Emin Lan Yixiu

4.

A new dawn had arisen and with that was the pain in my arms, the dull ache resonated through my muscles, it was comforting in the sense that I would finally have something that was truly mine, it reminded me of a saying written by a scholar when I lived my past life, these pieces would probably never leave my head since I had poured over them for hours to appease that man. I left my bed and made my way to my library to write that verse down as a way to get it out of my mind so that bitter taste of anger wouldn't ruin my meal. 'young misterss Emin, though I admire your intellect I wish you would take part in feminizing yourself more than educating, you are after all a woman not a man,' I looked at her in thinly veiled annoyance.

'though I understand your sentiment a man is the least of my concern currently' she sighed but nodded though her disagreement was far from blanketed. I ignored her, if she wasn't going to support me and my goals it would be better to ignore her as it would only be a hinderance to me in the future, and I had suffered enough due to hinderances. 

'Good morning grandfather' I smiled, as I sat next to him. it had been a while since I had eaten with him since he had left to the main city to meet esteemed uncle Zhanyu, and though I had asked to go by his side he had told me that it wouldn't have been appropriate and he promised the next time he went he would take me so I agreed unwillingly. 'what did you and uncle Zhanyu discuss?' 

'It seems like the business is flourishing and we have made a contract with the Tsai family, meaning our imports will now include their products' I tilted my head not understanding why this was a big deal. he smiled at my confusion 'they produce very high quality products and they are sold to the imperial palace and to many wealthy officials, so now that we are able to sell their product for them we will be able to make a great deal of profit'. I nodded in understanding.

'What are their main products? 

'They make excellent wine, fabrics and their land is also rich in jade' i looked at him in surprise 

'They must live in a very prosperous land, he looked at me and smiled, 

'Though their land in rich in jade it isn't as fertile, I looked up to him confused, try to think of a way they could produce wince and fabrics if their land isn't as prosperous 

'Is it possible they are also buying the cotton and fruit for their products' he nodded proudly. ' Well if they buy cotton and grapes can't we make a deal to become their main supporters and provide them the exports, and if we sell it to them at a cheaper price not only will we be able to get their product at a cheaper price but if we sell it at the same rate we will get a profit' his eyes widened in surprise not expecting a girl of 13 years to be so cunning. 

'It seems the next time i leave for business I better take you along with me. I smiled simply happy by the genuine praise. We walked through the garden together after our meal a habit that reminded me of my mother, she must of inherited this from grandfather Rou. We spent the first few minutes in silence as he admired the flowers, but as we walked past my personal library hidden shyly by the peony flowers did grandfather speak. 'Show this old man what you have been writing. Your maids say you spend most of your time in that library writing or reading.' I should've known they would do something of the sort, but it wasn't as if I could refuse grandfathers request. 

He read the piece I had written this morning and looked up at me with proud, I couldn't tell him I hadn't written this peace since the original poet had yet to write this in this world therefor the only plausible explanation would be that I had written it, unfortunately it seemed like he wasn't happy with reading that piece alone as he continued to flicker through the pages reading the other pieces I had written down so they wouldn't plague my mind. 'Dear Emin why didn't you tell me your talent towards poetry' I looked down towards my feet in anguish, how could I tell him about a talent I didn't own. 'You are like my daughter and wish to see you prosper like the shoots of bamboo that tower elegantly but with incredible strength'. he placed a hand on my shoulder while crouching to my height 'you are exceptional, in your wisdom and your words and I want there to be no short commings in the aid you need to fully reach your potential' I looked towards my hands as my eyes watered, I nodded vigorously as I knew if I spoke my voice would surely crack with the over flowing emotion. I knew I had to not only try to reach my potential for my sake but for grandfather who put so much trust into me.

when grand father and had parted ways I made my way towards the weaponry room to train by myself since today there wasn't any training scheduled. I grasped my bow while I tugged my glove over my hand with my teeth, then switching hands ignorer to pull the second pair on. Since no one seemed to be present I practiced in the main court rather than the farther off land where I usually practiced. I pulled the string and shot my first arrow, It flew haphazardly through the air before missing the target completely. This seemed to keep reoccurring as no matter how taught I pulled the string the arrow would always miss the target, 'why' I whispered to myself I had be at least able to hit the target when I was with instructor Cal. and only then did I remember his words, I breathed in deeply envisioning the perfect form before mimicking it I let go of the arrow while releasing my breath. it felt like the air had gone still until the telltale thwack of metal against wood could be heard. I did it. I hit the board and not only that the dead centre. but before I could rejoice a voice called out.

'your not half as bad now' he said while smiling. it was the same boy who I had seen sparring.

'and what has brought you here' I spoke while trying to hide my embarrassment. he would've definitely seen all the times I missed and even worse when I talked to myself.

'practice of course' he drawled while jumping off the tree, he landed on his feet nimbly while brushing of any dirt.

'practice doesn't seem to be done while lazing on trees' I quipped 

'I was resting, any way its not as if I have to be worried for being bested' and in a softer voice he muttered yet. but it was enough for me to hear.

I laughed, I advise you to keep your guard because it won't be long before I out preform you, he shook his head the challenging grin on his face showing no signs of leaving 

it seemes I'm not in the right position to object mistress Emin he spoke in a mock respectful tone. my eyes widened 

'so you do know who I am' I huffed 

'only an idiot wouldn't be able to tell' 

'well you do a good job in acting like an idiot' I said while getting up. His face changed from stupified to happy 

'i'll walk you to your chamber he said while placing my equipment back in its place.

'I turned on my heels well you better hurry up, or ill leave you behind' I said with a smile over my shoulder.

'that's unfair' yelled before breaking into a sprint. I laughed as i tried to further my distance, only for him to catch up. it seemed like I had made a friend for the first time.