Foxes Among Wolves - Chapter 2 Lotus Palace Slave

One Year Later

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“A flower cannot grow in a tree’s constant shadow,” the master spoke in a clear, calm voice. “You are creating a monster by expecting the worst and my disciple is not to blame.”

The council of elders either grunted or nodded, sitting in a semicircle on a higher platform. They each perched on small cushions, dressed in different coloured robes depending on their rank. Their faces were half-covered by decorative animal masks yet the leader could be identified by his long white hair and beard. People described Fa Biming as a kind soul, smiling easily despite his tragic past.

“You are indeed right. A child should not be punished for their father’s flaws. However, the person we speak of has not gained our trust either,” Biming countered.

“Test me,” Mingzhu, a young woman, blurted. Despite being tiny in stature, she had a massive, daring and wild spirit. This personality was feared by the mountain clan; they had seen someone similar turn dangerously ambitious. “I am volunteering for the mission. If I fail, I was of no value before and you can send a master. If I succeed, I prove my loyalty to the mountain clan.”

Noise erupted in the room as the masters talked amongst themselves, arguing over the offer provided by a daughter of a criminal. The men and women were silenced by Biming, whom raised his hand and put it on his heart. This meant he accepted the proposal.

“I will permit this for the sake of your loyalty and commitment. If you return with restored peace between the kingdoms, we will grant you access into the mountain clan. I swear it by the blood that has smeared these mountains.”

“I swear by the blood that smeared these mountains.” Mingzhu repeated the new oath and kowtowed. She looked to the master beside her and felt reassured by his small smile. They succeeded.

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The meeting felt like a distant memory to Mingzhu as she marched towards the Lotus Palace as a sold slave. Women were herded like sheep and each newcomer seamlessly joined the sad flock that marched through the kingdom. The imperial soldier’s weapons kept them submissive and obedient.

The women walked along a dirt trail through the imperial city, known as Yinying Yueguang. The town sat in front of a glorious mountain face, the soft brown hues of buildings blending with the forest terrain. The streets were familiar to Mingzhu and she remembered living in the city alone a year ago. Yet, the soldiers did not allow her to delve into the past and moved the women across the bronze bridge.

There was a single entrance into the water palace that was heavily guarded, giving the residence a reputation to be impenetrable. The Lotus Palace was the grandest dwelling in Shanhe, situated in the middle of Kye Lake. A lotus flower inspired the design; the pale pink border walls curved around soft yellow structures with shimmery bronze roofs. The main buildings, including the imperial chambers, royal relative chambers, study and courtyards were fortunate to be built on protruding land, while those closest to the border wall sat on pillars that dove into the lake.

After passing through the border wall, the women walked through a large, wooden door known as the Divine Gate and into the palace. An array of colours met them on the other side; all the flowers were in bloom, leaving a sweet scent linger in the air. They crossed a small stone bridge, providing passage over the tranquil water from the lake. Mingzhu risked a glance at the pond and spotted numerous golden fish swimming in the depths, hidden by lily pads and other aquatic plants.

The servants’ residence comprised of two long buildings in the far east that ran parallel with each other along the border wall. Bridges connected them together, since the buildings were surrounded by water. Soldiers forced the women to their knees before they could cross. In the harsh sunlight, they waited for their fate.

An older woman approached and stood stoic while assessing the newcomers. Permanent wrinkles were forming along her forehead and her black hair was losing its youthful shine. Somehow, these ageing characteristics created a more intimidating image rather than soften her hard expression.

“Welcome, new maids. You shall refer to me as Miss Tang. I am your head stewardess and will be in charge of your placement, duties and punishment. It would be unwise to anger me. I shall assign you to your new role as a servant for the royal family and direct you to the correct chambers. You will wash, change into the correct uniform and learn from your fellow maids of the daily duties required. Failure to do this will result in punishment.”

Miss Tang walked towards the girl on the far left, unravelling parchment in her hands. The young slave, unlikely to be over the age of sixteen, wept loudly. Miss Tang was unimpressed. “Water-maid!”

The girl looked up in despair. “Please! I beg of you.”

Miss Tang ignored this and studied the next woman’s hands. She looked at her parchment with a brief approving nod. “Prior experience…good family…seamstress!”

The next woman became a kitchen-maid. An audible sigh of relief escaped her and consequentially, caused Miss Tang to reverse her steps. The position was changed to a lowly role. “Water-maid!”

Finally, Miss Tang stood in front of the last slave. Mingzhu held her breath. Sold slaves, such as her, were given lowly roles. The grueling daily duties could impact her success completing the mission. She needed a good position. The desperation caused her to perspire and she felt her hands become clammier.

“Housemaid!”

Tension seeped from Mingzhu’s muscles. It took every ounce of energy to hide her relief. The gods were on her side.

“Water-maids, continue left on the bridges until you reach the last set of servant chambers. You shall reside in room that has a water symbol. Arrange placement with the other maids. Housemaid, your place is behind me in the room with the painted leaf. Seamstress, follow me to the flower quarters. That is all,” Miss Tang announced and the seamstress tailed the head stewardess. Meanwhile, the soldiers shuffled the other slaves onwards.

The housemaid building lacked the beautiful patterns and colours of the other buildings, despite having the same cultural architecture. Inside was nicer than Mingzhu expected, the wooden floors and doors polished to a fine standard. Sleeping mats covered the floor and each corner had a drawer to share. The long room had no separation, forcing occupants to live in close proximity at all times.

Mingzhu walked to a mat with a folded uniform, assuming it was hers.

“I would not do that!” A flustered voice said. A maid stood in the doorway, possibly the same age as Mingzhu freshly twenty or slighlty younger. She had long, ink black hair that cascaded down to her lower back, half of it tied into a sophisticated bun high on her head. This hairstyle was adorned with bronze ribbons and a single hairpiece of a plum blossom ornament; the design was specific for housemaids so members of the royal palace could identify duty and status. Other maids had different ribbons and flowers, depending on their role. “That’s Lan Changying’s bed and uniform. She always keeps everything well-presented like that and will be foul if you touch anything.”

“Then where are my uniforms?” Mingzhu asked bluntly.

“You must be a new maid! My name is Song Meifan. The senior maid has been called by the empress so I will orientate you with the duties. What is your name?”

“Fa Huian.” These words were spoken as soft as a mouse’s squeak. Fa Biming suggested the name, loving that a Mountain Master’s real surname would go unnoticed. Despite being old, he enjoyed little childish pranks, just as Mingzhu’s master does.

“That is a rather fitting name for a servant. I mean not to offend you. I was just-ah”

“Where do I find my uniform?” Mingzhu demanded.

Meifan quickly searched the drawers closest to the entrance. She rummaged through her own items and mumbled. “You can wear mine for now but we will need to visit the seamstresses today. Here it is!”

The tunic’s main layers of fabric were a pearly colour, glimmering in the light. The top layer was light pink, matching the plum blossom shades, and designed with shorter sleeves and dress length. A bronze band wrapped around the waist, matching the ribbons in a maid’s hair. The appealing design of the uniform served to please nobles and the royal family, since the housemaids appeared before them more regular than other slaves.

“I will help you get changed and tell you about the palace over food. You need your strength after a long journey. When I first arrived, I was exhausted. I lived near the border so it took days to finally arrive here. Where are you from?” Meifan asked as she took the newcomer to wash up. Mingzhu was filthy and her foul stench made others gag.

“It does not matter.”

“Did they take you away from your family too? I was sold so my family would prosper with the money. I haven’t seen my parents for years and I left when my brother was young. He would be almost a grown man by now.”

Mingzhu kept silent, unwilling to babble about mundane things.

“I am sorry for my chatter. I often do that when I’m nervous. You will be assigned to myself and an older woman to work. I promise during duties, I keep quiet.”

That promise only lasted a few minutes. Unfortunately, Mingzhu had no choice but to follow the talking girl like a stray dog. Whether it was during a bath or dressing, the girl never shut her mouth.

The imperial seamstresses were visited when Mingzhu’s appearance was adequately clean. All the women in this area were young and adept in their work. Coloured fabrics draped around them and danced in the wind, creating a mystical environment. Dying of the fabric occurred in the imperial city and this area was strictly designated to the design and sewing of imperial gowns. Meifan timidly inquired about a uniform for Mingzhu and an exhausted seamstress, who was meticulously sewing, presented the robes grudgingly. During this encounter, Mingzhu noticed other women who had stopped their duties momentarily to prey on Meifan, whispering and laughing presumably horrible comments.

“The seamstresses are always tired in spring. Blooming flowers means more requests for colourful dresses and difficult embroidery patterns,” Meifan whispered to Mingzhu.

“That is not my concern.”

“Oh. I just thought ”

“You thought wrong.”

“My apologies,” Meifan whimpered, cowering at Mingzhu’s harshness.

The rest of the evening was a blur. The maids went to the kitchen area, located between the servant chambers and imperial building, to collect food and eat near the water’s edge. Meifan introduced everyone to the newcomer but within minutes, Mingzhu forgot the names of those around her. Relief only came when the sun set and it was time to rest. As soon as everyone’s breathings synced and no one moved, Mingzhu snuck out of her bed.

The moon hid behind clouds in the dark sky. This made it seem darker than usual and Mingzhu waited for her eyes to adjust before moving. Swiftly, she pulled herself onto the roof and walked across it. She tried to step carefully, wincing when her feet thudded on stone tiles. Then, when she felt confident to balance and move quietly, she sprinted.

Nothing brought greater pleasure than running. Straining muscles, the struggle for air and the pushing of limits preoccupied the mind from current problems. Mingzhu loved this freedom from her thoughts but knew it would become a luxury instead of a pastime. Entering the palace meant becoming a bird trapped in a confined cage, unable to stretch her wings.

The layout of the Lotus Palace was mapped out on parchment. Noblemen and guest chambers were near the entrance bridge while servant chambers and their workstations were located to the east. The imperial building rested in the centre of the palace. Gardens and small pathways were drawn to the map, as well as symbols of water. Hopefully, the information appeased the mountain clan.

Mingzhu whistled into the night air, cautious of the sound splitting the air. After a moment, a pigeon flew towards her and landed on her shoulder, offering its foot. The map of the palace was rolled into a small tube, no bigger than a thumb, and tied to the bird.

Thud.

The noise startled Mingzhu and she instinctively flung the pigeon into the air, urging it to fly from danger. Quickly, she crouched low and waited in the shadows. Her heart raced and she heard blood rushing in her ears. Suddenly, her darting eyes spotted a moving shadow. The silhouette bounced across roofs towards the Divine Gate then disappeared on the ground pathways. Someone else was disobeying curfew.