The Last Concubine

back at her. “It was my lord general’s idea, but I saw to it that his intention was carried out properly.”
    Between them, Hüi Wei and Ning had had the furnishings from the bedchamber in the seventh house in the square brought here and installed in this much bigger room. The yellow curtains Lan had so loved hung at the windows and the same rosewood wardrobe and bed stood within the room.
    A few more chairs were positioned about the room, and also another table, upon which stood a jade and silver casket with a lock wherein Lan found her jewels. The same bench stood at the foot of the bed, and Lan crossed the room to sit upon it, thinking about the time Hüi Wei had made love to her on it.
    “Look, Lan’xiu.” Ning pulled open the doors of the wardrobe to reveal many pretty new dresses hanging there.
    She merely smiled. At this point, the thought of her new armor excited her more, but she was touched at the evidence that despite the fact Hüi had not visited her at all during the past week, she had yet been in his thoughts.
    “Through here is the bathing room, and beyond—” Ning wiggled his eyebrows and gave a hastily concealed leer, as if he’d only just remembered Captain Wen’s presence. “—you will find my lord general’s bedchamber. If you wished to, ahem, speak with him.”
    Lan glared at her servitor with an expression that promised later retribution, but only said, “Thank you, Ning.”
    Captain Wen bowed and said, “Princess, two of my men will be stationed outside in the hallway, at a distance where they cannot overhear conversation. But if you need them, they will be there within calling distance. Is there anything else I can do?”
    Lan’xiu stood up and smiled at him. It startled and touched her to see how pleased he seemed that she was speaking directly to him. “Captain Wen, I thank you. You have done much to keep me safe and comfortable, and I thank you for your allegiance.”
    “It is my pleasure, your Highness.” Captain Wen bowed again.
    “If you really wish to please me….”
    “I do!” he assured her.
    “Take this servant of mine somewhere and regale him with a good meal, much liquor, and a story of your great prowess in battle.”
    Captain Wen glanced uncertainly between Lan’xiu and Ning, but then a smile crept over his face. “Shu Ning-xiānsheng, would you care to accompany me?”
    “Where?” Ning asked.
    “Does it matter?” Lan’xiu demanded. “Go! You deserve a respite from watching over me, and I shall come to no harm here in the palace with two soldiers outside the door.”
    At last Ning smiled at Captain Wen. “Thank you, Lan’xiu.”
    Although he was wearing a different dress, having gone to Mei Ju more somberly clad in respect for her, Lan’xiu took up the same pose on the bench as he had the day he awaited Hüi Wei in the seventh house. His feet were planted square on the floor, his legs and knees together. His back was straight, and he placed his hands on his knees.
    Remembering the occasion when he’d waited on this bench for Hüi before, Lan’xiu felt his palms start to flutter with anticipation. His cock was getting thicker, pushing against the silk of his panties. He could feel the fluid form at the tip and dampen the fabric. He moved his shoulders to feel the heavy embroidery of his corselet rub over his nipples. Lan liked that feeling, too, it added to the anticipation of waiting for Hüi.
    His breath came shorter and his heart pounded when he heard the click of the door as it opened. Lan looked up, not realizing his face wore an expression of joyful anticipation.
     
     
    T O H ÜI , the sight of Lan’xiu waiting for him reminded him of the beginning of their love, and he hoped the rush of emotion would never change.
    Once the thrill of being master of such beauty excited Hüi Wei; now it was love that made his heart pound, and fear of what was to come. Resolutely, he pushed away the dread thought of what he was risking by allowing Lan’xiu to accompany him to war, knowing his young lover preferred to face danger with courageous laughter.
    He paused to drink in the joy and love on the beautiful face. “Do you like the room?”
    “It is beautiful, Hüi. I thank you for thinking of me.”
    “When am I not thinking of you?” Hüi came to Lan then and sat on the bench beside him. “I fear we have little time to enjoy being so near before we must depart.”
    “But at least we have tonight.”
    Hüi raised his hand to caress Lan’s