CHAPTER 6 Yesterday Once More

Another shot by Zhang Ruyi.

"Halt!"

She quickly jumped off her horse and got the rabbit she had shot. It was her third catch. 

"Bixia! You are amazing like always. Your arrow never missed a target."

General Zhao praised Zhang Ruyi's hunting skills. Zhang Ruyi toss-up one of the rabbits to him. General Zhao catches it.

"General Zhao, take this. It is yours."

General Zhao fell shy to take it.

"Bixia,...I do not deserve it."

Zhang Ruyi waved her hand as a sign that she did not want to accept it. A few moments later, Anli came empty-handed. General Zhao, who was his father shook his head when he saw his son.

"What? Have you got one too?"

Anli asked his father.

"No, but Bixia got 3 catches. Bixia is very amazing. Look at yourself, son."

Anli rolls his eyes.

"What's the difference among us? Father, you don't have any catch either."

He roasted his father.

"You!"

General Zhao was furious with his son. Seeing this, Zhang Ruyi interrupted the conversation between the son and father.

"General Zhao, don't worry. We can go hunting next time."

General Zhao looked at the Emperor and bowed his head.

"I...I'm sorry for my behavior just now."

General Zhao glanced to his son and pushed his head to bow before the Emperor. Anli was stunned.

"Take the rabbit with you. If it's not enough, I can give another one." Said the Emperor.

"Whoah! Bixia gives us this? Thank you Bixia!" Shouted Anli with a wide smiles on his face.

General Zhao hits his son's shoulder. Anli complained of pain.

"Ou-ouch!"

"You thick-skinned person!" General Zhao scolded him.

"No-no! We're good. This is more than enough." Replied the General.

"Alright then. Just take it with you. It's a token of thanks from me for accompanying me today. We can go again next time."

Anli and General Zhao bow.

"Thank you, Bixia!" - Both Anli and General Zhao.

Zhang Ruyi looked at the sky. Birds begin to return to their nest. Crickets have also started to sing.

"It's getting dark now, let's head to the palace."

"Yes, Bixia!" (Both Anli and General Zhao)

"Giddy-up!"

She cried and cracked her whip.

*** Jade Palace ***

"Welcome back, Bixia!"

Chun Xiao curtsied.

"Rise. Chun Xiao, I've got some catches from hunting today. Can you please prepare it for my dinner?"

"Yes, Bixia."

She took the rabbits and rushed to the kitchen. While waiting for dinner, Zhang Ruyi took her bath. Chun Xiao has already prepared a bath for her. 

"She...already prepared it for me? Chun Xiao really took care of me." She mumbled alone. 

Zhang Ruyi took off her clothes slowly and soaked in the bathtub. She rubbed her right back shoulder gently. The scars she got from the battlefield were still there. There were also some scars on her left chest, just below her collarbone. 

Zhang Ruyi finished her shower on time. Chun Xiao had already finished serving dinner on the table for the Emperor. Zhang Ruyi wrapped her body in a thin layer of brown robe. Chun Xiao was on her way to leave when the Emperor asked her to stay for dinner together.

"Don't rush. Let's have dinner together. Please have a seat."

Chun Xiao refused but Zhang Ruyi still asked her to sit.

"Bi-Bixia...I have food that has been reserved for palace servants. This is Bixia's food...I..." 

Zhang Ruyi poured green tea into her cup and looked at Chun Xiao.

"I feel like a poet talking to the moon at midnight."

Hearing this, Chun Xiao scratched her neck, smiled and bites her lip, and immediately sit down. Zhang Ruyi handed the tea cup to her while raising her eyebrow. Chan Xiao accepted it.

"Bixia is too kind to me. I'm just a maid." She said.

Just because I'm an Emperor now doesn't mean you can't treat me like you used to. I'm still Ruyi." Zhang Ruyi answered.

Chun Xiao nodded and smiled.

"Umm!"

"Bixia! Bixia! I still remember Bixia loves to eat roasted rabbit when Bixia was a kid. So, I make this for Bixia."

Chun Xiao begin to speak more.

"I used spices from Nanjing. I hope Bixia will like it."

Seeing the smile on Chun Xiao's face made Zhang Ruyi feel relieved. Chun Xiao can be like her old self again. Chun Xiao was still talking so Zhang Ruyi took an empty bowl and took half of rice in her own bowl, put it in front of the maid.

"Here. Eat before the foods getting cold."

Chun Xiao quiet and took the bowl.

"O-oo...Ah...ha-ha. Su-sure Bixia."

* * * * *

"Your Highness, look! Isn't this Golden Phoenix hairpin look good on you?"

A young lady dressed in white took the hairpin. It was beautiful. The golden Phoenix with red eyes shone under the sunlight. She smiled.

"If you said so, then I will buy it."

"How much is this?" She asked the jewelry owner.

"That hairpin cost 10 taels. We rarely make this pattern because it is very complicated. The feathers of the Phoenix need to be perfectly shaped." Told the jewelry owner.

"Your Highness...It's too expensive!" Whispered Young Lady's companion.

The Young Lady give a face expression as a signal to quiet.

"Give me this." She told the jewelry owner.

The jewelry owner wrapped the hairpin with a piece of clothes.

"Your Highness, let me put this hairpin on you."

(Put the hairpin)

"Your Highness looks more beautiful now!"

Bright like a moon, graceful as a gazelle. Her eyes were pure like the stars, with a tender glare that can freeze you until the bone. There were no other words that can describe her beauty but well said that beauty is a sin. What is the meaning of having a good appearance if your life is as dark as night? 

* * * * *

Minister Pei and Minister Han were arguing about the civilian in Yangzhou and Nanjing. The countries were facing a plague and low food resources. Minister Pei suggested to focus on Yangzhou since Yangzhou was a source of quality silk producer. The plague will affect silk production that will impact the economy of the country. However, Minister Han suggested to focus on Nanjing since this country provides dairy products. With low agriculture resources, the farmers can't do their work efficiently. They need a balanced diet for their meals.

"Food is more important!" - Minister Han

"Products to support country!" - Minister Pei

Both of them give Zhang Ruyi a headache.

"Enough!" Shouted Zhang Ruyi

Minister Pei and Minister Han stopped arguing and quickly kneel to the Emperor.

"Bixia! Forgive us, Bixia!" - Both Minister Pei and Minister Han.

"Hmm...! Why so noisy? What is so complicated? Just send medical treatment to Yangzhou and food resources to Nanjing."

"But Bixia, our people are not enough to help both of the countries at once. I think we should prioritise Nanjing." Said Minister Han

Zhang Ruyi stood.

"Lack of foods is not a big problem for Nanjing. We still can provide them foods to survive. The lack of foods resources in Nanjing was causes by drought but it doesn't affect the rivers. They still have water sources for daily basis while waiting for monsoon. As for Yangzhou, even though they provide silk, their problem is more matter than Nanjing. As long as you have water resources, you still can live. But for the plague, since it causes severe death we will prioritize the lives first. Send more people and medical treatment to Yangzhou. Ask the Imperial Doctor to go there. As for Nanjing, we don't have to send more people and the team leader will be Zhao Anli."

"We understood, Bixia." - Both Minister Pei and Minister Han

Minister Pei and Minister Han looked each other. The Emperor noticed it.

"Is there any death record from Nanjing yet?" She asked.

Minister Han shook his head.

"Not yet, Bixia..."

"Good! Another thing, send my decree to General Zhao to guard the trip to Yangzhou."

"Yes, Bixia!" (Both of the Ministers)

* * * * *

Chun Xiao was busy cleaning Jade Palace when the Emperor comes and didn't notice the existence of the Emperor.

"Ah-hem!"

Chun Xiao was shocked and quickly turn around. The Emperor was here!

"Greetings, Bixia! I'm sorry, I was too busy and didn't notice you were here, Bixia." She curtsied.

Zhang Ruyi raised her hand.

"Chun Xiao, can you help me to change my clothes? I want to go for a walk in the city."

"Sure, Bixia. However, I need to finish my current work first."

Zhang Ruyi sat on the chair.

"Take your time, don't have to rush."

*** Helping to change clothes ***

The golden-black robe looks good on Zhang Ruyi. With her Sharp almond shape eyes, she looks like a great warrior. Even though wearing a cold look, she still looked attractive with a silver-ray iris, shining like a crystal when the rays of the sun was aiming for her eyes like a spotlight. Chun Xiao accidentally caught Zhang Ruyi's eyes and immediately turned her face away. She was blushing!

"Chun Xiao, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

Chun Xiao bites her lips.

"I...I'm fine. Bixia, you look great in this golden-black robe. If you don't mind, I will get the Golden Phoenix hairpin to match them."

"Okay."

Chun Xiao quickly went to the jewellery closet with a red face.

"What I'm doing?! Am I lost my mind? But Bixia is so handsome as a male tho." - talking to herself while hitting her head.

Chun Xiao placed the hair pin on Zhang Ruyi's hair carefully so as not to tangle her hair. Zhang Ruyi's hair was getting longer and thicker. After putting down the hairpins, she grabbed Dai to draw eyebrows for the Emperor. The straight eyebrows match her and make her look more masculine. For the final touch, she used eye shadow to give a sharp look, suitable for the Emperor's personality. Chun Xiao was impressed by her own art, despite the fact that she was fascinated by Zhang Ruyi's masculine face.

*Dai (黛) - material used to paint eyebrows during Ancient Chinese

Zhang Ruyi was ready to go. Chun Xiao bowed before she goes but Zhang Ruyi grabs her hand to stop her. Chun Xiao was stunned.

"Wait, Chun Xiao. How about you accompany me today? It looks like you're free now."

"Bixia, I...I..." She scratched her neck.

"This is an order. Change your outfit and come with me. I'll wait for you outside." - Walked slowly.

"Sure, Bixia!' (Oh my gosh...) - complaint to herself

* * * * *

This is the first time Chun Xiao went to the city since entering the palace. Thus, she felt a bit awkward with the outside world. Occasionally she stole a glance at the Emperor.

"Who is not attracted by Bixia's handsome face? If I don't know Bixia is actually female, I would also fall in love with her." She monologued in her heart.

The street was very crowded, thanks to Zhang Ruyi's appearance. They accidentally create a clear path because all eyes were aiming at her. Ladies citizens whispering to each other.

"Look! He's so handsome!"

"Ohh...! Who is this hot guy?!"

"Look! Is that his couple?"

"How lucky! I think I'm prettier than the girl!"

It seemed that Zhang Ruyi did not care what was happening around her. She still with her cold face, walked slowly on the street. Meanwhile, Chun Xiao began to feel shy.

"Uncle, yes. This one. Can you please pack this apple for me? Thank you!"

Anli bumped into them by chance. "Chun Xiao? Who is she with? Her boyfriend?!" - talking to himself

"Chun Xiao! Chun Xiao! Wait."

Chun Xiao turned away to find the owner of the voice. She then found a guy who was waving at tem.

"Lord Anli?"

"Chun Xiao, where are you going and who is this guy?"

Chun Xiao curtsied.

"Lord Anli, I'm accompanying the Emperor to go the Opera house."

Anli nodded his head.

"Ahh...I see but where is Bixia and why are you with this guy?"

Chun Xiao gives him an eye signal. Anli is clueless. Zhang Ruyi then turned around.

"Bi...Bixia? Is that you?" (Why she looks different today? She even looks more like a guy tho. Was it because she's now 16?")

"What a coincidence, Anli. Yes, it's me. I'm free today so I invited Chun Xiao to go for a walk in the city. How about you join us? The more the merrier." 

Anli scratches his head bowed before the Emperor.

"Greetings, Bixia. I'm sorry. You look different today so I mistook you for someone else."

Chun Xiao smiled as she was proud with her makeup skills.

The three of them walked together. Throughout the way, ladies never stop looking at Zhang Ruyi.

"I'm the real man here. Why did they only look at her? Hurmm..." (talking alone, hands over his head)

* * * * *

"Your Highness! Are you alright? It's too dusty, you better not open your mask."

The person who was called "Her Highness" coughed.

"I'm fine. You don't have to worry. It's started to rain. Let's go home now."

The maid slowly helps the lady to enter the carriage. Suddenly, there was a voice of a man screaming for help.

"Anyone, please help me to stop this horse! Help!"

The horse out of control will run over their carriage!

* * * * *

There was an Opera performance during the day so they stopped for the show. Zhang Ruyi saw a nearby steam bun stall. She went to the stall and bought some for them. 

"Here."

She handed it to them. Chun Xiao and Anli stopped watching for a while and looked at the Emperor.

"Steam bun? Bixia! You treat us???" 

Anli's child inner energy was never faded. He took the bun and ate it with a smiles on his face.

"Thank you!" He said while eating.

Chun Xiao took it as well, smiling and thanking the Emperor. They enjoyed the Opera performance until the end.

The performance was good! Don't you think too, Bixia?" Asked Anli.

"Yes." Replied Zhang Ruyi

Chun Xiao looked at the sky. 

"Oh, it's getting raining! Luckily I brought a parasol. Bixia, please take this parasol." Chun Xiao gives the parasol to Zhang Ruyi.

"And thank you for today, Bixia!" - Chun Xiao

"ARGHH!!!"

Suddenly they heard a female scream. It was the lady who was addressed as "Her Highness!" The horse bumped into their carriage and the lady was toss-away.

"Watch out!" - Zhang Ruyi

Zhang Ruyi held her parasol in her left hand and jumped to get the lady. She pushed the lady into her chest and holds her tightly. The lady caught Zhang Ruyi's eyes. They made an eye contact for a while. Zhang Ruyi however didn't pay attention too much.

Swirling under the blue parasol and slowly landed on the ground. The soft breeze blows away Zhang Ruyi's hair, and the fading sunlight that strikes her eyes made them shone like a crystal. It made the lady can't take her eyes off her.

"Miss, are you okay?" Asked Zhang Ruyi

"Ye...Yes. My Lord. Thank you for saving me." Said the Lady

The lady's maid came over and cried.

"Your Highness, Your Highness! Are you okay? Huhuhu." - Maid

"I'm okay, you don't have to cry." - The Young Lady

Zhang Ruyi helped the lady to stand.

"Miss, your hand is bleeding. Let me help you bandage this wound."

Zhang Ruyi took out her handkerchief and bandages the wound carefully. The lady kept watching Zhang Ruyi. "Who is this guy?" (talking to herself)

"Done!" - Zhang Ruyi

"Thank you, My Lord!" - The Young Lady.

The lady touches the bandages softly.

"My Lord! This handkerchief..."

"I don't need it. You can keep it for yourself. It is my handmade handkerchief for emergency bandages if I'm injured on the battlefield. Now it's yours. Take care. I'll take my leave now."

They dismissed.

*** Inside the carriage ***

"Your Highness, are you alright? You are so quiet." - Maid

The lady smiled.

"I come here to return my favour if I got a chance. Who knows the same thing would happen again? How hopeless..." She mumbled.