With the help of Wu Mei and Gao Ling, I soon have control over the girls in the Jade Building. It is easy. I just supervise them in sewing and dancing class, and also in many others. Wu Mei persuaded me to set up a new class, which is Chinese pastry making. She thought it was good for the girls to learn. I agreed, although I knew pastry making was considered a servant's work. I too wanted to see what it was like. Wan En taught the class. I asked permission from Chancellor Wu, Wu Mei's father. 

I walk around the room now, trying to help out the girls who have made mistakes in their embroidery. Then there is a sound of a pipe, or horn, being blown.

One of the older girls, called Miao Zi, goes to answer the door. She comes back and gives me a bitter smile. "Concubine Wang, the 3rd and 4th Concubines have come to visit you."

What?

I feel nervous again, but I remember Lady Lin saying that these were the nice ones. So I walk gracefully to the door and bring them into my room. My new room is large and elegant, covered in jade. There is also a table for tea, so I ask the concubines to sit there. They sit down graciously. 3rd Concubine Jing smiles at me and holds out a pink bag. I notice her delicate, soft hands, that are lily-white and smooth. No wonder they call her the Lily Concubine.

"For you, my sister. Congratulations on being admitted to the royal household," the 3rd Concubine says. Her voice is as soft and kind as she looks. I accept it and tell Wan En to keep it in my room. She places it next to my bed. 

Concubine Jing smiles gently again. "We only came to see you and congratulate you. Don't worry."

I smile back politely. I don't know what to say. The 4th Concubine Shan is quiet as well. Finally, Concubine Jing stands up. "We will leave now. Good luck."

I nod and show them out. Once they are gone, I turn to Wan En. "Is it normal for the concubines to visit the new one?"

Wan En looks confused as she replies "No, my lady. I'm not sure why they visited you."

I gulp. I shouldn't think too deeply into this. I go back down the hallway and join the girls again. Gao Ling gives me a knowing look. 

----meanwhile----

3rd Concubine Jing smiled prettily at the 4th Concubine. "She seems very sweet."

Concubine Shan nodded, finally speaking. Her voice was slightly harsher next to the Lily Concubine's voice. "We should be friends with her. We need more allies in the palace. Who knows what Concubine Mai is plotting."

Concubine Jing looked over their shoulders. "Hush, my sister."

The two women made their way across the gardens to their own places, then they separated. Concubine Jing smiled to herself as she thought of Wang Min. Yes, she was a nice girl. 

She entered the building where she stayed and saw her loyal guard Cao Ming. Her jaw ached as she smiled yet again at him. This time, though, her smile was genuine. She reached out a slender, lily-white hand. "Cao Ming."