The Last Concubine

rewards of victory. He never allowed his troops to loot and pillage, but tribute would be enforced and they would get their share of the treasure that way.
    Food had been savored and alcohol had flowed freely among the men off duty, fires were lit and stories told around them, not the least the story of their own warrior princess, who had gone to meet the Liaopeh forces and vanquished them, saving them and the general from the ignominy of defeat—or at least more losses, because Hüi Wei’s men could never believe anyone could best them . At least not with the general leading them.
    Ning had made sure that members of the princess’s guard had spread the story of the confrontation in the mountains, suitably embroidered, in order to win the acceptance and appreciation of the troops. They already thought her beautiful, now they knew she was brave as well.
    Captain Wen had had his arm wound bandaged by the princess herself and told her all the while that her guard was sworn to her for life and would be proud to obey her orders in any battle. Then of course, Ning had relieved her and given her to understand that she might safely leave his lover in his care.
    Together, still dressed in their armor, although Lan’xiu had had a chance to wash the blood from her face, General Hüi Wei and the Warrior Princess went to the hospital to commend and comfort the wounded.
    Jiang awaited them at a fire, round which some of the commanders and soldiers had gathered to cook a simple meal.
    Lan’xiu was silent at first, listening to the stories of what had happened on the field of battle. She was glad she had missed it, certain that some of the risks Hüi Wei had run would have made her die of fright.
    Of course, eventually Jiang and Hüi Wei demanded to hear what had happened in the mountains.
    Lan’xiu was glad to praise her friend Ning. “If not for him, Wu Min would yet be alive, for I could never have killed him.”
    “He is truly dead?” Jiang asked thoughtfully.
    “He is. We could lead you there tomorrow if you wish to see the evidence with your own eyes,” Lan said.
    “Why would his soldiers not simply bear his body away?” Jiang demanded.
    “He made cruelty a sport and entertainment,” Lan said simply. “Once his soldiers discovered he was dead, they would have no motivation to continue his fight.”
    “I thought you had piled the bodies so high that the gap is impassable?” Hüi asked, his eyes twinkling.
    “We did,” Lan said, her dimples showing. “But it is a very small gap. And they were easily discouraged.”
    “So Ning exaggerates?” Jiang laughed.
    “Perhaps a bit. It was a short battle, but many men gave up their lives needlessly before they realized with Wu Min dead there was no point.” Lan’xiu looked serious. “I am truly free now, thanks to you, my Lord. As long as Wu Min lived, I owed a debt to my mother to avenge her death.”
    Jiang drew a deep breath. “Do you wish to return to Liaopeh, to rule in your brother’s stead? You have the throne, by right of birth.”
    “Of course not! That is, not unless my Lord wishes it.” Lan’xiu peered at Hüi anxiously, dreading that she might be sent from his side.
    “Your Lord wishes his warrior princess to remain by his side,” Hüi answered. “Liaopeh will have to make do with a steward on the throne, one who answers to me.”
     
     
    A S THE discussion wore on, Lan’xiu yawned and retired to the tent that had been set up for the general. Without Ning to help, she struggled a bit to free herself from the armor. Then she shivered as she bathed herself from a basin, hurrying because the water was cold and she didn’t wish to be observed naked.
    Nothing could be done about her hair, so she left it in the braid, but she donned one of her pretty cheongsams to wait for Hüi to come to her.
    When the tent flap lifted, she was sitting within the golden pool of light from the oil lamp, waiting for him with a smile.
    “My beautiful Warrior Princess, you have made me proud today, but never do so again! The idea of you going off into the mountains without telling anyone—”
    “Ning and Captain Wen were with me, as well as the guard you provided me.” Lan’xiu allowed Hüi to pull her to her feet and surround her with his arms, leaning gratefully against his strength.
    “And both of them are boasting of your courage and skill with a bow,” Hüi said. “If you wanted it, I would embrace you in front of my men and my people as a man. You