to the majesty of the commander-general. It was no wonder why the noblewomen were so steadfast in their obsession and respect toward him.

Bai Yu discreetly bared her teeth at his armored back, feeling irritated. You think you're so cool, huh?!

--------------------------

"Are you close with Rui Wang, miss?"

"We're not close."

"But miss, normally, Wangye never talks to any woman."

"Why?" Bai Yu asked as she watched other maids packed up her belonging. Right now she had taken a bath and changed into a new dark blue dress already. There was nothing else for her to do but wait.

"Miss might not know this, but in the capital, apart from the four renowned beauties, there is also a list of ideal men whom all women in the capital want to marry. Apart from Qin Wang and Wei Wang who don't have a royal consort yet, there's also the commander-general or Rui Wang who's extreeeemely popular…" Xiao Xi said with sparkling eyes.

It seemed this topic about an ideal man was common among commoners, servants, and noblewomen.

"A shame that Wangye isn't interested in any woman in particular. Also, he's almost always at the border, so it's very hard to approach him…" Xiao Xi looked around before continuing in a whisper. "…There's also rumor that Wangye doesn't like women too, miss."

"Same-sex love, then?"

"Not that, miss!" Xiao Xi frantically defended her ideal man. Bai Yu could not help but laugh at her reaction.

"Rui Wang grew up in the army. He once said that women were weak and annoying, so he always distances himself from noble ladies…"

Bai Yu nodded. So the reason why that person was so mean to her was that he did not like that she was a weak woman?

"…There's only one woman who is close to him. It's Miss 'Yue Huiling', your cousin. She excels in both magic and martial arts. Right now she serves as lieutenant-general in the same army as Wangye."

"So he likes sturdy women." Bai Yu nodded in acknowledgment.

"No, miss!" Xiao Xi still insisted on protecting her Wangye. She both admired and feared him. "Miss Yue Huiling was just a lieutenant-general. Wangye never sees her as anything else, and until now they've never done anything inappropriate. Also, the Emperor has always teased his brother by sending a beauty to serve him at the border. Right now in Wangye palace, there's countless beauties sent by Emperor to decorate the empty rooms!"

"The Emperor's brother?"

"That's right, miss. Wangye was Emperor's brother from the same mother. When Emperor was still a crown prince, Wangye was so very young. Empress Dowager sent him to train in the army at the border, so he had been in battle since young up until the former Emperor granted him position Qin Wang and the title 'Rui'…" Xiao Xi started whispering again. "…Rumor has it that before the current Emperor took the throne, there were conflicts within the imperial palace. But in the end, the Emperor could successfully ascend the throne because Rui Wang took his troop to suppress the riot."

"And then?"

"After the Emperor ascended, he appointed his younger brother Rui Wang as Da Yang's commander-general and gave him complete control over the military. Then, he gave permission for commander-general Yue, who was very old at that time, to retire and came back to stay in the capital as the royal-protector general."

This meant that her grandfather used to be the commander-general who had power over the four armies, comprised of the North army, East army, South army, and the West army. But after Ouyang Feilong took his position, he then became the royal-protector general and took command over all soldiers within the capital.

"Did you know, miss, that Rui Wang was like Da Yang's own god of war? People call him 'Black Dragon of Da Yang'"

Black Dragon of Da Yang…

Black Dragon of Da Yang…

Now she remembered!

If she tried to recall the name Rui Wang, there was only a faint memory. But if she recalled the general who was like the black dragon of Da Yang…then she knew him!

In the series she starred in, the current Emperor had two Empresses. Empress Wei was the first empress who had died. Ouyang Mingxian was the third son born to Empress Wei, while Ouyang Yongxian who was Taizi was the eldest son, born to Empress Wang, the current Mother of Da Yang.

Near the end of the story, the two princes would fight against each other for the throne. At that time, it was Ouyang Yongxian who organized a coup. She and Bai Hua were captured by Taizi Fei, forcing Ouyang Mingxian to choose between saving the Emperor or the two of them.

In the end, the situation was resolved when the commander-general 'Black Dragon of Da Yang' led his troop back from the border after being secretly informed of his nephew's coup by Bai Hua. The coup was crushed by the general, then Ouyang Mingxian came to help her and Bai Hua.

Still, though they stopped the coup, they could not save the emperor in time. Ouyang Mingxian immediately ascended to the throne with the support of his uncle who was commander-general. After everything settled, Rui Wang returned with his men to station at the border. Bai Yu became the Empress since she was Ouyang Mingxian's first consort at the time. Bai Hua who was the second consort then received the title Gui Fei, the highest rank of consort that was only second to the Empress.

Soon after, Bai Hua became pregnant, while Bai Yu, despite the respect she received, was never touched by the Emperor at all. After realizing that Ouyang Mingxian only loved Bai Hua alone, she lashed out and made Bai Hua almost miscarried. Since then, Ouyang Mingxian became cold toward her, and eventually, Bai Yu hanged herself in the Empress Palace.

After, Bai Hua was appointed as Empress and gave birth to a son, whom Ouyang Mingxian gave the rank of Taizi. In the finale of the series, both male and female lead were able to be together happily ever after.

Hmph!

"Miss only has eyes for Qin Wang. There's nothing strange that you wouldn't know about Rui Wang."

"That's right."

Now that she thought about it, Ouyang Feilong really did exist in her past fate, even if only indirectly related to her life.

She should just grit her teeth and continue to associate herself with him no matter how she felt toward him. If one day she did need his help, he should be reliable like in the series.

There was only one advantage she had after crossing back to her past life like this. It was her memory from the old life. And so, the story of the series was the only way for her to survive her tragic end. Still, that was not enough in this world where martial arts and magic existed.

Before coming here, she was not in a special force unit like in dramas. She was not an assassin like in novels or a genius doctor like Bai Hua. She was merely an actor who only knew how to wear a mask and adapt to the new roles she received, or when she faced an unexpected situation at public events.

But adaptability was not enough for her survival. If she wanted to defeat her fate, a villainess like her had to have the skills and know how to ally herself to powerful people!

And this Ouyang Feilong was one of the people she was going to capture. Heh.

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*Cut Sleeve: Homosexuality between men