Lovely Blossoms

Fen Hua stared at the various pieces of embroidery Jingfei had brought her. The last one was by far the most intricate and beautiful. It was a vibrant and life like peac.o.c.k. Each feather looking as though hours of work had been put into making it. She sat near the door allowing the light to reflect on the fabrics. She noticed the way that the smooth surface of the peac.o.c.k embroidery glimmered making the piece feel alive.

The other two pieces although much simpler were beautiful in their own right. The rougher fabric of the Head Maid left a flat feeling to the designs. The softer fabric of the Second Miss was a soft linen, though pleasant feeling it caused the stitches to easily get snagged and become fuzzy.

The cost of the first fabric was no doubt much more expensive then the others. It wasn't a viable choice for her to choose to work on now. She carefully folded the clothes and neatly tucked them away for Jingfei to return to their owners tomorrow.

Jingfei had also brought her various strings and cloths and needles to begin working with. There was already a stretched ream in the room for her to put the fabric on. She imagined Fen Hua's mother had used it, though she had never actually seen her do it.

For the next few months Fen Hua spent her time working on building her skill in embroidery. She was able to pull from her knowledge of the modern world various stitches that had not been created until later. She worked these into beautiful, but unremarkable results.

During the evening Jingfei would come and sit with her, the two had grown closer with one another despite the difference in their status. For Jingfei she was able to overlook Fen Hua's status because at one time she was able to converse with the more wealthy and affluent women all the time. Though she would never suppose herself an equal to them, she was often given preferential treatment to gain favor with first selections of the rarer and more expensive fabrics and clothes that her father brought from neighboring countries.

Fen Hua could overlook the difference in status because she could care less. In her mind they were both the same, just like if they were two teenage girls in the modern world forming a friendship.

In all the time she had been here, witch she figured was close to six months, not a single family member had come to see her. She had watched silently from her small garden area as they would come and go. The First Miss, Mingzhue, had been married off to the Hong household which left only her and the Second Miss Hualing. The Third Miss had died shortly after birth and had never been given a name. Mingzhue and Hualing shared the same mother, the First Lady, and rightful wife, Meirong.

There were two other wives and one concubine. These women were rarely seen. There was a deep animosity between the secondary wives and the First Wife. It was suspected, though never proved, that the death of the Third Miss, and the lack of no other children being born after, aside from Fen Hua, had been the First Wife's doing.

The First Wife Meirong was a pretty but tight faced woman who had come from a high ranking official's home when Baek Zhiqiang, Fen Hua's father, had been at the peak of his affluence. The great disdain for Fen Hua was constantly fanned by First Wife because she was blamed for everything that she had lost, including the chances for her daughters to marry well. Which was also the reason that she was so willing to rush the wedding of the First Miss.

There were no sons born to the household as of yet. But there had been three different miscarriages from the other wives over the years. Which of those might have been a son, no one could say, though the Concubine Jiao was certain her child would have been a male.

It was on a night with a cloudy haze and few noticeable stars that Jingfei along with the Head Maid hurriedly came to her quarters. Head Maid carried a bundle with her, and Jingfei an elaborately decorated box. Fen Hua could tell right away that something unpleasant was coming by the grimace on Jingfei's face.

"Fourth Miss, "Head Maid said with a slight bow. Jingfei followed suit so she wouldn't be scolded later. "The first Lady has asked you to wash and dress then come to the main house for dinner this evening. Jingfei will help with your dress and hair."

Head Maid set the clothes on the little used vanity that held the mirror. She gave another bow then silently left the room.

"What's going on?" Fen Hua asked as soon as she was out of sight.

Jingfei set the box down and shook her head. "I don't know what she has planned, but I don't think this is a good thing."

"Is there any way not to go?"

Jingfei looked apologetic. "Perhaps a few months ago you could have easily used your health as an excuse, but every so often I have to report about your health to the Master and The Old Lady. Sometimes the first lady is there as well so she knows that your health has greatly improved."

Fen Hua puzzled her brows in thought. Why would he ask about her health? And as far as a grandmother she couldn't even think of a time Fen Hua had seen her.

"I'm sorry Miss. I thought that there was no harm letting them know you were feeling better. I even hoped that it would help you later to start visiting the stores and street stalls."

Fen Hua placed a hand on her shoulder letting her know that it was OK. She had no idea why she was suddenly being called into the big house by the First Lady, but it seemed that she had to go. The next hour was spent allowing Jingfei to dress her and style her hair. Fen Hua rubbed her hands together anxiously hoping that she could handle what ever was coming.