Ruyi held her mother's hand as they moved through the market, alongside Xiao Lan and two other servants.
"Mother, I have something I've been meaning to ask. May I?" Ruyi said.
"What is it?" Lady Ling asked curious.
"Do you know anything about the late Empress? I heard she passed away when the Crown Prince was still a child." Ruyi explained.
"This… why do you want to know about that?" Lady Ling asked.
"Nothing. I'm just curious," Ruyi replied.
Lady Ling sighed before speaking. "The late Empress was a woman of valor. She was mother to all, always putting the people first. It's a pity she passed away too early." Lady Ling let out a deep breath. "I also know that Her Grace and the late Empress were close, like sisters."
"And then, what happened?" Ruyi asked eagerly.
"I don't really know the details, but I heard Her Grace and His Majesty were childhood sweethearts, but they could not be together because of her status. The Empress Dowager arranged the marriage between His majesty and the late Empress because she was the best fit as her father was the general."
"So," Ruyi said. "His Majesty married the late Empress because of the power of the tiger tally." So that's how it was.
"But,"Lady Ling continued, "who would have thought His Majesty would actually fall in love with the late Empress—to the extent that they were inseparable."
"What! Really?" Ruyi asked rhetorically. Interesting
"Ruyi," Lady Ling called, holding her hand. "I hope you never marry into the royal family. The court is a place of endless scheming and silent battles. I only wish for you to live an ordinary life."
Ruyi smiled at Lady Ling, but deep down, she knew that wish would be impossible, for that was exactly what she wanted—to rise to power and dominate.
She turned her head slightly and noticed a figure following them, but she ignored it. "Let's go, mother. Let's check out those accessories over there," Ruyi said, gently pulling Lady Ling towards a jewelry stall.
"Lǎobǎn," Ruyi called to the shop owner, picking up a bracelet. "How much is this?"
"Wǔ liǎng yínzi—five taels of silver," the shop owner replied.
"I'll take three." Ruyi handed him the money.
"Alright." The shop owner packed the bracelets and handed them to her. "Thank you for your purchase."
"Thank you, Lǎobǎn. You're welcome," Ruyi replied, then turned to her mother and Xiao Lan.
"These are for you both," She said, handling a bracelet to each to them.
"Miss Ruyi, I can't accept this. It's far too expensive," Xian Lan protested.
"It's a gift, so keep it." Ruyi insisted.
"Yes, Xiao Lan, just keep it," Lady Ling added.
"Thank you, Miss Ruyi." Xiao Lan said.
"Let's go, I still want to check out so many shops," Ruyi smiled, leading the way.
"Oh my God, isn't this the candy I loved when I was a child?" Ruyi squirmed, rushing over to a candy stall.
Lady Ling followed. "Ruyi, did you forget that you especially hated this candy?"
Ruyi suddenly realized her mistake. "Yeah… I mean, isn't this the candy everyone loved as a child?" She smiled weirdly, then hurriedly pulled them away from the stall.
That was close. How did I forget something so important?
"Mother, the Imperial Archery Tournament is in three days, and I still don't have anything to wear," Ruyi lamented.
"Put your mind at ease. I already had three outfits customized for you and Xiao Lan. "Let's go pick them up," Lady Ling said.
"Me?" Xiao Lan repeated. "Really?"
"Yes. I also consider you my daughter, so of course everything you eat, wear, and use has to be the best."
"Thank you, Madam (Fūrén)," Xiao Lan muttered excitedly, curtsying.
Ruyi sighted the figure again. "Mother, Xiao Lan, go to the shop without me. I'll meet you there—I need to check something quickly."
"Alright. Don't stay long," Lady Ling said, leaving with Xiao Lan and the two servants.
Ruyi walked down an alley, then stopped. She looked around before calling out.
"Come out. I know you're here."
Footsteps sounded behind her. When she turned, she realized it was someone she knew.
"Yuming?" Ruyi muttered in awe. "What are you doing here? Why are you following me?"
"Greetings, Miss Xu. I was ordered by the First Prince to follow you," Yuming revealed.
"What did you say?" Ruyi asked rhetorically. "The Crown Prince asked you to follow me? Did he also ask you to spy on me?"
"Of course not. I'm only here to ensure your safety," Yuming stated.
"There's no need for that. Return home," Ruyi ordered.
"But—" Yuming attempted to argue, but she cut him off.
"Return. Else, I might change my mind about you protecting me," she threatened.
"Alright," he responded, and before she knew it, he was already out of sight.
"So fast…" She murmured as she walked away.
---
The Imperial academy buzzed like swarms of bees, the air thick with curiosity as students walked in pairs. Some gathered in clusters, while others sat alone, reading novels or studying. Words had spread throughout every nook and cranny of the academy—a new face had entered the school.
"Did you hear?" the gossip began. "The Imperial Noble Consort's niece will now be attending our school."
"Indeed. I heard she's a beauty. Who knows how talented she might be?"
"Maybe she might even surpass Ruyi. Two beauties in our academy, and they both have a close relation to Her Grace."
"But Ruyi is incredibly talented. She came first in the last examination—do you really think the newbie can beat Ruyi?"
"I guess we'll have to wait and see."
The classroom buzzed with noise as students moved about, some lounging on the table while others played games from their seats.
Shen Chun had swapped seats with Ruyi's former partner. Ever since the last incident, she and Ruyi had grown close.
"I heard Her Grace's niece will be attending our academy," Shen Chun said, breaking the silence.
"Hm," Ruyi responded.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Aren't you worried?" Shen Chun asked.
"Worried? About what exactly?" Ruyi demanded.
"She might cause trouble for you, especially since you're close to Her Grace. I know her—she's rude and vulgar. She doesn't like anyone surpassing her in anything," Shen Chun explained.
"Ah Chun," Ruyi called calmly. "I don't care about anybody. Her business isn't my business. I don't care what she does, so long as she doesn't look for trouble with me. Besides, isn't that how you were when we first met?"
"I…" Shen Chun hesitated. "It's not the same. I admit I went a bit too far at first, but Rou Bing is different. She throws her weight around just because her aunt is the Imperial Noble Consort."
"Don't worry. I'm not that easy to bully. Moreover I don't wish to ever cross paths with her," Ruyi said.
"Alright. Just be careful," Shen Chun advised.
As if on cue, Rou Bing strolled into the classroom, her maid following behind with textbooks in hand.
Whispers spread around the classroom.
"She's beautiful."
"Indeed. No wonder she's the Imperial Noble Consort's niece."
"Yes, they actually look a bit alike."
Rou Bing smiled, the praise warming her heart—it was only fitting that all eyes were drawn to her.
"Everyone, take your seats," the teacher ordered. "This is our new student, Rou Bing. She'll be attending the Imperial Academy from now on. Please be kind to her. Rou Bing, you may take your seat."
"Thank you, Mr. Fang," Rou Bing said as she headed towards a student sitter at the front. "I'm sorry, but could you move to the back? I can't see well from there—my eyesight is poor."
"Sure," the student responded, scrambling to the back seat.
"See? She's already throwing her weight around. How shameless," Shen Chun whispered to Ruyi.
But Ruyi only smiled.
The first question Mr. Fang threw to the class, Rou Bing had already raised her hands, ready to show off her talent.
"Good, very good," Mr Fang complimented her.
Rou Bing smiled, satisfaction written all over her face.
After class,
Sun Jingxuan was being wheeled towards the school library when Rou Bing caught sight of him.
"Jingxuan?" She rushed over to him. "Jingxuan, long time no see."
"Miss Rou, I hope you've been well?" Jingxuan asked.
"Yes, it's been so long. I'm surprised you still remember me," Rou Bing responded, blushing.
Sun Jingxuan nodded and signaled Liu Yi to wheel him away, but Rou Bing stopped them.
"Wait a minute. Jingxuan, I—"
"Ruyi, Come here," Sun Jingxuan cut her off as he spotted Ruyi walking towards the school gate.
Ruyi headed over, Xiao Lan following closely. They curtsied before him.
"Greetings, Crown Prince Jingxuan."
"She's Ruyi?" Rou Bing murmured.
Ruyi turned to Rou Bing and offered a light bow in courtesy.
Rou Bing smiled faintly at her, acknowledging her greeting.
"What can I do for you?" she asked, turning to face Sun Jingxuan.
"I have some questions I've been trying to solve, and I was told you can help me out," he explained.
Ruyi looked unsure and attempted to speak, but Sun Jingxuan suddenly held her hand.
A look of surprise crossed Ruyi's face as she tried to pull free, but Sun Jingxuan held on firmly.
He then turned towards Rou Bing.
"Miss Rou, please excuse me. I have other matters to attend to."
"Ruyi, let's go," he said.
With that, Liu Yi wheeled him away, Ruyi quietly by his side while Xiao Lan followed a step behind.
"Miss Rou…" Rou Bing scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He calls her by name so intimately, yet maintains honorifics with me?"
"Fine. Ruyi, right? Just you wait."