Ways of a Woman
The autumn air numbed my fingers. Qin hurried to hand me another cup of hot tea as I stretched out my hands.
The poor servants were suffering with me as I copied my 39th version of 'Ways of a Woman'.
Tightening my scarf around my neck, I pushed myself to write even though the brush trembled in my hand.
"Her Majesty is too cruel!" Qin hissed under her breath, sounding close to tears.
The gardens of Qi Feng Gong were cold, and the autumn had long killed off the plants and flowers.
The tree leaves were browning and scattering with the wind. My servants' footsteps crunched with each move they made.
Despite that, however, there was a very strong sweet scent in the air. My retinue noticed it too when we first stepped in.
Though the smell was strong, I thought nothing of it. Despite getting a headache, the scent slowly became part of the background.
My nose stung more than smelled after 8 hours in the cold autumn air.