The Last Concubine Read Online Free PDF

until her hair was neatly piled up again.
    “Thank you, Ning. You may go,” Lan’xiu said. Then she put a hand over her mouth and glanced at Mei Ju in dismay for the insolence of having given an order within the first wife’s home.
    Mei Ju laughed as Ning fled the room, no doubt in fear that his mistress would be punished for this presumption. “Allowances will be made for you. Hüi Wei will not resent your giving your servant an order, even in his presence. You have been used to being a princess.”
    “I humbly apologize for this transgression.”
    When it seemed that Lan’xiu meant to prostrate herself on the floor again, Mei Ju stopped her. “I mean you no harm, child. We are sister wives. You are one of us now, and it is my responsibility as first wife to make you welcome and educate you to our customs.”
    “I thank you,” Lan’xiu said, her voice shaking and her eyes downcast.
    “Do not be so humble when you meet the other wives. Second Wife Ci’an should have been named ‘Shark’. Weakness is like blood in the water to her, and she will hunt you down ruthlessly if she senses any vulnerability.”
    Lan’xiu looked alarmed but said, “How would she manage that, guarded and hemmed in as we are?”
    “She would find a way, have no fear, or she would if Hüi Wei did not take care to have our doors locked at night.” Mei Ju clapped her hands. “I have sent for tea and cakes. It is cold without, but we sit by a nice warm fire within and should enjoy ourselves. You will address me as first wife before others, particularly my husband, Hüi Wei, but my name is Mei Ju and I would like you to call me that.”
    “Beautiful chrysanthemum,” Lan’xiu murmured. “That is a lovely name.”
    Mei Ju sighed. “Yes, named after a common chrysanthemum that may be found anywhere. And round like the flower.” She patted her curved hips with regret.
    “But chrysanthemums are cheerful and bring much happiness. Forgive so forward a comment in one who does not know you, but comfort clings to you like a silken garment. It is impossible to feel unhappy in your presence.”
    Mei Ju stared at Lan’xiu in astonishment once again. She could see no guile in the girl’s face; in fact, she did indeed look a bit happier than she had when she first came in. “How very odd,” she said.
    “That was an odd thing to say?” Lan’xiu asked anxiously.
    “No, it was a beautiful compliment and gracefully said. The odd thing is, that is precisely what my husband tells me,” Mei Ju said softly.
    A welcome diversion came in the shape of five children who burst into the room. “Mama! Mama! Where are our cakes?” they shrieked.
    “Quiet, you bad children, you must be patient and wait to be invited,” Mei Ju scolded with no real expectation of being taken seriously.
    The three boys immediately tumbled over the long divan, wrestling their way onto the floor while two little girls came to Mei Ju’s chair and snuggled into her embrace, one on each side.
    Lan’xiu laughed with delight at their antics, and Mei Ju beamed at her. “You like children?”
    “I love them,” Lan’xiu said, chuckling at the boys’ exploits.
    “I hope the gods grant you many,” Mei Ju said formally.
    A flicker of pain crossed Lan’xiu’s face, and after a slight pause, she replied, “That is very kind of you. I hope so too.”
    A servant arrived just then, bearing a tray with a steaming pot of tea, cups, and several plates with a variety of cakes.
    “Red bean cakes,” the plumper of the two girls said in a pleased voice. “And sesame!”
    “You may each have one, but you will need to wait for Princess Zhen Lan’xiu to make her selection first,” Mei Ju instructed.
    “A really, truly princess?” the other girl asked, staring at Lan’xiu.
    “Yes,” Mei Ju said, forestalling Lan’xiu. “She is the new wife to your father. She has just come to us. You may get your tea and your cake and then return to the playroom.”
    “Must they leave?”