Chapter 2: Aunt

And so, my fate was forever changed. From then on, I studied military strategy and discussed world affairs. I didn''t learn needlework or dancing but the art of ruling, scheming, and strategizing.

而就这样，改变了我一生的命运。从此我学习的是兵法谋略，论的是天下大势。不学针线女红，不学歌舞升平，学的是帝王术，谋心和谋事。

The strategy was the primary knowledge I needed to learn, followed by martial arts. The so-called dance and music were merely a form of relaxation and entertainment in life, not real learning.

谋略才是我真正要学习的知识，是首要的，其次是武术，那些所谓的舞蹈，所谓的音乐不过是一种放松，一种生活的娱乐，算不得真正的学习。

My aunt never allowed me to touch needlework. I knew she didn''t have a daughter because she was still unmarried. How could she have a daughter? So, she treated me like her own child.

针线女红姑姑从来都不让我碰，我知道姑姑没有女儿，因为她还是一个黄花大闺女，又哪里会有女儿，所以她把我当成了自己的孩子。

My aunt taught me all her knowledge since I was young. I was naturally intelligent and gifted, which was one of the main reasons she chose me. Under her guidance, I flourished and became even more accomplished than her.

姑姑对我从小就倾囊相授，我本就天资聪颖，天赋极高，这也是姑姑挑中我最大的原因之一。

所以在姑姑手把手地教导下，大有青出于蓝而胜于蓝之势头。

My aunt said, "We were born to protect this family, both her and me. In these turbulent times, we must find ways to ensure that our Cui family, a century-old noble household, stands firm and prospers."

姑姑说：“我们生来就是要守护这个家，她是，我也是。乱世中，要想尽办法让我们这个百年世家的崔家不倒不垮，才能盛世繁荣。”

I took this as my duty from a young age, just like Aunt. Protecting the Cui family was my life''s mission.

我从小也以这为己任，我生来也和姑姑一样就是要护住崔家的，这是我此生的使命。

When I was fourteen, my Aunt tried to disguise me as a boy and made me enroll in the best school in the capital – the Imperial Academy. I was one of the few female students there.

我在十四岁时，姑姑想尽千方百计让我女扮男装去了京城最好的学堂---京师学堂读书，我是这个京师学堂为数不多的女学生之一。

Before entering the academy, Aunt told me, "Now our dynasty is riddled with corruption and is on the verge of collapse. A change of power is imminent. In these times of constant