Maid-in-waiting

A week after her visit to Madame Rong, Lu Wei went back. She had been using the skincare and tea, that Madame Rong gave her. For a week she used it and has been showing results, she was also well rested.

Madame Rong saw her glowing now and warm peachy complexion come back to her cheeks.

Madame Rong : "Now you look like a bride."

"When the dowry boxes arrived, I was stunned. Even the Emperor would want to posses it. Truly marvelous handiwork it is. I can see, the artistic talent was innate..."

"I have a question, where did you hide it?"

Lu Wei : "It was difficult. Until my mother was alive it was in our room, she hid it under an unsightly cloth. So no one tried to intrude. When shifting I think it was exposed but no one was there in the house when they were unloading furniture. So I immediately asked the carriers to place it in my quarters and hid it with old wood around and above it, using it as a table. Hiding in plain sight is always the best tactic."

Madame Rong : "I was tempted to have these boxes to myself. You did not mention that it was larger than regular clothing trunk. I need to fill it more with items of luxury, clothes, shoes, jewellry, paintings, ceramics, make up, skincare, essential oils, perfume oils and tea and what else...? Ah Yes! jade works and would you need a stone lamp stand?"

Lu Wei was caught off guard with the suggestion of stone lamp stand. "Your losing your mind! If I had known preparing dowry was such a task, I would have not told you."

Madame Rong : "I'm thinking so much because I don't want you to have a hard time in your in-laws. What if they bully you for poor in wealth, dowry?"

"That aside, you will get the boxes on the day of the wedding itself. I'm waiting for a special order that will arrive early in the morning of your wedding day."

Lu Wei : "How are we gonna place it then, for the wedding procession?"

Madame Rong : "Don't worry for now. I'll place two regular boxes and then we can switch it on the day of the wedding. My men will pay the porters off, that your Madame Lu hired and my men will join your wedding procession carrying the boxes themselves to the groom's house."

Madame Rong took out a box, and opened to show some deeds. She handed it over to Lu Wei. "Also, here, these are land deeds," said Madame Rong.

Lu Wei was shocked, "You brought land deeds? How much did the painting fetch?"

Madame Rong : "Oh, I haven't sold it yet. People keep biding higher price! I've become greedy. These all are from my money but don't worry. A good amount as commission is coming my way for your painting, so we are even. I might have also told a little white lie." Madame Rong had a little embarrassed expression and continued speaking,"That this maybe the Master Wei's last work... (with slight panic), I assumed after your married you will not continue business. I didn't think about it... so I'm sorry."

Lu Wei after a thought spoke, "No your right. How can I continue business. Aristocrats don't involve their women in businesses, this will be a burden for them. What you did was... (with a breath out) wise." She said that with a deep sigh. Her heart sank, it was a part of her that stayed along with her despite all troubles she faced.

To break the silence Madame Rong spoke, "Therefore, I brought land deeds, these are small farming lands in the prefecture of Hangzhou where my ladies have their home and the wine orchard. The farm lands have the tenants toiling the soil. I made a trip there last week after your visited. I have already informed them about the ownership change, the price of rent remains the same hence no one revolted, thank god. So here, put your stamp on this deed for transfer of ownership. And these tenant farming money, is a good regular side income. Just in case... you never know when the sky falls."

"Thank you, Madame," said Lu Wei sincerely. She felt secure and cared for. After her parents, she was well looked after and she felt blessed.

Madame Rong : "Also, I've arranged the maid-in-waiting for you. Let me introduce you to my daughter Fu Lin." A young girl entered the room, her facial features were uncanny, identical to her mother's. "She can cook, clean, sew, garden, farm, make wine of course, can read, write and can do calculations."

Lu Wei : "Nice to meet you."

Madame Rong : "My dear daughter, why don't you go down and make some dishes for lady Wei to taste your cooking."

Fu Lin bowed and smiled at Lu Wei as she left their presence

Lu Wei : "How old is she?"

Madame Rong : "Fifteen."

Lu Wei : "I wasn't aware of your daughter's existence."

Madame Rong : "I hid it. I didn't want her to be engulfed in my world..."

I met her father in this city itself. He was a lowly farmer came to write the imperial exams did not have much money on him. He failed the exams so he came to drink his sadness away. I liked him, he was different. First time someone asked, not to be assisted by a women but only wanted wine. He drank the cheap rice wine. I poured for him Osmanthus wine, out of favour did not charge him. Even in his drunk state, he did not lay a finger on me. I took him to my room he was drenched in wine and sweat. I took his clothes off, wiped him down and he fell asleep. Can you imagine he slept while I was right beside him! Next morning he was so apologetic but I took advantage of him. He did not have money to pay for his expense so he'd do labour around the house. I let him, of course I tried so hard seducing but he struck to his principle. It was refreshing. I got upset and I said you should leave. Because he didn't lay hands on me. Women are so strange I work in a business for being touched but I do not like any moment of it. But when in affection would desired to be touched. He came to me and said I didn't hold you because my hands of his overall appearance and his hands were rough and unsightly; how could he touch something as delicate as a flower... (after a pause) I pounced on him that very moment, I tell you, what heat took over me."

"Wait! You had the etiquette class, so you know what happens."

Lu Wei : "Yes I know, please skip those parts."

Madame Rong : "But it's quite educational! And quite the necessity!"

Lu Wei : "No need."

Madame Rong : "As you say."

Madame Rong : "Regards less, he was very gentle... men only knew how to be rough, no sense of delicacy, no sense of treating women nicely, always doing their bit and bushing off as if we a piece of dirty rag."

Lu Wei : (clears throat) "Ah hm!"

Madame Rong : "ALRIGHT! I'll continue."

Madame Rong :"It was on purpose, that I did not consume the contraceptive concoction that day. I firmly decided, if I were to be pregnant with this man's child. I won't regret it even, if he were to desert me."

Lu Wei : "Then what happened?"

Madame Rong : "He left after three days, he had to look after his sickly parents. I gave him money, I thought he took it but he left it in my room. After that I never saw him."

Lu Wei : "What was his name?"

Madame Rong : "Jin, that's all I know. I searched at the family registrar but I could not find him. So treat this encounter with him, as a fated meeting shared between divine and mortal. That's the only way I can cherish this memory, I do not think he was a bad man. It was circumstances that left us incomplete."

Lu Wei : "Fu lin knows?"

Madame Rong : "Yes."

Lu Wei : "Did she look for her father?"

Madame Rong : "Yes, when she was five and when she was seven. After that she understood. Life as a courtesan's daughter isn't normal.

Lu Wei : "Why do you say so!?"

Madame Rong : "Because the reason why she is here is..."

Madame was hesitated but she still spoke as it was something that she should not hide from Lu Wei, in whose care her little girl will be now in. "She is just like me... hopeless romantic." Madame Rong spoke and continued further, "She thought all men are gentle like her father."

Lu Wei : (bewilder) "You shared that intimacy story with her?"

Madame Rong : "Yes I need my child to know what goof affection and bad affection is."

"I didn't want her to fall in this world of mine so I birth her far away from the capital and the old ladies and the other retired women of the brothel brought her up some of them also have their children. Us prostitutes, believe that one day a man will come to save us, buy us off from this nightmare but they never return and they also give a gift and that grows in you. We were lead to this place not willingly but despite our willingness to leave we are bound here." With tears in her eyes Madame Rong spoke her reality.

Madame Rong : "Fu Lin grew up in the wine farm. She fell in love with a village head's son. He reciprocated the affection. They were to be engaged. So she took the courage to tell him about me, her origin. The identity of my daughter as a prostitute's daughter spread around the village she was mistreated by her fiancé and other villagers." With Madame Rong's voice cracking and shaking she contained. "She was so heart broken." Lu Wei held Madame Rong's hand to comfort her. "They said so many terrible things, like you don't know who your father is, how many men could it take to make a daughter?" Tears trickled down Madame Rong's face, Lu Wei always knew Madame to be a strong independent women, she has never seen her break character. But today she was a mother afraid of her child's future. "She didn't tell me this... all had happened... I closed the wine farm there and left with my daughter the rest of the ladies were send to another orchard." Madame Rong took out her handkerchief to wipe her tears, and composed herself.

Madame Rong : "I want her to be away from all harm. She's better off being your maid-in-waiting. I know she will do good. Im confident you will take good care of her and keep her safe." As Madame held Lu Wei's hand firmly, Wei understood the concerns of this mother well.

Lu Wei reassuring her said, "Yes!"

Madame Rong : "Don't bring her often, I don't want her to be attached to this place at all. Alright?"

Madame Rong : "She will be embarrassed when she comes, she knows I would tell you everything."

Lu Wei : "Don't worry. Have some tea." Wei took the tea pot holding the extended handle, from the tea burner. And pure a hot cup of tea.

Madame Rong : "

Lu Wei : "

Fu lin came back with two servers following her behind, with trays of delicious smelling food. She had prepared quite a feast! The dishes included, spicy braised fish, chicken made in soy and ginger, egg noodles, rice, stir-fry greens and tofu soup with Chinese herbs. Everything looked appetising and the tases was simply flavoursome.

Lu Wei : "All of these are delicious Fu Lin! Every dish has its own flavour and it blends in well with each other. It was truly a treat! I'm delighted to have such a cook by her side."

Madame Rong : "Go with her, Fu Lin. Be loyal to her and both of you protect each other." These were the words Madame Rong bid them farewell with. Rong hugged her little girl and kissed her forehead.

It was evening by the time the ladies left Madame Rong. The carriage was ready to take them home. The two boxes were loaded behind the carriage and the ladies sat inside. The boxes were filled with Fu Lin's daily wear and essentials. Fu Lin also carried a cloth bag around her shoulder.

Lu Wei : "Fu Lin, what are you carrying in that bag?"

Fu Lin : "My jade hairpin and two silver hairpin, a book, a container of perfume oil and a fading balm for scars, Lady Wei."

Lu Wei : "You do not need to be too formal with me. I know it will be difficult to adjust to the new place. However I do wish us to be like sister."

Lu Wei gave instructions to the carriage driver, "Take the route behind the Lu Residence, and briefly stop by the back southern gate of the residence."

Lu Wei : "Fu Lin, we will need to empty your contents of the shoulder bag your carrying, and place something else that your ok with being taken away."

Fu Lin did not question Lady's actions. The carriage stopped at the close to the southern gate of Lu Residence. Lady Wei got off the carriage taking Fu Lin's cloth bag. Wei placed that cloth bag in one of the brick stash in the boundary walls of the Lu Residence. This hollow in the bricks wall can be opened from both outside the mansion and inside. And cover the hollow with brick to hide it. She opened one of the boxes loaded on the carriage and took a cloth and packed it with two sets of clothing and a hair comb in Fu Lin's bag, which will serve as a decoy. Fu Lin saw all this from the carriage window, as she sat inside. Wei entered inside the carriage, and gave the bag to Fu Lin. "We can proceed to the main gate of Lu Residence now," said Lu Wei to carriage driver.

As they arrived to the main gate, every attention of the servants within the residence fell on the carriage that approached. Fu Lin stepped out first giving a hand to Lu Wei to assist her step down from the carriage. Carriage was being off loaded and the head of the storage came towards them. "Is this your dowry Lady Wei?"

Lu Wei : "Yes." Servants came in to carry the boxes to the service room. They checked Fu Lin from head to tow ready to chew her off. Lady and her maid-in-waiting went to the service room corridor. It was like a fiesta, the servants waited for the new maid.

Servant 1 : "It's too bad your Lady Wei's maid, she is the lowest in the hierarchy here."

Servant 2 : "She cannot percent you even if something were to happen to you."

Lady Wei : "And even Lu Mei cannot protect you, why would one bother with a low their maid after all. Her reputation will be tarnished."

Servant 2 : "YOU!"

Servant 3 : (pushes Fu Lin and her cloth bag falls) "Oh my bad, (mockingly), let's see what you have here... Look! a silk cloak. Quite a beautiful piece for a mere beggar. Frisk her!"

Servants 1 and 2 frisked did not get anything.

Servant 3: "As your tribute to us we'll take this silk wear. We'll look after you well."

Fu Lin : "That won't be a necessity, take it as me giving alms to the needy for my Lady's wellbeing."

Servant 3 : "Your quite bold." And stepped in to slap Fu Lin, when Lu Wei interrupted. Wei held Fu Lin's arm and pulled her towards her. Naturally when the slap was in motion servant 3 did not have time to stop her action and her flunked arm hit the pillar behind Fu Lin. It looked like it hurt her, causing immense pain, as she screamt. That was enough for the incharge of the house and other sub incharges to run at their location. Seeing the servants hurdling the lady and the new face, they understood what was happening.

In-charge of the house, old man : "What are you all doing at this late hour! Behind our backs. If your duties are done then I shall assign you to more tasks. A wedding is around the corner!"

Behind backs, he says but they know very well what was happening, they just did care enough. There was some truth there Lu Wei was indeed low in the hierarchy, therefore not yielding enough power to have these servants in tight rein. Maid servant of Madame Lu came in as well, she quickly went to the lady and asked her to meet the Madame.

Lu Wei : "I shall as soon as I place this in may room."

So Lady Wei and Fu Lin were left alone. Meanwhile house in-charge, old man will keep every servant busy in around the clock laborious tasks, so they do not get any ideas of bullying until the wedding day. H e wants no double that will taint the reputation of the Lu family.

Fu Lin : "They steal from servants! How low are they? You live with unity people, my Lady."

They were headed to Madame Lu's chambers, when Fu Lin made that remark.

At Madame Lu's chamber, Lu Wei introduced Fu Lin.

Lu Wei : "Madame let me introduce you to my maid-in-waiting who will be serving me at the groom's house."

Fu Lin : "Fu Lin, in your presence Madame Lu."

Seeing the new face Madame Lu immediately asked, "What is your pay? We won't spare a penny for you from our finances."

Fu Lin : "Lady Wei said she will provide me with food and a place to sleep. That is all I need, Madame."

Madame Lu : "Very well then, do serve Wei in her in-laws, when time permits ask my maidservant the duties of the married bride in their new house. Do not shame us there. You can take your leave."

And the two ladies left the prince of Madame Lu. They were back at Lu Wei's quarters.

Fu Lin : "Lady, you live in such a complex and troublesome house. It was a tiring day, I'll draw water for your bath my Lady."

This was the first time Wei was served in her bath. In the tub Fu Lin filled the tub with hot water, poured little milk and rose petals. "Where did you get milk and petals," asked Lu Wei. "I''m quite resourceful my Lady. Milk gets thrown out by the evening because it starts curdling. And since many household only use it for the morning by the time its evening it starts to become sour and cannot be consumed. I saw the cook who was going to throw away the milk when I asked him to give it to me as I have a use for it. Milk is good for skin. And the flowers were taken off from the arrangements from the table for the new arrangements will go on tomorrow morning."

Lu Wei : "Excellent work! Fu Lin."

Fu Lin : "Lady you just relax, milk will make your skin nice and plump and rose petals will add fragrance." Fu Lin applied the face pack, and also conditioned Lu Wei's hair with Osmanthus oil. She was after all a bride in four days. This calmness made Lu Wei dizzy and she drifted off to sleep.