The Last Concubine Read Free Page A

tiles, to bring auspicious fortune to those residing under it. This house was bigger, more magnificent, with ceramic temple dogs set at each sweeping corner of the roof to guard that the good luck did not escape. A covered walkway led to the front door and light shone from within, giving the red curtains a warm glow. Shadows moving behind the curtains suggested a family within, enjoying an evening’s entertainment.
    Lan’xiu looked at this house with longing. It was suitable for one of her birth, but her rank accorded her no perquisites any longer. She knew that despite the destiny foretold at her birth, her fortunes had been turned onto a darker, more sinister path.
    Each house in the square had a lantern hung to the right of the door. The lantern was lit at only the fifth house, gleaming through the cold blue dusk. As they passed the house where the lantern shone, one of the soldiers grunted.
    Correctly assuming this inarticulate commentary had nothing to do with her, the Princess Lan’xiu continued to follow the soldier in silence until he paused in front of the seventh house, producing a huge iron key. The lock screeched in protest when the key turned, and the hinges groaned as the soldier pushed the door open.
    Lan’xiu gathered her cloak together to step into the dark, cold hallway, steeling herself for whatever might come next. For all she knew, the soldiers had been given orders to bring her here and execute her. She could feel the warmth of his body as Shu Ning, her eunuch, positioned himself between her and the soldier following them. It did not comfort her to realize he entertained the same suspicions as she.
    She controlled her instinctive impulse to jump when the first soldier spoke, not wanting the man to see how frightened she was.
    “Your Ladyship, my Lord Jiang extends his apologies. We had no prior knowledge of your coming, and the house is not prepared for you. If your Ladyship will be patient, servants will be here presently to light the fires and the lamps. The house has been kept clean, so it is habitable. Your luggage will be brought to you.”
    “Jiang? I thought the general’s name was Qiang Hüi Wei?” the eunuch questioned the soldier sharply.
    “Lord Jiang is the General’s second in command. He sees to the smooth running of General Qiang’s establishment. It is to him that you would address any complaints or requests.”
    Lan’xiu waved a graceful hand but did not speak. A lady of her status did not give direct orders to servants. That is what one had eunuchs for.
    Once again, Shu Ning spoke. “I am sure the princess will have no cause for complaint. How am I to procure food for her?”
    “Food will be brought presently, along with water, tea, and wine.” The soldier appeared to have no wish for more conversation. He and his fellow retreated to stand guard at either side of the door.
    The shutters were barred from the outside, and dusk had made the shadows within the house grow deeper. Only the faint light of the moon streaming through the circular window over the door silvered the polished floor as Lan’xiu waited anxiously for some sound, a soft footfall or rustle of clothing, to tell her when the attack would begin.
    The assault never came, at least not in the form of violence. There was a tap at the door, and one of the soldiers opened it to reveal a veritable army of servants made up of eunuchs and women dressed in plain but well-made clothing. They bore lanterns, covered trays from which tantalizing odors emanated, and lengths of rich fabrics. One carried a brazier of glowing coals, which he took into the sitting chamber. He went to the fireplace and soon coaxed a fire to life.
    Other eunuchs scurried about, placing lanterns, hanging curtains at the windows, sweeping sheets off the furniture to reveal chairs and tables of carved rosewood inlaid with mother of pearl designs. In a matter of minutes, they transformed the cold, barren room into one of comfort and warmth.
    Shu Ning