Yan Sha ran over to where her mother was sitting with the chieftain.  Realization dawned on her now that this was her mother's new husband and that there were more changes here than she had previously realized and understood.  Things would not be the same as before even if she stayed here and pandered to her mother's wishes of a retirement of her character. Was it really the best course of action to leave her country, now that she had properly saved it?  Who would become the new legend if she did not come back to what she had hoped would be her new home?  She felt a strange set of restlessness as the thing that she had worked so hard to cultivate was now left to curl into a ball and die. "Bring her over here," the words were slurred as the chieftain was holding a wineskin and pointed at Yan Sha. Yan Sha felt uncomfortable as she was forced to stand by the two matrons who stood at either elbow and forced to move closer and closer to the fir

“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

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

“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

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