Slaves, Servants, Maids

"What was your trip for?" Guang He asks as he takes a bite of rice. It was dinnertime. Lan takes her bite of braised pork and responds, "I visited Mother."

Guang He and Jing's chopsticks froze midair. "Your mother? Empress Ronglan?" Lan nods. The men are in shock, the nerve of this girl is not to be compared with; Security for the palace is tough as is, not to mention the Empress. Lan is indeed commendable at the very least.

Guang He continues, "How is she? Is she alright there?" Lan smiles covering the emotions that are about to burst, "Yes, she's quite well. The emperor is making her act sick as a coy…but..yeah, she's fine."

"Does the visit change your plan?" "No. There's an order to things..had she been in immediate danger I would've rescued her then and there, and think of something after. But like you said, mother's an empress. He won't do anything. Perhaps that's the double-edged sword here."

Breaking his silence, Wei Jing added, "..I see…Your mother's position as empress protects her, but it'll also stir up problems continental-wide if she's gone." Lan nods.

A small moment of silence passes. But Lan speaks up, "Grandfather, can I go out tomorrow to shop for fabrics?" "Mm.." Guang He looks up shocked, "Hm? For a dress?" He chuckles, "Who knew such day would come."

The next morning, Lan went for swords practice with the guards. By noon, she cleans up and preps for her outing.

"Oh, Miss! We would've never thought such a day would come!" Miyu and Chiu are excited. "Now, now, don't get too excited. It all plays a part, otherwise, I'd never," Lan winks. "Miss, can I tend to you this time? You've always brought Miyu jiejie…I'm old enough now."

"Miss, perhaps you should take Chiu for experience, I can stay home and prep for your attendance at the Selection." "Mm, alright. Let me grab my hat, and we'll head out."

Chiu jumps up and down in excitement, "Here, I'll get it." And they head out towards the door.

Their way was blocked by Jing with his armed crossed, and eight guards behind him. Lan walks up near, and leans in to whisper, "Grandfather?" He nods. Lan relieves a deep sigh.

She walks out to the markets and down the streets to the renown shop that only the rich could afford. The grand store has fabrics of all colors and materials aligned in shelves that cover all four walls. The guards stand outside while Lan and Chiu walk in with awe.

"Miss! Miss!" Lans leans in, "Shh. I know."

There were many young misses, like Lan, shopping for fabric. Assumingly, for their appearance at the Selection too. The event where all high-ranked, noble, young misses or masters are selected to be a princess's or prince's trusted companions. Many benefits come with the role, so it's no surprise many would put a lot of effort to win the royal's favor.

Other young misses shop in the brighter and eye-catching side, while Lan, all by her lonesome with Chiu, looks at the side where it's contrasting. "Miss, you don't want to shop on that side too? These colors are dull compared to what they're picking out."

Behind the veil of the hat, Lan smiles at the girl's naivety. She whispers, "A light can only be seen when there's darkness." Chiu stood in confusion. Lan silently giggles, and pulls out some fabrics of shades of light blue, pink, and purple.

"Madam, we will get these. You can send the receipt to the Wei manor", Chiu announced. Everyone stares at the pair. Wei?

As Chiu organizes, a lady in a dazzling pink/purple dress, accessorized in a lot of ornaments and pieces of jewelry, comes up to Lan with a maid behind her. She curtsies, "Miss Lan, I am Zhao Li Shan. Please to be of your acquaintance." Zhao Li Shan, Prime Minister Zhao's daughter.

Lan reciprocates with a curtsy. "Good afternoon Miss Li Shan." Li Shan observes Lan's fabrics, "My, if Miss Lan needed help in choosing fabrics, you could've called for me." A near mock to Lan's choices.

Li Shan remembers clearly how Lan embarrassed every girl at the party with her act. "Thank you for the offer, but my maid and I have a handle on it." Li Shan laughs, "A mere slave cannot do you much good in terms of style, Miss Lan. Perhaps, she is the reason for the rumors that lingers in the streets. You must punish her or your name would only be continued to be dragged in the mud." Chiu lowers her head.

Lan pulls Chiu chin up, "Only the ignorants believe the words of lies. My maid only aids me while I'm the one choosing these beautiful fabrics. Should I punish myself then? And they all come from the same shop and seamstress that you're shopping from. Perhaps you should look for another place? My grandfather has connections outside the city."

Li Shan, smart enough to understand the poison behind Lan's words. "You-you--hmph! Such a coward covering yourself with that hat!" Lan smirks, "If that's what you truly believe, feel free. Now if you excuse me." Lan curtsies and nonchalantly walks out.

Everyone in the shop overheard their conversation, and giggles are heard throughout. Some thought Lan wasn't to be trifled with, while some thought she was too arrogant. Some felt second-hand embarrassment for Li Shan.

On record, a Prime Minister is ranked higher than a military man. But everyone knows too well the power of the Wei clan. For Li Shan to act like that, she must've wanted a death wish.

"I'm going to the tailor shop. Go back when it's less crowded and pick out a dark blue fabric for me", she instructs Chiu. "Any specifications miss?" "No, pick the one you think looks good. I trust you." Chiu nods and smiles at her Miss's promise of trust.

She can't help but feel she's blessed for such Miss. It's a fortune to be a slave at the Wei's as is, though they don't classify the servants as slaves. They even pay them. But, Miss Lan? She treats them as if they're equals, something no one does in this society.

In her room, Miyu and Chiu begin to organize and pack. "Ah, you can leave the pink and purple fabric out. It's not for the Selection." They get confused and oblige anyways. But one curiosity got the best of them, "Miss, why didn't you tailor these into a dress?"

Lan giggles, "They're for you", she smiles. "Purple for Miyu jiejie, and pink for Chiu meimei." "What?!"

Miyu responds, "No, miss, we can't. Such expensive fabrics are not fitted for us sla-" Lan puts a hand up, "Ah-please, let's not use that word. Take it as an appreciation for your help all these years, or me buying your loyalty to keep my secret. You can use it to make yourself a new dress, or sell it for money. It's up to you, they're yours."

The girls drop to their knees to thank Lan. "Please, don't, stand up. Let's continue packing, we have to leave early tomorrow."

They curtsies, "Yes, Miss."