Women's Politics

Dàilán slept the sleep of the exhausted and emotionally wrung out, only waking at the sound of a knock at the door.

"I am indisposed," she called out after waking in startlement and realising what had woken her.

"Apologies, Third Youngest daughter," replied an unfamiliar female voice, "The Clan Matriarch requests your company for breakfast at Chén initial."

A pulse of frustration pushed her lingering tiredness away. The last thing she needed was to deal with the games of the inner house. With control born of long practice, she forced her voice to reply evenly. "The Young Mistress accepts her Grandmother's kind invitation."

There was a quiet rustle of footsteps leaving the door. Dàilán swore internally as she quickly left her bed, moving over to the window and open the shutters to look at the courtyard water clock.

Seeing the time mark, her eyes widened. It was the first kè in the second half of Mǎo already. That gave her barely three kè to get ready from scratch. Tapping the maid servant call in a rarely used urgent pattern, she darted for the bath and triggered the hot water pump, thankful for the Essence powered plumbing and heating that meant she did not have to wait for servants to heat and bring the water for bathing as was common even in some lesser noble houses.

She discarded her robe, jumping into the filling bath as she heard hurried footsteps and low female voices outside her suite. Thankfully, the maids had responded quickly - possibly motivated more by concern than duty as she rarely used the maid call, let alone the urgent one. Usually Chén'er was sufficient for her requirements if she could not handle something herself.

Ruthlessly suppressing the tears that threatened to fall at the thought of the reason why Chén'er was not here this morning, Dàilán started scrubbing herself briskly with the scented soap she usually avoided.

"Young Mistress?" came a concerned query from outside her bathroom.

"The Madame has summoned me for breakfast in less than three kè. I require assistance to be presentable to her… expectations," replied the young lady, elbowing off the water pump. "Please lay out appropriate dress, accessories and makeup while I wash."

A stifled gasp and hurried whispers resulted in one set of hurried footsteps leaving. A brisk voice said "Chàng has gone to get Ài - she is best at hair and makeup. I will select appropriate dress - may the young mistress please hurry."

"En." Rapidly dunking her face and hair, as she had not had a chance to wash it since yesterday's workout, she efficiently shampooed it - pushing Essence through her hair to keep it steady and straight while she pulled the cleansing liquid through it - not something she usually did, but in the interests of time, she made an exception.

After a moment's thought, she sprinkled a few drops of an expensive Essence based perfume into the bath water and churned the water over her body to exfoliate her every inch and embed the scent deeply into her skin. Occasionally, being skilled in advanced Essence manipulation brought unexpected dividends - she would like to see the flower vases pull that off with their 'appropriate Cultivation techniques'.

It was a sure bet that grandmother was expecting for her to have been caught unprepared - obviously she knew that Dàilán had not eaten for the last day and did not have the services of her maid-in-waiting. She ignored the spasm of hunger that drove through her body as she manipulated Essence - she would not let the old crone have the satisfaction.

Bathing complete, she stepped out of the bath quickly, drying off her body with a blast of Essence that threw all the moisture off her body, leaving her hair wet - unfortunately that trick did not play well with hair.

Two more sets of rushing footsteps announced the return of, presumably, Chàng with Ài as she stepped from the bathroom and into the traditional underclothes the other maid held out, wrapping it around Dàilán efficiently.

"Young Mistress? The purple or blue robes, the others are not suitable." the maid helping her dress asked as the other maid went for her hair with a towel. The last maid - Ài she supposed - an older, elegantly coiffed and made up lady went for Dàilán's dresser.

"Immortality and advancement over divinity and advancement, please."

The maids giggled. "Planning to tweak the old dragon a bit, Young Mistress?" they enquired even as they begin helping her into the elaborate, elegant blue robes.

"Not like she does not deserve it, pulling this. I will make a point of apologising for not having anything else suitable to wear on such short notice, but it would serve her right if I chose the purple."

"The other heiress' would choke either way," Young Mistress said the older woman as she pulled an elaborate purple headdress out, "Let us do both, then."

Dàilán coughed, eyes wide. "Do you have time to organise such an elaborate hair arrangement? I must be there within two kè."

"Relax, mistress," Ài winked. "You are not the only one with a few Essence tricks up her sleeves. Additionally, your complexion is excellent, we will only need just enough makeup to satisfy 'proper presentation'. Matron has also sent someone to inform Chén'er - she will meet you at the phoenix gate."

Dàilán started, causing the maids dressing her to hiss in warning as they tied the last fittings of the robe. "Careful, mistress."

Ài waved her hands, guiding her to the makeup seat, "Do not worry, the Master has given approval. Now hold still."

---

Within the kè, Dàilán was walking decorously - subtly using Essence to keep everything perfect - towards the gate to the Women's Pavilion of the main house. Stopping in front of the euphemistically named Phoenix Gate, she settled a composed expression on her face, using her indignation at this entire farce fuel her dignified mien.

A moment later, a beautifully - if not as elaborately, black robed - Chénli, appeared and bowed deeply to her. Dàilán returned the bow, attempting to go fractionally deeper, but Chénli held her carefully by the shoulders to prevent her from continuing and pushed her gently back upright. "All is forgiven, sister," she murmured.

Dàilán nodded, bringing one hand up to cover her lips and murmuring in return. "Likewise. You acted correctly."

"Now is not the time for this, mistress. You look regally irritated by the way - should make certain parties choke on their smug little plots." Chénli flashed her a small satisfied smile behind her own hand.

Dàilán flushed slightly. "I was trying to keep that out of my face. Is it that obvious?"

Her lady in waiting winked. "Only to those who know you well. The rest will just be envious you look and smell better three kè after leaving bed than they do after a full shi of pampering."

The Heiress snorted. "Do not make me laugh. Honoured Grandmother will pick on the smallest smudge of makeup."

"Then is she out of luck. Let us go tweak the dragon's whiskers." Moving forward, Chén'er dropped her hand, knocked on the gate and spoke loudly in a clear Essence enhanced contralto, "The Young Mistress attends at the request of her Grandmother, with her lady in waiting."

There was a fractionally too long pause and the two girls exchanged knowing glances as the gate swung open.

"They were not expecting both of us - and early," muttered Chén'er, a small hand fan magically appearing to wave across her face as they stepped onto the path through the traditional garden.

"I was not expecting you either," replied the heiress as they crossed an ornamental bridge, "I am glad Father released you."

"It was a shock to me as well - he seemed rather preoccupied and apologetic when he asked me to go watch your back the moment he got wind of what his Mother was pulling. I am only glad Essence healing salves work swiftly." She shook her head at Dàilán's surprised glance, "No time - watch out for snakes…"

Dàilán composed her face into a serene mask as they glided into the pavilion's main entry and stepped past the atrium into the main courtyard where the Matriarch held court on days when the weather was pleasant.

Stopping the required nine paces from the dais where a beautiful Cultivator sat on a throne-like chair, with the Cousins and maids arrayed around her, the Heiress made the formal Clan Junior to Elder bow required, Chénli a pace behind her, "Granddaughter greets Grandmother and extends her wishes for a long life."

"Grandmother greets Third Granddaughter and accepts her gracious wishes," responded the elaborately dressed lady with the ancient eyes as she tapped her dragon claw finger sheaths on the armrest of her chair and inclined her head. "Rise, Third Granddaughter."

The words were polite but the eyes were sharp as they scanned over her presentation, surprising Dàilán with a clear nod of approval. "Your comportment gives us face - although it is an interesting choice of colours."

"Regretfully, Grandmother, the choices available to me on hand were limited - I dared not tarry to fetch something more appropriate."

A sharply pitched voice butted in "Really, Third? I would be happy to lend you some of the dresses I no longer need."

Dàilán turned slightly to address her eldest cousin standing a few arm spans away to the right of the chair, with her own maids. "I thank you for your offer, but it was merely that I did not wish to make Grandmother wait. Perhaps the kitchen might be in need of some new rags?"

The oldest daughter of First Uncle paled, thin, envious eyes narrowing as she opened her mouth to retort, but snapped it shut at the sound of a fingernail sheath tapping against wood.

"It is unseemly to bicker at breakfast Third Daughter," came the sharp reprimand in a deep and firm voice, "But I had heard you were feeling indisposed earlier. It would certainly excuse a short temper."

Dàilán inclined her head respectfully. "I have not eaten yet, Grandmother. Possibly that would be to blame."

One cold eyebrow raised and there was a stir among the other guests. After a moment, the older lady tilted her head lightly and stood. "It is indeed time for breakfast."

The Matriarch swept off the dais imperiously, prompting a rustle of silks and tinkling of bells as the other women all arranged themselves to follow her into the Pavilion's dining room.

Dàilán and Chénli fell appropriately into place near the rear of the procession, just before the miscellaneous servants brought by the other Heiress'.

Under the cover of the magpie-like chatter of the group, Dàilán leaned over and asked "Are your wounds giving you any trouble? They will make you stand…"

Her lady in waiting, maid and friend shook her head minutely, "Only a little stiff - the healing salve was applied last night - as your only guard, your Father ordered that I was not to allow myself to be incapacitated over a disciplinary action."

The maid paused, her eyes flitting around to check their surroundings as the procession entered the dining room then continued, "As for the food, one of the servants gave me a rice ball while I dressed. It will suffice though this farce of an 'appropriate meal'. We will have to have a proper early lunch when we return."

The procession arranged itself along the long, elaborately carved table, with each Heiress sitting appropriately in the equally carved and uncomfortably narrow, high-backed Heir chairs for each Clan line - since male Heirs were not present. Ladies-in-waiting sat in the chairs alongside them with regular maidservants standing behind their chairs to serve.

This meant that Dàilán sat several empty seats away from where First and Second sat along the left and right sides of the head of the table with Chénli as her only maid standing behind her.

There was an affected bout of laughter from the Second Mistress seated along the left side at the head of the table, several empty seats up from Dàilán. The closest lady in waiting from Second's entourage of four ladies-in-waiting, with matching maidservants behind each chair - two for the Second Lady - was five seats away.

"Dear me, Third, does Third Uncle not give you enough funds to hire more servants?" The Second Heiress spoke loudly, her round face shining with suppressed malice, "You look positively common, seated alone. Do you intend to serve your own food?"

Dàilán held up a small hand as she heard Chénli shift her body behind her, infusing her calm voice with Essence to be heard. "It is not a question of hiring. I am simply very particular about who I allow into my service."

There was a snort from the First Heiress' entourage, as the thin, pinch-faced First Heiress who had baited Dàilán earlier spoke up, "Third has that much right at least. You cannot buy loyalty - not that you seem to understand that, Second."

The plumper Heiress huffed. "You are merely envious of my Father's success in business. As you clearly you cannot afford to wardrobe your servants as benefits your status."

She flicked satisfied eyes over her own group - bejewelled elaborately and dressed in multiple layers of the lightest silks - then sneered at the First Heiress's smaller entourage of two ladies-in-waiting and three maidservants dressed richly but more conservatively in thicker silk robes and semi-precious stones.

Dàilán rolled her eyes choosing to ignore the pointless discussion, if one could call it that. Another sharp rap of finger sheaths against wood caused the argument to subside as servants began bringing out the food, passing it to the maids behind the chairs.

The young mistress suppressed a sigh as Chénli lay the plate in front of her, muttering as she bowed down beside her chair. "It is clear. Enjoy." The last word was definitely smirked.

"Very amusing, Chén'er," she shot back sotto voce as she grimaced down at the tiny, elaborately wrapped pickle, accompanied by plum sauce and barely a mouthful of rice.

Glumly, she picked up her chopsticks and ate the minuscule amount of food as slowly as she could, timing her last 'bite' to her Grandmother's, who she kept a careful watch on out of the corner of her eye.

"It is of course important to be selective," came the older voice as the Matriarch leaned back, allowing her ladies-in-waiting to replace the dishes and utensils. This was the signal for the other servants along the table to do the same, handing the used kitchenware off to the servants bringing in the clean items.

The old lady, for all that her Cultivation kept her looking young, nodded her head approvingly at the First Heiress, who straightened and preened slightly - a smug expression on her face, accentuating the mole under her left lips. "However, it is equally important not to be over selective." The old lady's gaze regarded Dàilán coolly.

"Yes, we do hear about how Third Daughter does not consider any of the First-Rank Clan Heirs good enough for her," said the First Heiress sharply, "Perhaps if she was willing to select one, the rest of us might have a chance."

Second Heiress scoffed, "Well, it is true how there is simply no accounting for taste." She flashed an envious look at Dàilán. "Still, it seems quite unseemly that we must wait on the youngest."

Dàilán smiled quietly and dipped her head toward the seats further up the table, "I quite agree Cousin. Perhaps you might inquire to your Father why he insists on advancing my suite over either of yours, despite the clear inappropriateness. Neither Father nor First Uncle," she dipped her head toward the First Heiress on the other side of the table, "Can seem to be able to convince Second Uncle, that you are both much better choices to cement an alliance."

Her Eldest Cousin narrowed her eyes, while the younger gave an undignified squawk, "Father would never! We have an understanding with Ji - as soon as you are wed…"

Her voice trailed off uncomfortably as Dàilán met her gaze coolly. "Let me make myself clear. I am too young to wed. Especially when there are two much better prospects within the Clan. I personally have no interest in being wed at this point - although I would do so for the good of the Clan if it becomes necessary."

"You speak as Line Heir?" came the sharp question from the table's head as the next course was passed in, Chénli gently placing the plate and utensils in front of her.

Dàilán ignored it as she dropped her head towards the Matriarch in response. "I do."

"They call her 'Mist Orchid'" whined the Younger Cousin, "It is unfair…"

"That is a fancy based on a few over-flattering poems that some drunk poet came up with, Cousin," Dàilán said gently to the slightly plump girl. "Certainly, either of you are more beautiful, objectively speaking, than I - I am sure both of you would agree to that."

Both Cousins faces' twitched with conflicting emotions, their own vanity and egos locking their responses against disagreeing with her as they usually did - especially as they would have to admit she was the better looking girl at two and three years their junior. "Well… of course..."

"Then I would be very thankful to both my Big Sisters if you would make your stances on this subject clear to both your Fathers," Dàilán bowed towards the head of the table again, then picked up the chopsticks and busied herself with the new dish.

A moment passed as the taps and clicks of food being consumed dominated the hall.

"Your Mother and I did not see eye to eye on most things, Granddaughter," came from the head of the table as Dàilán lay her utensils down and gave the Matriarch her full attention, "However, I did approve of her insistence that daughters should have their marriages approved by Mothers, not set by men. I will speak to my sons and their wives. The matter is closed."

"Yes, Matriarch," chorused the three Heiress' in unison.

"No more business. It is time to eat," the Elder commanded.

---

Dàilán and Chénli burst into her suites and closed the door, looking thankfully at each other.

"Thank the Heavens, I thought that meal would never end," breathed the Heiress as she collapsed on the bed."

"So very well done though, Mistress - whatever they had planned evidently did not work out as they expected," congratulated her maid, "Up - you do not want to ruin your dress." She pulled

Dàilán off the bed and quickly began untying the robe - but Dàilán brushed her hands off and walked over to the maid call, tapping the pattern for requesting assistance.

"You are hurting and need to change as well - plus the maids that helped me this morning deserve to know how effective their efforts were," she explained at Chén'er's surprised expression.

"Ài in particular…"

"Yes, Young Mistress?" came the voice of the maid in question as the three from this morning appeared at the door.

Dàilán swept a bow towards the three. "I am grateful for your excellent work this morning - not only did it save me no end of difficulties, Grandmother actually complimented my presentation."

Chén'er giggled, good humour restored, "Actually I think it might have kept them all on the back foot all the way through," she pointed out.

Dàilán nodded, "I even managed to manoeuvre a significant concession out of the Matriarch and the Cousins, instead of being railroaded. So thank you, all."

Chén'er coughed and said tiredly, "Actually, mistress, you might be right about needing some help..."

The other maids quickly leapt to their sides, assisting them with changing out of the elaborate robes and Dàilán worriedly looked at her friend.

"Just fatigued with everything that has happened over the last couple of days," Chén'er reassured her quickly - she turned to present her unmarked back as the other maids peeled the last layer of the robe off, "See?"

Moments later they were clad in house gowns, the two of them were having their faces cleaned of makeup and hair taken down by the maids.

"Actually, Second… I mean your cousin, had a point, if a tiny one. You should have more personal maids and ladies-in-waiting. Compared to Ài, my hair and makeup skills are clearly lacking and it is usually much harder to get out of those robes," said Chénli thoughtfully, "I am your bodyguard first - if I could concentrate on that…"

Dàilán blinked. Carefully she said, "And what about the exercise routines?"

A polite cough sounded from behind her, where Ài was combing her hair. "None of the Third Residence has ever mentioned Young Mistress' use of the cultivation garden in the mornings to the other Masters or Mistresses."

Chén'er laughed. "I have told you before, the servants know everything. I would suggest that Ài is suitable to become a lady-in-waiting, if the others are willing, you could request them as personal maids."

"We are willing, Young Mistress," sounded out in chorus behind them.

"They do say that the reward for good work is more work," laughed Dàilán. "Very well, if Ài is willing she will be a true lady-in-waiting alongside Chén'er. Chénli is head maid - what she says has priority - especially in regards to my safety. All of you may also move into the personal servants area for Third House - you will need someone to organise it - it has been empty since Mother died"

The three maids bowed, "We thank the young Mistress."

Chénli got up. "I am for the kitchen - I am starving."

Dàilán jumped up to follow, "Likewise - I need to tell Matron about the new arrangements also and thank her for letting you know about this morning. I need to thank Father at dinner."

Her bodyguard laughed, "I say he will thank you first."

The five girls headed for the kitchens together, the other three tentatively a pace or two behind. Dàilán turned to face them, "As I think of it - you may have to deal with some issues with being assigned to me from the servants of the other clan lines - I am sure you know of the situation."

The others exchanged glances and nodded, Ài dipping her head elegantly, "We are not worried about that, Young Mistress."

"Any issues let Chén'er know, regardless," instructed the Heiress.

Chénli laughed. "There is a reason none of those servants have bothered me for a long time - I will make sure the same goes for - anyone else - who causes trouble."

Dàilán sighed as the group crossed into the light of the Golden Crow, entering the servant's courtyard, eliciting an immediate uptick in conversation around them from the other servants. "Chén'er, we need to have a proper discussion after lunch. And I need to exercise as well - something light? Push hands maybe?"

Chénli bowed, "As you wish, Young Mistress."

Dàilán sighed again, "If we were doing what I wished, we would be out in Jianghu hunting for relics - not this."

"Tomorrow is another day, Young Mistress."