The Last Concubine

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 spoke with the servants, directing several to prepare the largest bedchamber for the princess, another on how to bestow the luggage, and still another to set up a table with the trays bearing food. Then he ordered them all out of the room.
    “Come, Princess Zhen Lan’xiu, sit and eat. You must be weary and hungry.”
    “Ning, why are you talking like that?”
    Ning jerked his head to the door and cupped a hand to his ear. “Break your fast, my Lady. And then I will escort you to your bedchamber and put you to bed.”
    Lan’xiu gave him a rueful smile and sighed. “I fear I am not very hungry.”
    Ning sniffed at the dishes longingly and insisted, “You must have something to eat.” He lifted a cover and said, “Here is rice with bits of golden peach.”
    “Very well,” Lan’xiu said, resigned. “You may serve me some of that.” She picked up her chopsticks and ate sparingly. Then she stared hard at Ning, whispering, “Eat, you idiot, don’t wait for me. I know you’re hungry. Stop pretending.”
    “Yes, my Lady,” Ning said loudly, before hissing, “They must be made to treat you as you have a right by birth.”
    “Oh, Ning. What would I do without you?” Lan’xiu stretched out a slim hand and patted his arm. “I am so glad you chose to accompany me.”
    “Nothing could keep me from your side, Lan’xiu,” Ning said quietly. Then he began to eat hungrily, choosing pork and rice and vegetables to fill his bowl. When he’d had his fill, he looked up to find Lan’xiu watching him. He placed a finger before his lips. “The bedchamber is upstairs. You need to rest.”
    He opened the door and peered into the hall. In their absence, the servants had been busy. The rest of the house was warming up and the lanterns were lit. By their light, he could now see the staircase that curved up to the second story landing. Three eunuchs and three women were lined up silently in the hallway, as if awaiting them. “My lady will now retire to her rest,” Ning announced.
    The oldest female servant clapped her hands and the three eunuchs filed to the door. They went outside and the two soldiers followed them. In the silence, Lan’xiu and Ning could hear the grate of the key in the lock and knew that they were now imprisoned within the luxurious house.
    “Show me to the bedchamber,” Ning ordered boldly.
    The oldest woman dropped into a curtsey and spoke for the first time. “You are her highness’s slave?”
    “I am her personal servant ,” Ning stressed. “I serve her in all ways.”
    “Allowances have been made,” the woman responded. “No male is permitted to stay the night in any of the houses. However, it is seen that your customs are different. My name is Jia, and I shall be the Princess Lan’xiu’s housekeeper. I am at your service. These stupid girls are Din and Miu. You need not concern yourself with them. You will convey any necessary orders to me, and I will have it seen to.”
    Ning bowed. “I am Shu Ning. You may