Foxes Among Wolves - Chapter 13 Stones For Birds

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The dew on the mountains had frozen and the light refracted on this ice covering. Snow settled on the plants and gave the mountains a whimsical appearance, the beauty outshining the temperature. Mingzhu followed her master unwillingly up the slopes, slipping several times and struggling to warm herself. Master, on the other hand, was fine, wearing rags and less clothing without any signs of discomfort. They didn’t stop until an hour had passed and they reached a cleared field. The wind was strong and struck into Mingzhu’s body like millions of sharp pins. She crouched over, wrapping her arms around herself and facing her back to the wind gusts.

“Today, you will begin training. Try to take this token” Master said and showed a carved, wooden boy, “from me.”

Mingzhu begrudgingly got to her feet. “I can’t take it off you. I’m not a fool.”

“Stop complaining and try,” Master instructed and hit her legs with his makeshift cane. “I’ll even loosely tie it on my belt. Each week, the better you get, the harder I’ll hide it.”

“It’s pointless,” Mingzhu said but attempted anyway, hands almost snatching the token while Master was tying it to his tunic.

It was a poor attempt at winning and Master hit her hands way with his makeshift cane. Using all her rage to fight him, Mingzhu endlessly attacked but rewarded with several new bruises. As she fell to the cold ground again, she glared up at him. The man grinned toothily and laughed.

“You dared attack me directly while you have lost all skills,” Master said. “Patience is a virtue. If your enemy is stronger, it is best to use surprise to cover your weakness. Cunningness defeats brawn. You have a lot to learn.”

“I can’t learn it if you don’t teach me!” Mingzhu yelled at him, her temper encouraged by the cold seeping into her clothing. “I haven’t trained since I left the clan!”

“Ice is formed over days.”

Mingzhu gave him a confused look and rolled her eyes, understanding his usual mistake. “Ice that is three feet thick is caused by bitter cold for not only one day [1]. You are terrible with proverbs.”

Master rubbed his bald head before thinking of another thing to say. “Fall into a well but learn from drowning.”

“Fall into a pit, a gain in your wit [2],” Mingzhu corrected again. “Don’t dare try to say another or I will hurt you.”

Master whacked her on the backside with his stick and laughed. When he did this again, Mingzhu was ready and they started to fight but he was too playful while she aggressively recalled her old training habits. No matter what, he always managed to hit her.

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“Stop it!” Mingzhu yelled and woke herself up. Although her back was almost healed, it still hurt to sleep on. Then, there was her aching muscles from endless late night practices from the mission. It should not have been surprising she dreamt of getting trained by her master.

“Nightmare?” Meifan asked, half-asleep.

“It is nothing worth concern,” Mingzhu replied and stretched carefully.

Jiang walked over and kicked both girls, which had become part of her morning routine. “Time for work! Stop being so lazy! Understand?”

At breakfast, the maids were chatty. They enjoyed watching drama unfold and the Fox’s visit was exciting news to gossip with others, although this would never be whispered in front of their masters. Mingzhu watched them all in amusement, eating her gluey porridge.

“Gather around! Gather around!” A slim, kitchen-maid yelled.

A bunch of the younger women crowded around her Meifan included while the older women continued eating uncaringly. The upbeat hustle was related to the upcoming events arranged by the emperor. As tradition stated, the annual hunt would resume at the end of spring. Men of all backgrounds, both nobles and slaves, were able to take part in a dangerous hunt for a full day to win a request granted by the emperor. The participant with the most prey or greatest kill would be declared victorious. However, it wasn’t an easy challenge. Wolves and other beasts were set free in this area and weapons were limited to what the participants had themselves. It was a contest of desperation.

“But what if the winner asks to be emperor?” A young woman chirped in, unfamiliar with the rules.

“Fool! The requests can be denied by the emperor but as compensation, they offer the fairest lady to be wed to the victor,” the kitchen-maid said.

Mingzhu ate her food in silence while the maids gushed over the details. Cheng may enter. No, he would enter. There was no heir to his name and he was a widowed bachelor, ready for a new wife. No one could stop him marrying if the emperor permitted it and even if someone did refuse, Cheng had his ways of getting what he wanted. It worked with Juan.

I must enter, Mingzhu decided. It was the perfect opportunity to confront Cheng without jeopardising her mission. Everyone entered the hunt fully aware they could die and if something terrible did happen to Cheng, no one would learn the truth. It was a perfect plot. The only issue was Mingzhu was a woman. To enter, she would need a disguise.

“Song Meifan!” Miss Tang yelled over the gossiping and everyone hushed immediately. Meifan stood and bowed her head.

“Good morning, Miss Tang.”

“You have been requested by the noblewomen to attend to them today. I trust you behave in their presence.”

Frightful misfortunes blundered maids when they were requested, especially if noblewomen were involved. Everyone gave Meifan a silent blessing, pitying her day. It was remarkable that Meifan followed Miss Tang without hesitation, although she was unsteady on her feet. This left Mingzhu in the company of Jiang for the day duties. They tirelessly worked and Jiang didn’t converse much, which made the day worse for Mingzhu who could only think of her sore body or Meifan. It was ridiculous to care for a maid she met weeks ago but her mind couldn’t overpower her emotions. Recalling Meifan’s pale expression and shaking, fearful body put Mingzhu in a foul mood. For weeks, she acted ignorant but it was becoming harder to not seek justice.

Jiang returned from discussion with a messenger while Mingzhu continued sweeping.

“You are to finish the paths by yourself. I am to attend to the empress.”

“Why does the empress always want you?” Mingzhu asked bluntly.

Jiang was often absent or requested to the imperial palace. At least twice a week she was called on with reason. Once, Mingzhu tried to ask Meifan about it but got caught by Jiang. As consequence, they had to clean her work clothes at dusk.

“None of your concern. Keep sweeping or I’ll punish you when I return, understand?” Jiang snarled.

Mingzhu childishly rolled her eyes and continued her duty. Alone. This was the perfect time to practice her dance steps without prying eyes. Nights were becoming too risky with the increase in guards. The Fox had scared the emperor and he had new soldiers arriving daily to monitor the palace.

Step. Turn. Step. Step. Mingzhu rehearsed her dance and swept at the same time, looking ridiculous while she did it. Too engrossed in the movements, she didn’t realise she moved near Lady Gaze until a tree’s overhanging branch prodded her sore back. It harshly stabbed her tender, healing flesh and she turned to curse at it but noticed a gathering of familiar faces.

Towards the entrance of Lady Gaze, sitting under a large archway was Ju Xioali, along with her two snickering friends. Meifan stood among other attending maids, most wearing gloomy faces and large, dark circles under their eyes. Mingzhu watched from afar, unable to turn away. Why she cared so much about this maid was unclear to her. Juan always said Mingzhu had an overprotective soul, likely formed from her own desperate need to be protected as a child.

“Servant Three!” Xiaoli hollered. Today, her dress was alarming shimmery in the light due to the silver embroidery on the green material. Meifan stood forward and the other maids shoulders relaxed slightly. “Pour the tea for us.”

Meifan obeyed, gulping as she grasped the teapot. Each cup was filled with the sickly sweet liquid and placed delicately in front of each lady. As Meifan went to move the final teacup to Xiaoli, it was purposely knocked.

“Ow!” Meifan yelped and retracted her fingers from hot tea that burned her hands. The fine cup fell to the ground, smashing into various sized shards. All the woman either gasped or screamed in surprise. “My apologies, Miss. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am so sorry.”

“Stop apologising for your clumsiness and pick up the mess. You wouldn’t want me to hurt myself,” Xiaoli replied viciously.

“As you wish,” Meifan said and dropped to her knees, collecting the pieces. One of the other noblewomen, considerably younger than the rest, bumped her knee into the maid. The shards in Meifan’s hands slipped and sliced her fingers, blood pooling in her hands. She bit her lip hard but could not stop crying.

Atonement. That one word convinced Mingzhu to intervene. In the past, she couldn’t save Juan but at least, she could save this innocent maid. Unable to tolerate the mistreatment, she threw a rock in the direction of the women. The aim was perfect throwing was, by far, Mingzhu’s favourite skill to learn and a teacup smashed, breaking in half and spraying the ladies with hot water. Most of the women screamed but the attacks didn’t stop, small pebbles relentlessly hitting the archway. Each broken item sung a curse.

“Who was that? Come out now!” Xiaoli said with fake bravo, her whole body visibly shaking and colour draining from her cheeks. A dark satisfaction overcome Mingzhu and any regret was miniscule compared to the contentment she felt. This was short-lived when Miss Tang walked behind her.

“Fa Huian!” Miss Tang roared.

Mingzhu slowly stood up, trying to think of a believable cover. To suddenly stop would show guilt. Thus, Mingzhu kept throwing rocks and said the first thing to come to mind. “Stop it and leave, scoundrels! I’ll get you! Just wait and see!”

“Fa Huian!” Miss Tang repeated and grabbed the maid by the scruff of her neck, twisting her around so their eyes met.

“Oh,” Mingzhu mouthed. “Greetings, Miss Tang. Sorry to disturb you.”

The grip never loosened while Mingzhu was dragged into the garden until she was thrown onto her knees before the noblewomen. Miss Tang’s growl could almost be heard as she spoke. “What is this nonsense? Did you just insult the ladies?”

“Of course not. I would never do such a thing. Miss Tang, it is rather I fear for their safety. As I was sweeping, I noticed… a few large birds nesting nearby. These animals swoop and become aggressive if anyone harms their young. Someone could get badly hurt in this season,” Mingzhu explained with a subtle, implied threat. She wouldn’t tolerate anyone hurting Meifan further and judging by the expressions, only Xiaoli understood the true intention of her words. “I threw some pebbles to scare them away but misjudged my aim. I was too focused and did not notice the ladies dining.”

“Fa Huian! You broke a tea-set from such immaturity,” Miss Tang scolded. “Your actions do not justify your behaviour!”

“I have to agree,” Xiaoli said. “Something must be done. Miss Tang, I suggest a beating to the legs with her own broom. The tool will remind her of her true responsibilities and the injury will remain to reflect on this.”

It was humiliating. Mingzhu was forced to hold the wooden rail of the archway as the punishment was conducted aggressively. The stick stung against her legs. It made her lip twitch but she didn’t make a sound, unwilling to give the women satisfaction. At least her back was given another day to completely heal. The scars there were very pink and scabs had only begun peeling.

The broom hit her calves relentlessly, despite them glowing red in protest, and she muffled her cries, glaring forward. To remain mute was a habit long engrained from childhood. If she yelped, her father would beat her harder. A child learnt quickly under his care. For some reason, unlike the day in the courtyard, she couldn’t bring herself to show weakness. Especially in front of Xiaoli.

“Why is it every time we meet, you are in trouble,” Disung said to Mingzhu, a grand smile on his face.

Joaolong and him approached leisurely without a hint of astonishment at the scene occurring before them. Miss Tang greeted the masters, along with the other women who became suddenly shy.

“Servants are becoming more and more difficult of late,” Joaolong stated nonchalantly, approaching leisurely and unperturbed by the scene. “Why is a maid being punished today?”

“She was throwing rocks, Master Wang. She claimed it was to chase away the birds but in the process, destroyed a tea set,” Miss Tang explained nervously.

“Miss Ju also got injured due to this!” Hong Biyu added unnecessarily, seeking to appear affectionate and caring in nature.

“Let me see the damage,” Joaolong requested urgently, concern evident in his softening eyes.

“Oh no! It is fine, Master Wang. You should not concern yourself over me,” Xiaoli replied bashfully and hid the bloody hand behind her back. The blood on her skin was not her own but originated from Meifan’s cut hands.

“What is the punishment?” Disung asked and leant against the rail.

Those dark eyes rested on Mingzhu and he took his time soaking every inch of her, skin and material. It made her feel self-conscious and embarrassed by her red, beaten calves. When he reached her face, he smirked and winked slyly. Mingzhu scowled and an insult rested on the tip of her tongue.

“The maid will be beaten with a broom until the ladies are satisfied that a lesson had been learnt,” Miss Tang replied and continued the punishment.

“I remember you were much louder when you get beaten the first time,” Disung cheekily whispered to Mingzhu. “In the courtyard, your screams won against mine.”

“Bastard.” The insult accidentally slipped out with the next thrash of the wood.

Disung was close enough to catch the word and Mingzhu tensed up, ready for a harsher punishment to be demanded or worse: a sincere, grovelling apology. Most masters wanted some form of action to re-establish their power and higher position but Mingzhu had issues stamping on her pride. The quicker the mission was completed, the better.

“Quiet strength like this suits you.”

The comment was barely audible but the wind delivered it to Mingzhu’s ear willingly. It was the type of compliment Mingzhu appreciated most and blood uncontrollably rushed to her face. Master praised her like that. ‘He hates you for what you did. Form no attachments. This is a trick. Do not trust Liu Disung’

“Master Wang,” Disung formally addressed, communicating a hidden message through the timbre of his voice.

“If you continue to beat her, she won’t be able to walk and then unable to complete duties. This is a foolish punishment,” Joaolong stated suddenly. “It would be wiser to compensate the tea seat by withdrawing it from the maid’s food rations, both as of tonight and tomorrow. Also, as for harm, to do such a foolish action means she has enough energy to distract herself during duties. Miss Tang, you should assign her more jobs for the rest of the day and tomorrow to tire her free spirit.”

“A noble and wise decision, Master Wang,” Xiaoli complimented. “Would you care to join us for tea?”

Indeed, without another word, he did and sat beside her on the floor. At the sound of coughing, Xiaoli rubbed his back out of habit. It was simple gesture but showed their deep friendship.

Meanwhile, Miss Tang decided to deal with the fading problem and addressed Mingzhu. “Your food rations are hereby withdrawn until the day after tomorrow. When the sun rises again, you shall complete your duties and clean all noble courtyards alone. You are dismissed to finish today’s duties.”

Unfortunately, when all paths were swept and gardens trimmed, Miss Tang took the opportunity to heed Joaolong’s advice, instructing Mingzhu to clean the servant baths before bed. The faeces were moved elsewhere to be dumped by lower eunuchs and water-maids and various powders spread to mask the odour of what had been piled up in areas. The bath and washroom themselves were much easier and pleasant to clean. Too soon, Mingzhu was working in pure darkness and became awfully aware of the disturbed hollow hole that was her stomach.