Hello everyone! Sorry for the long wait, hope you enjoy this chapter!
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"And in the red string of fate that tied together the lovers danced the knots and twists that were Heaven's cruel joke."
The dancing blossom,
Alone it stands, uplifted,
Hidden from its roots
The walls whispered the secrets of the Holy Ones and the quiet murmur of the temple hummed through the Geisha's body as she silently slipped through the dark corridors leading to the Concubine's dwelling. Led by a silent monk, and a Eunuch behind them, Ichisumi breathed in the scents of incense and prayers. Grey smoke crept through the cracks of the walls to play amongst the living.
Soon, the monk stopped at a door and smiled. Ichisumi bowed her head, "Thank you, Holy One."
"My lady? May I enter?"
"Ichisumi? Is that you? Please come in." Urged an excited voice from inside.
"As you wish, Consort Jia Xin." The geisha softly pushed through the wooden doors that creaked their welcome.
"Ichisumi!" The Concubine Jia Xin embraced her dearest friend with a beaming smile, "Oh how I've missed you! How are the others? Is all well? My heart aches for a companion. Why are you here? Who sent you here?" Her porcelain skin glowed under the illumination of the candles surrounding her bedchambers, and although she was clothed in less extravagant gowns than the ones at the Palace, her entire demeanour seemed to be much happier.
Ichisumi smiled, "All is well in the Forbidden City. The ladies all extend their blessings. Her Highness, Empress Tian wishes for me to... update her on your wellbeing, and the progress made towards praying for the Late Dowager Empress. I will be accompanying Eunuch Wenbao on trips to and fro the City." Jia Xin's wide smile dimmed at the cold reality of Ichisumi's words - the concubine was not a free woman, despite her distance. "She says the Emperor worries for you."
Jia Xin scoffed, "Of course he does, as he lies with the ladies of the palace. He merely seeks the heat of my bed." Ichisumi did not speak. Jia Xin smiled and took the Geisha's hands, "Come, sit! We must talk!"
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"Oh Ichisumi! How wonderful it is to be away from the tension of the Palace! I have not breathed so easily since..." She trailed off for a split second, expression falling. "And yet, how I dread each day here. My mind is eased but my heart is not!"
They were sitting face-to-face in Jia Xin's chambers. As with her garments, the décor in the room was much simpler and minimal, with only a comfortable bed for the concubine, and simple cushions to sit on. Spare as it was, it was a welcome break from the lavishness of the Palace. Ichisumi started to play her shamisan, which was carried over on the Eunuch's shoulder.
"In the mornings, I pray to the Heavens for the peaceful slumber of the Empress Dowager and for the glory of the Jade Empire and I am content. Every night I sleep in peace comforted by sweet dreams of spring. Every morning I wake to the dew of dawn. Yet... My heart longs for what is not here. My dearest Ma Yuan... I wish to see him. He is so close, and at the same time so far away. I know it is impossible, our love, yet I cannot seem to admit to the end of our fate."
Ya Ting entered the room briefly, and they silenced their talking. Although the handmaiden knew about the concubine's love life, Ichisumi was neither lonely nor foolish enough to risk placing her trust in a woman easily swayed by higher influences. Their porcelain cups were filled to the brim with jasmine tea.
YOU ARE READING
Dining with Jade Royalty
Romance"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius Chang Jia Xin was born into duty. As the daughter of a well-respected nobleman, it was imperative that she followed the ancient Chinese customs for women...
