The Last Concubine

meant, but the excitement of her inner vision clearing was difficult to hide as she waited, trembling, to hear what the men had to say to her.
    Jiang began, choosing his words carefully. “You must have heard that Second Wife Ci’an has begun her journey to the afterworld where the gods will no doubt help her find her reward for her deeds and misdeeds in this life.”
    Lan nodded without speaking.
    “Her father, Daji, who lives at Henan, was not pleased when the messenger brought him the news of her death. He does not believe that Ci’an killed herself. It was he who made this a political marriage, and by her death he now holds himself released from the terms of the treaty.”
    Startled, Lan’xiu exclaimed, “Henan?”
    “Precisely,” Jiang said, seeming pleased with her quick comprehension. “The province that borders upon your brother’s.”
    “Lan’xiu, what do you think your brother, Wu Min, will do?” Hüi leaned forward, looking intently at the princess.
    She dropped her fan to her lap. “Wu Min will try to convince Daji his grudge against you is a valid reason to go to war. My brother will promise Daji that he will support him, and once Daji has committed his forces, Wu Min will wait until it is too late for Daji to draw back. He may or may not help Daji as he promised, as the winds blow.”
    “Then you agree with our assessment,” Hüi Wei said, sitting back. It was clear he was thinking more about the eventualities of this encroaching danger than of her.
    “Henan province has gently rolling hills and plains,” Jiang said.
    “My province Liaopeh is mountainous, with dangerous rocks and cliffs,” Lan’xiu said. “It would benefit Wu Min if he were able to choose the terrain for the battle. He will place Daji in a plain that backs up against our highest peaks; there is a place perfect for a surprise attack. When your forces are occupied with fighting Daji, Wu Min could march his men in behind you to surprise you.”
    For some reason Jiang did not appear surprised at the princess’s grasp of military strategy. “Then we must choose the place we stand and fight.”
    “Or perhaps choose to attack Daji rather than waiting for his pleasure,” Hüi Wei said.
    “Or walk into their trap, only to spring it upon them,” Lan’xiu said.
    Hüi’s eyes gleamed with excitement that Lan’xiu thought like him. “My spies will bring information about their movements. If we think like the fox, perhaps we can split our forces to attack in two directions.”
    “That would depend upon what the two venal rats come up with,” Jiang said cautiously.
    “Thank you, Lan’xiu,” Hüi Wei said, getting up and taking her hand to press a kiss to it. “We are grateful for this information. We must take our leave for we have much to plan.”
    “You march to war, my Lord?” Lan’xiu asked.
    “As we have consulted you and told you this much, yes, we will go to protect our borders,” Hüi said. “It was inevitable that matters should come to a head with both these men. We might as well take the initiative.”
    “Then I shall go with you,” Lan’xiu announced, folding her hands in her lap.
    Hüi was at her side in two steps, grasping her upper arms to lift her from her chair and shaking her. “You will not go with us! You cannot ride to war! You cannot fight!”
    “Yes, she can,” Ning said. “And besides, Captain Wen and his men are bound to her through their oaths of honor. They will protect her.”
    Both men had forgotten he was there, and Jiang stifled a laugh. So much for secrecy, but at least Ning had proven more discreet than most eunuchs.
    Hüi growled inarticulately, glaring first at Ning and then his friend who was trying to keep a serious face. Finally he turned back to Lan’xiu and muttered grimly, “I cannot lose you in battle. Not after I so nearly lost you to that devil Ci’an.”
    “You will not lose me, my Lord,” Lan’xiu said. She smiled, secure in her foresight, at least of this. “I am going to help you to victory. I will be in no danger with you to protect me.”
    “I will not be able to pay attention to you,” Hüi explained. “What if—”
    “What if your spies bring you bad information? I know those mountains. I know the secret ways through them. Besides, didn’t you say that you will not lead the charge? You will stay back and direct the troops,” Lan said. “I shall be quite safe in the rear with you.”
    Hüi relaxed his grip enough that Lan’s feet