Free My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin Page A

so there could be no mistaking the seriousness of his purpose there. Fei Long should have guessed from the title that the dour-faced Tong was an imperial censor. These officials were responsible for investigating the inner workings of each of the government ministries.
    ‘Inspector Tong has been assigned to oversee foreign affairs. He’s been telling me about all the preparations for the caravan. The Emperor has bestowed a bounty of treasures for young Pearl’s dowry. Silks, gold, jade treasures—’
    ‘We have heard some disturbing news recently,’ Tong interrupted. ‘Rumours that Lady Chang has objections to the wedding. So much so that she may have left the city.’
    ‘Rumours. Rumours.’ Cao made a shushing noise at Tong’s indelicate approach. He was the quintessential statesman, toiling away at keeping the peace. Even so, the senior minister looked at Fei Long expectantly.
    ‘Who has started such vicious lies while our family still mourns for our father?’ Fei Long demanded, while his palms began to sweat.
    ‘Inspector Tong means no offence,’ Cao soothed and Tong mumbled his apology.
    Fei Long felt sick to his stomach; first for the lie he needed to perpetuate and second for using his father’s death in such a way. He’d discussed the strategy with Old Man Liang and it was the only way they would be able to avoid scrutiny.
    ‘My sister is in mourning at home. Pearl is very deeply stricken.’
    Cao turned to the younger official, showing that he still held rank here. ‘I told you there was nothing to worry about. I’ve known the family for over these twenty years.’
    Fei Long had no doubt that it was Cao who had suggested Pearl to the imperial court as a candidate for heqin . There was more than his family honour at stake. Minister Cao’s reputation also rested precariously upon it.
    ‘I never expected such scandalous rumours to be true,’ Tong deflected. ‘It’s good to hear that my expectations were correct.’
    Twisting like a snake.
    ‘Let us move on to more practical matters,’ Tong continued. ‘The date is approaching quickly. Normally, the heqin bride is a member of the imperial court. Under these unusual circumstances, the Censorate has suggested it would be wise to bring Lady Chang into the palace to complete her preparations.’
    Old Man Liang jerked his head up in the corner. Fei Long prayed the censor missed the sudden movement.
    ‘Pearl is still very distraught over our father,’ Fei Long replied calmly. ‘The pain of leaving our family is difficult enough. If I may humbly request that she be allowed to remain at home until the time of the journey to ease the transition?’
    ‘The emotional nature of women,’ Tong snorted.
    Cao raised a hand to silence him. ‘Listen here, Fei Long does have a point. Young Pearl has been tasked with a great duty when her family has suffered such tragedy. He’s only acting as the new head of the Chang clan. At the same time—’ Cao turned to Fei Long ‘—Inspector Tong also has a good point. The court would want to insure that your sister is prepared for her duty as a foreign bride. Let me propose that Inspector Tong be allowed to pay your family a visit in a week or so to speak with the lady. That way, we can be assured that young Pearl is receiving the proper instruction.’
    Fei Long let out his breath slowly. It was a temporary reprieve only. They had less time to prepare Yan Ling than he had thought.
    ‘A just decision, Minister Cao,’ he said, fighting not to show any hint of anxiety. ‘And I assure you, my sister is receiving the very best instruction possible.’

Chapter Six
    ‘L engthen your step and walk slower.’
    Bai Shen stood with arms folded beneath the shade of the circular pavilion in the rear courtyard. He had her strolling from one side of the garden to the other while he watched like a hawk.
    ‘Never hurry. The audience waits for you,’ he barked out.
    He turned out to be as strident as Fei Long when giving