Part 14 - Cinderella and the Great Prince of Southern China

Dear Friends and Family,

If you listened to the my audio rendering of this story (recorded almost a year ago) you have no doubt noticed that the story has changed somewhat as this rewrite has gone on. The scenes in this part where Silver Bird and Three interact did not exist until just a few days ago. Originally I had him catch her before she was about to leave the academy and he was going to force Silver Bird to take him to Qi, but Birdie talks him out of it and tells him just to get himself to dinner that night. 

I decided that the Silver Bird that I have come to know and love would not let a chance for a little misdirection pass by so easily when she had some time to kill (and she was getting bored playing errand girl). If Spencer Tracy and Rosalind Russell were Chinese Americans, I would SO cast them to deliver these scenes that were so fun to write. Hope you enjoy them half as much as I did imagining them.

Love,

Pops

Unexpected Overtures

            As she was tending to evening duties at home before retiring with her husband, Madame Cui received a hand-delivered message rather late in the evening. It said:

You and a guest are invited to a formal midnight supper in the garden of the home of the Honorable Kuang Wen Sheng tomorrow evening. The guest of honor is under a vow of silence, therefore we ask that all attendees will remain silent upon entering the Kuang residence in reverence.

A palanquin to transport you to and from the event will arrive in the hour prior to the dinner.

Backward Cinderella

            “What an odd invitation,” Madame Cui said to herself. “It must be a joke. I have no time for this. We have to be in our places early the next morning for the wedding festivity preparations. But to whom do I send regrets?  But to refuse Judge Kuang? That’s almost social suicide. Surely this is a joke. There have been so many odd goings-on these last several days. The gossip arising from this entire wedding season has been thicker than overcooked congee.” She put it aside to deal with tomorrow.

            In the morning the 20 regular members of the palace kitchen staff were unusually quiet as they reported in at dawn. They grunted their greetings and each of them sat at their stations, peeling the roots that they would be using later that day. Senior cook Lala leaned over to Cui—the were the oldest hands on the staff—and whispered, “I received an interesting bit of mail late yesterday.”

            “Did you? So did I?” replied Cui.

            “I’m waiting for the jokester to give us the punchline.”

            “I have my eye on everyone myself. Everyone is watching everyone else.”

            “The atmosphere in here is killing me. It’s like when all 50 steamers are going at once.”

            The kitchen’s little runner boy ran in. “Popo!”

            “Ah. There you are. Report,” said Lala. “I sent him out to do a little spying.”

            “Several sacks and crates are being delivered to the Kuang home. I recognized one of our part-time dishwashers. He told me they are prepping for a late-night banquet tonight.” All the cooks had gathered around as the boy continued, “Two hogs. Three great sacks of onions. Many bottles of wine. The foresters even brought in a freshly killed deer.” The murmuring began.

            One of the cooks added, “Some men came very early this morning and removed from the cold rooms all of the stock that was purchased from the open-market merchants back on the day we were summoned into court. Do yah think it has somethin’ to do wi’ us as well?”

            “Can’t be,” said Lala. “It’s a plot to embarrass us when we get all dressed up and nothing happens. You got it too did you? This is to be a silent affair? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Who would invite US to the judge’s house anyway? Who are WE to go to such an event?”

            Mama Horse was also in the kitchen group. “It was supposedly from ‘Backward Cinderella.’ None of us has ever told her she was ‘Cinderella.’ One of us is playing a joke on the others.” The workers all nudged each other, trying to get the culprit to confess.

            Then as if on cue, the Lady Silver Bird appeared in the doorway, arrayed in one of her finest garments. She had spent time with Seven in kitchen before, but something about her presence today seemed official and prompted them fall into ceremonial inspection rank order as if their supervising minister had arrived. The bowed their heads and then Madame Cui spoke. “Good morning Lady Silver Bird. This is quite early for you to be dropping by. How might we be of assistance?”

            “Good morning ladies, and little sir. I am here to confirm that you will be attending the affair at my father’s home this evening? On behalf of the hostess, I apologize both for the late notice and the late hour. She also thought you might need some assurance that the invitation was indeed genuine. Do you have any questions?”

            “If I may,” asked one cook, “About this silence?”

            “The Eleventh Princess is the guest of honor.”

            The murmuring began anew. “The Princess Nun! That explained everything. The Eleventh, poor dear. The most tragic of widows. She was one of the nice ones, not like Two or Six. He was assassinated on his wedding day. Ah, the one what nearly died of grief. Didn’t they write a poem about her and her husband? They were childhood friends—how often does that happen? Do you think she’s still heavy? Her diet was heavy on the fried dumplings as I recall. Wonder how she is doing or looking these days.”

            Silver Bird continued. “And of course, it is late and the neighbors will be trying to sleep. They are not invited. I do hope you will all make it, as it will mean so much to the hostess. And I am told you will find the menu somewhat familiar, I’m told it will be a fanciful variation on both the Princess Banquet and the final Wedding Day banquet that you will creating yourself the next day. Is there any among you who cannot attend? Ah, I see that we will have 100 percent participation. Excellent. Both Highnesses will be most pleased. Thank you all.” Silver Bird gave them a farewell nod and then departed.

            Three waves of emotion came over the kitchen staff—at first disbelief at what had been confirmed, then joy at the prospect of attending a fine affair at the celebrated garden of one of the capital’s first citizens, and finally panic at the realization that they would have to get their finest clothes, makeup, and hair ready, not to mention cleaning up and dressing their husbands. By noon, a collective case of nausea overcame them all, and the entire staff left for home early.

            At about the same time, Dr. Wu’s steward, Blessing, interrupted the common midday meal that the headmaster took with his students and staff. “Lady Silver Bird to see you sir?”

            “Really? Put her in the studio. I’ll be right there.”

            “She said it would be good to meet with you, your students, and your daughter.”

            “My students? Toad? Very well. Bring her in and have them set a place for her. Wu rose to greet her. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

            “There is a special midnight affair at my father’s home this evening. I realize this unusual and short notice, but my father thought it would be good if you were able to attend and play your guqin for the guests? He thinks the world of your artistry.”

            “Midnight? What on earth? Tell your father that I am quite honored, but at my advanced age I’ve had all too many nighttime adventures of late.”

            “He thought that might be your answer, but the hostess of the affair heard that Toad has become quite an adept musician herself and that in the alternative, perhaps you will allow her to be a dinner guest and perform during one of the courses?  It’s past curfew, of course, but she thought if the Third Son of the Duke of the Jewel River Valley, Wang Three, were her escort, that you would consent?”

            “Are you not the hostess?”

            “I am not. My father and I and my sisters will be present, but we are only providing the venue, the garden courtyard.”

            “That’s a luxurious garden indeed. Pity it’ll be in the dark. You won’t be able to see a thing at that time of day. What’s the thought here? Who is the hostess?”

            “I am not allowed to speak her name, but I was told to say that her alias is “The Palace Kitchen Assistant Supervisor.” Silver Bird made sure that her eyes made contact with a certain young man sitting with the headmaster and Toad. Indeed, Three snapped to full alert at those words.

            “This is all so mysterious. But intriguing. What is Kuang up to? What do you think children? Are you up to some sort of midnight lark? Toad is a nocturnal creature, so you will have her at her best performance level. What say you Professor Wang?” He addressed Three so because he had recruited Three to give his students some instruction in the practice of negotiation and commercial transactions.

            Three said, “It is Firebird who is being asked to do something,” said Three. “It is right that she should decide and answer. But I would be happy to escort her.” He squeezed her hand, a hand that had not let him go since he returned to the Wu household.

            “For whom would I be playing?” asked Toad.

            “The primary guest of honor is the Eleventh Princess, but there will be others present, mostly staff members of the palace. No courtiers or nobles or ministers.”

            “I will do it … if Three is there with me.”

            “But of course. It will not be complete without him. Excellent. We will send a palanquin for the two of you, and someone will come by earlier to dress you for the occasion. And Headmaster? The hostess would like to request the service of your young men to wait upon the guests? So your daughter will be among friendly faces. The hostess thought your students might appreciate some part-time employment to help pay for their tuition and board?”

            “That they would! You can pay their wages directly to me.”

            “Have them report to the palace kitchen for some training and instruction and I heard they need a bit of emergency help. After that they’ll be dispatched to my home. Uniforms will be provided to them. You have 24 boys? We will need them all. Immediately. We can probably use some of your casual laborers too.”

            “Would you like to address them now?” asked the Headmaster

            “Certainly. Boys? I hope you have been paying attention. You are needed for several hours of hard labor and service, but you will be well fed, I can assure that. Are there any questions?”

* * *

            As Lady Silver Bird prepared to leave the academy having successfully secured the entertainment and wait staff for the evening, Three got up from his place to catch her, but Toad dragged along with him like a branch caught on his robe impeding his movement.

            “Firebird. I need you to let go. I am going to do some investigation.”

            “No need. The hostess is Necklace Girl,” said Toad as she tightened her grip.

            “Figured that fast did you? I told you, she’s first in line.”

            “I remember.”

            “A deal’s a deal. I love you little girl. And remember, you have me for the rest of my time in the capital. Don’t be greedy. Will you let go now?”

            She let go.

            “Good. You need to practice and then get some rest. I want to see you shine tonight. I’ll see you later,” said Three as he hurried after Silver Bird. “Miss! Excuse me?”

            Silver Bird turned around. “Mr. Wang?”

            “Wait right there,” said Three. He disappeared down the hall and returned, tying on an outside coat. It was a chocolate brown garment with dazzling stylized sunburst patterns embroidered in orange all about. Silver Bird’s eyes opened wide in amazement. “I’m going with you,” he said.

            “You, sir, are a veritable sun god. What is this garment you have on? It’s blindingly exquisite.”

            “The base material is from Africa. I had my tailor copy this pattern from something the black mercer who sold me the fabric was wearing. We had it embroidered on. Nice job no?”

“I see flecks of gold and forbidden imperial yellow in the sunbeams. You’re tempting an arrest and fine for garment violations. Edgy, but also pushy don’t you think?”

“They haven’t killed me yet for worse things.”

“You’re brash. I admire that.”

“I pick my fights. I think I can handle the capital fashion police. I admit it’s a bit loud for daytime though, but it’s all I have left.”

            “All you have left?”

            “Long story.”

            “I’d like to hear it.”

            “On the way.” They stepped out of the house.

            “Aren’t you going to offer me your arm? Or is this a test to see how brash I need to be?”

            “I don’t think I need any more proof. Here,” he said putting out his arm. “Take me to Qi.”

            “It’s rude to talk of another girl when there’s one on your arm,” scolded Silver Bird. They came to her sedan and the porters looked solemn. “Guys,” she said lithely, “Think you can handle him as well?” The two men looked at each other doubtfully.

            “He’s kind of fat,” said the younger porter.

            “I’ll call my man Backie,” offered Three, but the older porter would have none of it. He slapped his associate for his slack attitude and silently opened the door and motioned both in.

            “Professional pride, they’re the best,” said Silver Bird. “Guys? I have an idea. Give yourself a break. Take us to the northeast stables. It’s not that far.”

They traveled for a time in silence. Silver Bird had placed herself to present a three-quarter view to Three who sat opposite her in the sedan. She loosened and dropped her outer robe to display her long elegant neck. A famous painter once told her she had graceful clavicles, so she turned her head to bring them out. The sash about her waist that she tightened before entering was cinched to indicate how trim her waist was in contrast to her full bosom. She intentionally kept quiet, gazing thoughtfully out the window, letting the sunlight hit her face and breast when ever possible. She let her eyes flit over to him now and then and was pleased that she always met his gaze, she being careful not to smile.

“You’re the thoughtful sort,” said Three, “I would not have guessed.”

“It’s difficult to know what to say to a man like you, Mr. Wang.”

“Please call me Three.”

“Three. Please call me Little Bird.”

“So, what kind of man do you think I am then?”

“The dangerous sort that everyone underestimates.”

“I think of myself as a mere mouse who must live among cats.”

“Sure you’re not a fox living among hens? Ah, here we are—the Yard,” said Silver Bird.

The porters got the couple to the stables in record time, and Silver Bird walked Three to one part of the yard where beast-powered transport was available. “What’s your preference? Want to impress me with your carriage driving skills? Or maybe you know how to handle a camel?”

            “In the busy streets of the capital? I say carriage is easier.”

            “The camel it is then,” she said plunking herself delicately sideways on a camel’s back. Come on. We don’t have all day.”

            “I just said carriage is easier.”

            “I know. I prefer it when a man is in his discomfort zone.”

            “Are you going to be stable and balanced in side-seat?”

            “If you hold your seat firmly, I’ll be fine. Think of it as incentive to do well.”

            “I hate driving a camel. But let’s go,” he said mounting.

            “Attaboy,” she said as up they went. “Down the path to the crossroads, to the left and on to the Imperial Peach Garden which will be down the road after we pass through the market,” she whispered in his ear, placing her arm around his waist for balance.

            “You’re sure accustomed to giving orders,” he said.

            “You’re sure good at following them. I’m greatly encouraged.”

            The way through the market was crowded, and the illustrious pair shone above all others as they passed camel-height for all to look upon. Many stopped to bow and greet the Lady Silver Bird, while many others stopped to look and stare at the man she accompanied.

            “A lot of them are pointing at me,” said Three.

            “Want to know a secret?”

            “Go ahead.”

            “Word of your defeating General Zuo has spread. As has word of you’re gaining the advantage in my father’s court. You’re something of a celebrity right now. I heard someone say you could sell pork to a Muslim. But don’t get too big a face. They’ll forget everything by next week.”

            “Too true. If I didn’t know better then, I’d say you were using me to raise your esteem.”

            “Really? If that were the case, what would you think of me?”

            “That you were a cold, calculating, opportunistic bitch worthy of being the scion the illustrious jurist, Judge Kuang Wen Sheng. But, I would feel quite comforted by that fact.”

            “Comforted you say?”

            “Yeah. That’s the kind of girl I know and understand well. Tons of ’em back home.”

            “So whaddya think? Am I that kind?”

            “Probably not. You’ve got a good amount of face already without drafting off of my fleeting notoriety.”

            “On the contrary. Reputation is something one must regularly invest in. You represent a pretty good deposit source right now.”

            “Little Bird, you are one dangerous woman.”

            “That makes us even. I hope that at least makes me interesting.”

            “No argument there.”

            They arrived at the Peach Gardens and Three found a boy who would hold the camel for them for the price of a copper coin. Silver Bird led Three by the arm to a picturesque bridge over a stream that ran through the park. The location was beautiful and Silver Bird perched herself demurely at the top of the bridge. The stream had once been a river, but had long been gentled with dams and rocks and now flowing water flowed quietly with soothing rhythms as it passed underneath.

            “Will Qi be coming here?” asked Three.

            “We’ll wait. In the meantime we can talk.”

            “So what are you to her? Are you her friend? You’re both on the Princess’ personal staff right?”

            “We’re friendly sometimes. But that’s not a good word to describe our relationship.”

            “OK. We keep bumping into each other. Tell me when it was actually you that I have seen about town.”

            “Let’s get something straight right now. I don’t care what some crazy wine seller told you—when you have seen someone with my face, it was me. I’m one of a kind. I’m lovely. I’m the only one who looks like me.”

            “Well, actually, your sister Joy looks like you with 10 years shaved off.”

            “God. Do you have to bring her up, now? And thanks for the encouragement about my advanced age. Way to kill the mood. Sigh. OK I’ll grant you that. My sisters look like me.”

            “Hey, hey. Don’t be so sensitive about what a dumpy little guy like me thinks.”

            “I am no longer surprised that you are still a bachelor, without even a gold-digging concubine to show for your successes. You are so inept with females. And you’re not fooling me with this false modesty act of yours. It’s part of your sneaky, underestimated persona.”

            Three took Silver Bird by the shoulders and held her firmly but gently. “Little Bird, I like you. From the sound of it, I think you get me more than anyone else. And I like the way you look. You are not being vain when you call yourself ‘lovely’ because you are. And you are more than interesting—you’re provocative. But your timing is off.”

            “Three, Qi can’t marry you. She can’t be with you. Ever.”

            “This dinner for the Princess Eleven, then? Who’s the real host paying for this? Your dad?”

            “Nope not him. It’s a secret!” she taunted, “But she’ll be there. Isn’t that all that counts to you? It’s her quiet way of saying goodbye. To you.”

            “I wasn’t even directly invited.”

            “Inviting Toad accomplished the same thing.”

            “What if Toad or her father said ‘no?’”

            “I had backup procedures. She told me to make sure to get you there tonight.”

            “Take me to her now.”

            “She’d refuse to see you. She’s busy creating this banquet. For you.”

            “Fuck that shit! Who needs it?  We’ll make a run for it tonight. We’ll head to the open west and start all over in New Frontier Xinjiang. I speak Uyghur and Kazakh well enough. We’ll learn to herd a bunch of fuckin’ goats or something.”

            “Oh Three, be serious,” cried Silver Bird, “You know she won’t abandon a duty. She’s terminally loyal. Like you. That’s what you like about her. Someone deserves to have you.” She started to stroke his arms. “You don’t have to move into a drafty old yurt to get me. I call that a big plus.”

            Three looked at Silver Bird straight in her now very big eyes. He pulled her face close to his. He had the need to breathe the air coming out of her and it smelled … very tasty. “You need some serious kissing young lady. But you deserve to have your own kisses. I can only offer seconds right now.” He let her go and moved to look over the edge of the bridge and stared down at his reflection.

Silver Bird came beside him. “A man with the right woman with him to nurture his ambitions can soar you know.” She paused. No verbal response. “But I hope you don’t mind. I needed to test my special powers before you bounce. And you are going to bounce hard, I predict.”

            “If I recall my examination prep correctly,” said Three, “a major betrayal occurred on a bridge here on this river a some centuries ago, when a certain Jin general switched sides and changed the course of history.”

            “I expected no less of an observation from you, future Magistrate Wang. A girl likes to put history on her side.”

            “A girl who improvises locational allusions is indeed exceptional. You are one treacherous lady. I want you on my side only.”

            “Even with that, my timing is still off?”

            “Birdie,  you could be an Ayutthaya princess and not put me off my current pursuit,” said Three. Silver Bird could not stifle a visible flinch, but Three did not notice.

“Oh, it’s Birdie now? A kind of progress. You know those kinds of girls, princesses, come with dowries that include elephants, the feeding of which can bankrupt a guy. In case you couldn’t tell, I eat light.”

“That can leave you hungry.”

“Hunger gives one focus, and speed.”

“And you're definitely fast. Who knows? Maybe a time for us may eventually come.”

“Well, hurry it up. I’m about to age out of being wife material.”

“Who’s being falsely modest now? But, anyone ever tell you you’d make a great concubine?”

She slapped him, hard. “But you’re right though,” she conceded, “I excel at everything.”

Rubbing his face, Three replied, “The problem with marrying someone who looks like you is that every man in Asia going to come looking to get you to cheat on me. I’ll spend half my life defending my turf.”

“Problem solved. Just take me with you everywhere you go. Oh, and satisfy me at every turn. But you’re not being your usual creative self. You’re only thinking defensively. Think of what you could do with a partner like me. We’d be a great team. I lure the guys, especially the rich ones, you fleece them.”

“You are a terrible influence. If we were to get together, we’ll both wind up getting our heads lopped off.”

“But it’ll be such fun working up to that. Makes having a senior judge as a father-in-law, no matter how psychotic he is, an advantage, doesn’t it?”

“Interesting, provocative, and compelling. The complete package and more. But I still can’t buy.”  They stood silently together. He asked, “Who is Qi really? Is that really her name?”

            “I’m not allowed to tell. So close. You are the smartest man in Southern China and if you still haven’t figured it out, you probably never will. So don’t try. Just come to dinner and enjoy the little bit of time you can have together.” They made their way back to the boy holding their camel.

            “Shall I drive you to your father’s house?”

            “You probably shouldn’t. I can handle the camel myself. I’ll have you know I learned when I was 12. You’re not a bad driver by the way, but can you race?” she said hopping on and prodding the beast to lift her high above him. Though sitting sideways on a camel hump, she moved that huge animal as easily as if it were her own pretty legs.

“Is that a challenge?” he smiled back at her.

“Loser does anything the winner wants for a day.”

“Very tempting, but some other time.”

“Suit yourself. I would’ve let you win, cuz I’m good. Manchu girls on four legs are unstoppable. I wouldn’t have let you break my arm, but I’d have let you break something else. Hear this though. The next chance you have at me will cost you a LOT more. LOADS. Guaranteed. I’m sure you can find your own way back, Mister Dumpy Little Guy.”

            “Hey, what happened to Sun God?”

            “Not so funny when I call you that, is it? Spurned women are not as pretty either. Are we?”

“Won’t it look bad for you if you return alone?”

            “Why how sweet of you … but now you worry about me? You silly ass. I never squander face. You should be thankful for the face I gave you today being seen with ME. Since you've got to be seen going home alone, may I suggest you go up to the top of the hill and pray and sacrifice visibly and audibly at that temple before heading back if you’re managing appearances? Hope you know your standard prayers. Make a big donation too. Ritual goes a long way in this town. There’s always a crowd. Me? I’m taking the back streets where I can go top speed unseen. Be ready when the sedan shows up tonight. Or I’ll have you killed. Just kidding.”

As she rode off, Three thought he was feeling a twinge of regret in his gut, but realized it was recalled pain of when she kicked him in the groin at the trial. “Oh, but what a face.”

                                  © 2012 by Vincent Way, all rights reserved.