Shattered Jade House
The guzheng could be heard even from the courtyard of the building. I was alone, calf-deep in freezing water as I stomped on the dirty white sheets in a wooden wash basin, hands on my hips to keep my balance.
The cold water made it hard for my mind to wander, so I was glad for the distraction. I had had nightmares for the past four days here.
I would wake up, mouth open in a silent scream, having dreamt about the Crown Prince of Jin Tang crawling his way up my body like a serpent.
Nian Zhen was out demanding payment from the men who had refused to pay. Besides the two of us, there were three other servants who worked the back, but they were off sewing and fixing items for the courtesans.
The courtesans at Shattered Jade House woke up at the hour of the Snake and worked through the night. As it got closer to evening, the girls began putting on make up and choosing their costume for the day.