Yan Sha stood stiffly on the edge of a cliff looking down at the caravan train of tribesmen passing by as she considered her life choices now that her motivations were dashed away by the last couple months' series of events. Her own mortality was on her mind often these days as she wondered what the purpose of her being skinned alive of her innocence. She had been so ruthless in life already to get this far and strangely she did not regret a moment of it although it was like a boundary had been drawn between the old her and the new her. The two halves of herself could touch each other in a mirror and mourn the loss of their joining. If she had not gone so hard she would not have reached any of the pinnacles she had touched so far and as she had tasted first blood already from the battle, her body still longed to return to it. It was strange for her now to sit idle and wait for a decision instead of going out and fin
“You’re a lot like your mother. I always told her that the past doesn’t matter as long as she is willing to make a future with me. There are many young men here with whom you could make a good future with. But if you want to start again beyond the central plans, that too is within my power.” “You’re very kind, but to be married is not the only worth of a woman. I have responsibility to a country and whom I am very happy to know is my kin. It would be very easy to run away from all my responsibilities and disappear into a marriage. My husband’s name and title would be melded as my identity.” “Wasn’t it some high and mighty perfumed prince who did all this to you? He’s married now with many woman around him. Why did he give you his daughter if you do not desire to be his wife? A
“In our tribe we place our bets on both children, but this daughter is not one of mine. You left the father of her as he got tangled trying to seek glory at the capital and you married me hoping again for a peaceful existence as you thought all whom you loved had left you. No one knew that your daughter was alive until she reaped accomplishments. Her adoption has gotten her some benefit. You forget that through this adoptions that you are no longer her true mother.” She shrugged and then looked at the retreating figure of her daughter. Yan Sha had insisted on not leaving in a carriage. It was strange that she felt a sort of restlessness that maybe she would not see her daughter again in this lifetime. =//= Yan Sha walked to the neare
The baubles around the concubine face were made with beautiful pink tinged jade and silver that although her features were crooked, balanced out her unusual beauty to make it quite eye-catching to behold. The face was beautiful in a very masculine way, but it was still striking. Once someone caught a look at her properly, it was hard to miss. “Are you Bingquing? Do you remember we used to have the same qin teacher when you lived back in Chu manor? It is a horrible thing that happened to your father and clan? Seeing you here brings me joy. Having a martial background is good.” Yan Sha was almost shocked at hearing her old name and what the woman had said was true. It was dangerous for Yan Sha of Jungpi to be here but her father had been cleared and the emperor had expressed great regret th
As Yan Sha changed into their pale pink maid dresses and donned the similar style of hair they all clapped in unison and seemed happy to have another sister in their midst. Yan Sha noted too that her hair ornaments were of a higher quality than the other maids showing her as the momo in charge of their madam. The fabric of her dress was thicker as well which made her relieved that even if she had a flare up that the inky slick would be easy to dispose of with the cloth type. “How do I look, everyone?” Yan Sha said cheerfully as she put her hands into her sleeves and bowed to her new master. “You look like a proper momo.” Concubine Sun said sincerely as she held her pointy stomach in the midst of all of her maids. “The hair ornaments really bring light to your face. It is probably the first time
“Momo you should put your own things away before you tend to mam. They are always like this as the affection lately among them is deepening. It is not for us to interfere in this matter. She will want a hot bath soon after the duke falls asleep.” Yan Sha nodded quickly. She stepped through the divider instead between the legitimate and illegitimate side of the house. All of the maids shared a room, but Concubine Sun had already stipulated that Yan Sha get her own room with a small courtyard. The garden was small but nice and adjoined her friend's large pavilion. She was grateful that her friend had been true to her word that she would have her own space. So far her words were sincere and kind which was rare to her as she knew there was always a catch. A set of keys too had been deli
Concubine Sun whined as she quickly donned her garments and strutted out of the room. Yan Sha sank to the ground holding her tray. She closed her eyes until the tray was taken out of her hands. Where she looked down at her hands then up to the man sitting on the bed with his garments askew. There was a strong smell in the air of what had just been done in the room. It was an acrid smell. He was definitely trying to make her uncomfortable. But, Yan Sha cared little for these tactics as it was something she had seen again and again with Caiwong military men, nobles and princes. It was so tiresome. “How are you so bold?” The duke said as he crossed his hands. The folds around his chest pulled forward to reveal one brown nipple. “How are you not uncomfortable with carn
The duke quickly released his hands and Yan Sha took the opportunity to get up and move away from him. He looked at her with a strange expression. “You’re mouthy for a servant who will serve Concubine Sun. I do this to all women who come into my service. Not like this in my bedroom after I am with my concubine. She was foxy today and if she brought you with her for me I would have liked to have many growing bellies all at once.” Yan Sha nodded as she realized he had no intention of sleeping with her, he just wanted her to be allowed inside the inner court so she could tend to the other women he found more important. “The imperial family must be very proud of you for keeping the heirs flourishing. I am happy to serve on the concubines side. I will tend to whoever it is that you desire. I had forgotten that as I am the slave of Concubine S
Instead of speaking in a soothing tone to maintain the quiet beauty, one of the concubines was already thorny with reproach. “Oh my I can't believe that the Duke stooped so long such as to pick a common momo to join our ranks. Does this not cheapen the entire royal family? Duchess you should quietly have her killed. Why have you not made your move? I do not like to see her sitting here like she could ever think that a person with a cloudy heritage is allowed to blemish those with extensive lineages. In our Wei Family, I have three generations that have served the imperial family. All of these women here come from distinguished families. It was hard to catch the red carriage to come here. Why should there be one who makes all of our families good intentions to ruin? Such a cheap maid should be killed for her insolence or at least beaten so our servants can see why they should be faithful to us