by JC Kang
Hong lowered his voice. “You decided to attack the princess?”
So, the old man correctly suspected his involvement. Kai-Long scowled and shook his head. “Of course not. The princess will be yours, as we promised— if we can keep her alive.”
Hong’s eyes narrowed. “Then this was not your doing?”
Kai-Long glared at the minister, wrapping his next lie in indignation. “No. The prisoner revealed that I was their target. They didn’t know the imperial guards would appropriate the teahouse. In any case, I need her alive so that you can continue using her as your bargaining chip, and I can get what I want.”
Hong’s mouth gaped. “Are you suggesting there are real Maduran Scorpions in Huajing?”
“It appears so. The Tianzi’s agents are paying courtesy calls to all of the Ayuri nations’ trade offices, to root out infiltrators and spies. I suspect word of the princess’ romantic correspondence with the Ankiran prince got out.”
Hong nodded, understanding blooming on his monkey face. “That would make sense, then. Killing the princess would prevent her from sealing an alliance with the Ankiran freedom fighters; assassinating you would silence the greatest of our lords and the loudest proponent of punitive action against them.”
Kai-Long wondered if the old man was truly convinced. He needed the minister for a little while longer, just until he could get the Expansionist policies approved by the Tianzi, as well as measures that would aid with his eventual coup.
Once the obsequious toad delivered on the third stage of their plan, he was a loose thread that could unravel his carefully-knit plans. A loose thread that would be clipped, at the neck.
After wasting time being fitted for her first silk dress, Yan Jie watched from a covered veranda as her ward shed an extravagant gown in favor of simple cotton robes.
Jie snorted, drawing the stares of the handmaidens beside her. The princess now looked not unlike the young nun who guided the group of noblewomen in their martial arts practice. Fashionable hairstyles were abandoned in favor of simple pony tails, giving them an austere appearance befitting the White Sand Courtyard. Bordered on the east by the Praise Moon Temple, the courtyard’s only defining features were the fine white gravel for which it was named, and a dragon-shaped well.
The Praise Moon nuns practiced a secret style developed by the Founder’s consort after witnessing a fight between a snake and a crane. Jie suppressed a yawn. The nuns should probably stick to their duties of harvesting a unique species of tea leaves reserved for the Hua Imperial Family.
On this overcast morning, the princess, along with her sisters-in-law, her cousin Wang Kai-Hua, and the yappy Lin Ziqiu, all tied up their sleeves, exposing slender white arms. Wrist-to-wrist, they engaged in the pair exercise of Sticking Hands, supposedly to learn how to feel a partner’s intention through tactile sensation.
Eschewing elegance, the techniques appeared direct and efficient, not unlike Moquan fighting arts. Its economy of motion and relaxed power suited a woman’s smaller stature. Perhaps it was a worthy fighting style after all.
If only the princesses took it seriously.
Besides the otherwise flighty Ziqiu, they all laughed and chatted, much to the visible chagrin of their teacher. Heavens forbid they would ever have to defend themselves.
“I can’t believe the Madurans would be so bold as to attack you,” Lady Kai-Hua said as she deftly redirected one of Princess Xiulan’s punches.
Princess Kaiya’s technique was sloppy as she engaged Princess Yanli. “Cousin Peng believes it is because they feared our support of Ankira.”
“Lord Peng would like nothing more than to invade Madura.” Crown Princess Xiulan’s skill was no less clumsy against Lady Kai-Hua. “The attacks last night may turn the Tai-Ming to the Expansionist cause.”
Backing away from the Crown Princess, Lady Kai-Hua held up a hand and covered her mouth. “From what my husband tells me, Minister Hong has been working hard to push the Expansionists’ agenda.”
Lin Ziqiu’s lips curled. “Ewww. He’s gross.” Her hands moved like a maelstrom through the nun’s defenses, yet never seemed to be able to land a blow as her partner’s leisurely, nonchalant movements warded off all attacks. Jie appreciated how the nun cut through Ziqiu’s guard and slapped her on the shoulders with both hands like the whipping of a silk sash. Despite the seemingly innocuous movement, the blow struck with a loud hollow thud, sending Ziqiu staggering back four feet.
“Less haste, less emotion,” the nun droned with neither haste nor emotion.
Ziqiu stepped back toward the nun, ready to reengage, a frown contorting her otherwise pretty face; but the nun held a hand up, motioning for the ladies to relax.
“We must not judge people by the way they look.” Kaiya disengaged and regarded the girl. “Minister Hong is not all that he seems. In fact, I have summoned him to meet with me in two hours.”
“Whatever for?” Xiulan and Yanli spoke in unison. If their eyes could open any wider, they might actually be able to see their partner attacking.
“He has been my ears among the Tai-Ming.”
At Jie’s side, the handmaidens all murmured. Jie would make use of the princess’ speak freely command later to remonstrate her on trusting a minister to do spy work.
From the corner of her right eye, she saw a young page pattering along the far veranda. When he reached the steps, he dropped to his right knee, fist to the ground. His voice was high-pitched. “Minister Hong of the Tai-Ming Council requests an audience with Princess Kaiya.”
The princess bowed her head at the nun. “I did not expect the minister until after practice. Please allow us to finish early today.”
The nun placed a fist into her palm, and all the ladies returned the salute.
“I will receive him here,” the princess told the page.
He rose and scurried away, while the nun disappeared into the temple. The ladies straightened out their robes and alighted the temple’s veranda on Jie’s left. They knelt in a U-formation with Crown Princess Xiulan at the head, Yanli on her right, and Kaiya on her left. For Jie, it was a fascinating insight into imperial court rituals of rank and seniority.
Presently, Minister Hong tottered along the far veranda with his chin respectfully lowered. His gaze swept over the ladies, lingering on the princess just long enough for Jie to notice. Dirty old man.
He climbed down the steps into the courtyard and shuffled over to where the ladies sat. He stumbled to both knees and bowed. “Crown Princess, Princesses.”
Ziqiu rolled her eyes in a look of disgust that Jie needed no special training to discern.
“Rise.” As the highest-ranking lady, Xiulan dipped her chin once, allowing the old man out of his bow.
Princess Kaiya afforded him a tight smile. “You are early.”
“Forgive me, Dian-xia.” Hong’s straightening resembled a tortuous stretch Jie remembered from her youth. “I wanted to speak to you before the council meeting begins.”
The princess opened a palm toward him. “Speak.”
“As you commanded, I conferred with many of the hereditary lords last night. Most of them now want war with Madura.”
The princess twirled a lock of her hair, a subconscious habit Jie had already seen a few times. “I hoped we could avoid armed conflict. It puts undue burdens on the citizenry, and little on the ruling class.”
Hong’s head bobbed like a seal’s. “As the son of a fisherman near the border, I admire your concern for the commoners. I believe there may be a way for you to stop the march to war.”
“Me? They will not listen to a girl.” The princess’ already large eyes rounded.
The minister placed a hand on his chest. “You are far more than that. Yesterday, you disarmed angry lords with a laugh.”
Only a laugh? Jie favored Princess Kaiya with a discerning eye. Perhaps she’d grown in the last two years. Perhaps protecting her wouldn’t be such a waste of time.
“Even if that is true, what do you sugges
t I do?” the princess asked.
“The ambassador from the Kingdom of Bijura is an old friend, going back thirty-two years to the days when I was posted in Vyara City as a trade officer. They have relations with Madura and may be willing to mediate for us. In today’s meeting, please offer to negotiate with the Madurans on neutral ground.”
The princess twisted a stray tress. “It sounds like a promising idea. Why don’t you suggest it yourself?”
Hong placed his hand on his chest. “I am just a minister, one whom the hereditary lords disdain. They will reject it out of hand if I propose it. However, they will listen to you, as will the Tianzi.”
The princess stopped playing with her hair and let out a deep breath. “If that is the only way to avert hostilities, I will try.”
Hong beamed, exposing perfect teeth. “Very good, Dian-xia. However, there is still unrest in the capital. I ask that you consider another proposal: allowing the great lords to bring in more protection from their provinces. It will make them feel more secure, and more patient on punitive action against Madura.
“That sounds reasonable,” the princess said, even as Jie wondered just how many soldiers Hong considered to be sufficient.
Hong bowed low again, forcing Jie to hide a grimace at the motion’s awkwardness. “The princess is wise beyond her tender years. With your leave, I must talk to a few lords who may yet be swayed from war.”
After Minister Hong’s departure, the ladies gathered around the well to wet their throats and wash their hands.
“What did you think about the minister?” Princess Kaiya asked.
Young Ziqiu’s lip turned up. “Disgusting! His groveling makes my stomach turn.”
Jie couldn’t disagree.
Lady Kai-Hua shook her head. “He is adequately respectful, and seems to have the best interests of the nation at heart.”
Jie wondered about the accuracy of that. She would send one of her Moquan brothers to learn more about Minister Hong’s comings and goings.
The Crown Princess apparently agreed. “I would not trust him fully.”
Princess Yanli nodded. “You must be careful when dealing with him. As the Five Classics say, a wicked heart with good intentions is still wicked.”
Princess Kaiya sighed. “For the time being, I will assume the best. His suggestions do make sense, after all.”
The valet appeared again, dropping to his knee. “Dian-xia, Lord Zheng Ming wishes an audience with Princess Kaiya.”
Head jerking to the far veranda, the princess shot a hand up to her mouth. She fumbled with her sleeve, trying to loosen the cords that held it up.
The other princesses covered their giggles, trading knowing smiles. Crown Princess Xiulan beckoned in the direction of the royal retinue. “Handmaiden, bring a towel and assist Princess Kaiya.”
Jie watched the handmaidens from the corners of her eyes. One of them was supposed to respond. None moved.
The Crown Princess’ thin-painted eyebrows rose, like dagger points, her gaze stabbing into Jie.
It left little doubt who was responsible for Princess Kaiya’s towel. Gaping, Jie dropped to her knee, fist to the ground.
A soldier’s salute.
It lacked the refinement of a lady’s dainty bow at the waist, and the handmaidens exchanged glances which somehow combined shock and amusement.
Heat rose to the tip of Jie’s ears. She stood and attempted a bow, which even the stoic imperial guards reacted to with quivering lips.
Jie sucked on the right side of her lower lip as she straightened and descended toward the courtyard. When her foot touched the first of three steps down, her robe’s hem maliciously reached over and tangled up her ankle. She took the last two steps with a leaping butterfly twist and landed lightly in a Dipping Crane stance.
Who knew working in a dress would be so difficult? The gown would need modifications to allow for better mobility.
All eyes widened and mouths hung agape, none more so than those of Lady Ziqiu. “That is no Praise Moon Fist technique…”
The imperial guards reached for their swords, but were assuaged by Princess Kaiya’s glare.
The morning couldn’t get any more embarrassing. Jie shuffled over to the princess and offered her favorite silk kerchief, the one with a musky, manly smell.
“Thank you.” The princess received it and dabbed the sweat beading on her forehead. The way she cherished that rag…
Princess Yanli favored Jie through slitted eyes. “You are new. What is your name?”
“Dian-xia, my name is Jie.”
Princess Xiulan also stared at her. “What family do you come from? You do not honor them with—”
“It’s all right,” Princess Kaiya said. “Please help me with my sleeves.”
Jie nodded and moved behind the princess. The delicate knots looked impractical, but she pulled the wrong end, causing them to tighten.
“Dian-xia, Lord Zheng Ming is here,” the page said.
All attention shifted to the handsome lord, and Jie used the opportunity to flick out a knife from beneath her sleeve and slash through the cords. The sleeves tumbled down the princess’ thin arms, and Jie let out the breath she’d been holding.
The princess bowed, affording a view of Lord Zheng Ming. He knelt in salute, his topknot hanging over a shoulder. Most ladies would probably find his wolfish grin charming, even if it looked like a wild beast stalking prey.
Though not close to his eldest brother, Tian had always idolized him. After seeing him in person, Jie could not fathom why.
“Princesses, forgive me for interrupting your practice. Again.”
“We were just adjourning.” Crown Princess Xiulan’s tone bordered on flirtatious.
Yanli took Ziqiu’s hand. “Yes, we will leave you to speak with Princess Kaiya.” Her up-to-now stern voice softened. She, too, sounded enamored.
Zheng Ming bent over in a sweeping bow. “Yet again, I do not get to enjoy the pleasure of all of your company.”
Such a fop. Jie caught herself shaking her head in disdain. Luckily, she stood behind the princesses and had her back to the rest of the entourage. No one would see it. Her cover disappeared as all present but Princess Kaiya’s own imperial guards made their way to the veranda like a Spring Festival procession.
The princess leaned over and whispered. “We need to work on your etiquette. For now, go change into your utility suit.”
“I am supposed to be with you at all times, Dian-xia.”
The princess’ lips quirked. “And your skill is compromised in that dress. I am sorry to put you through this.”
Jie shook her head, almost contrite. “I have embarrassed you.”
“Not at all,” the princess said. “Go, change. I doubt Lord Zheng is a threat.”
Threats came in many forms. Not all of them caused physical damage. Jie shot a quick glance at the beaming lord. “Better for me to practice in this gown now, while there is no real danger.”
The princess narrowed her eyes. “I command you to change.”
To obey both the Tianzi and the princess, Jie would have to change right there.
It was a good thing she wasn’t shy about nakedness.
CHAPTER 13:
The Best Laid Plans
Hong Jianbin admired the princess seated on the dais beside the vacant Jade Throne. She looked beautiful as always, despite her ordeal the night before. After years of finding and sabotaging potential suitors, all of his planning would give him the standing to marry her himself.
A thump jolted Hong from his reverie.
Seated on the floor with the other hereditary lords, Lord Peng slammed his palm on the floor in an unsightly breach of etiquette. The young man must have been a stage actor in a previous life. His contrived rage at last night’s ambushes would be convincing to anyone unaware of his likely involvement.
“Perhaps,” Peng said, “the attempt on Lord Han means nothing to you. Nor the plan to take my life. But how can you ignore the targeting of you
r own sister?” He nodded toward Princess Kaiya.
Had he been present, the Tianzi would have cowed Peng or any other lord into silence with a tilt of his chin.
Crown Prince Kai-Guo, sitting at the front of the council next to the Tianzi’s empty throne, adamantly shook his head in a slip of imperial comportment. “The Five Classics say we are all children of the Tianzi, and he treats us as such. He does not place his daughter above you in his policy-making decisions.”
Lord Han, always a supporter of the throne, now jabbed an impertinent finger at the prince. “Pretty words, but the Five Classics also say a ruler’s actions must reflect his thoughts. What does the Tianzi plan to do about this?”
Prince Kai-Guo stared at Lord Han for a few seconds until the old man lowered his gaze. “He will pursue punitive action once we know who to punish.”
“Is it not obvious?” Lord Liang of Yutou, an Expansionist, snarled. “The perpetrators of the princess’ attack used Ayuri-made arrows. One dropped a purseful of gold coins stamped in Madura. Maduran Scorpions targeted Lord Peng and ended up attacking the princess. We know who the enemy is.”
“Excuse my impropriety in speaking out of line.” The princess’ voice carried over the murmurs, a melodic wave which drowned out all others. She bowed her head as the hereditary lords turned to face her. “I appreciate Lord Liang’s concern for my well-being. However, I will be the first to say Hua must tread with caution. My father’s spies foiled an attack perpetrated by our own people.”
“As were the other ambushes, starting with the one on Lord Zheng’s son,” Peng said, tilting his chin toward Lord Zheng. “Plenty of evidence indicts Madura. Madura’s money is behind this. As the Founder said, Cut off the head, and the demon will die.”
Prince Kai-Guo shook his head in an unsightly fashion again, making Hong wonder if the boy would ever have the composure to be Tianzi. “There is almost too much evidence. If we assume Madura is behind this, we may be overlooking something more insidious.”