Chapter 9: Reward and Punishment

The next morning we are roused from our slumber at the usual time despite the exertions of last night. As we dress and prepare ourselves for another day, the conversations around us are all about last night’s performance.

“Stop this idle chattering,” orders Huàn Hong. “Get this place tidied up. Quickly. Qíngfù Niáng will be arriving at any moment to inspect you all.”

The threat of an inspection by Qíngfù Niáng has the desired effect. All thoughts about last night’s performance are brushed aside as we quickly put away our bedding and finish our ablutions. Fortunately, we are all ready when Qíngfù Niáng enters the harem with her sister, XinYue. There is no sign of Pangfua.

“Line up,” orders Daoshi Shi. We quickly form a single line on one side of the room.

We needn’t have worried. Qíngfù Niáng’s inspection is only superficial and her complaints about us are relatively mild. She doesn’t bother to inspect the mezzanine level. Her visit this morning must be for another reason. Neither she nor Wu XinYue were at last night’s entertainment and it is surely too early in the morning for her to have received any report about our performance.

“Those of you who performed during last night’s entertainment are to stand over here,” orders Qíngfù Niáng, pointing behind her.

We move across the aisle. AhLin and I stand at one end of the line. The twelve dancers and six musicians stand waiting for Qíngfù Niáng to continue, but she simply stands there waiting. We don’t need to wait long before one of the huàns loudly announces that Mìngfù Jing is entering the harem.

It’s the first time I’ve seen Mìngfù Jing enter the Lotus Garden, although I’m sure she must visit from time to time. We all bow as she enters. She stops to greet her two sisters. I risk a quick look at AhLin and nearly gasp in surprise. She has taken out the blue handkerchief Mìngfù Jing gave her last night, and she is clutching it in her hands.

Mìngfù Jing doesn’t spend long talking with her sisters and she begins a slow walk along our line. She stops at each of us in turn, making a point of complimenting our individual performance last night. She doesn’t need reminding which woman performed which task. Mìngfù Jing gives each performer a necklace, ring or broach from the bag she is carrying, before moving onto the next in line. Despite all our training in docility and obedience, the recipient of each gift can’t curb a squeal of joy. The look of jealousy from the line of women facing us is unmistakable.

Finally Mìngfù Jing reaches the end of the line where AhLin and I are standing. She smiles briefly at AhLin before passing her to stand in front of me. Those standing opposite clearly think AhLin has displeased Mìngfù Jing, and that she is being snubbed. I suddenly remember that during this morning’s chatter, no mention was made about AhLin being awarded the blue handkerchief. I barely register the words Mìngfù Jing says to me, but I bow low and gratefully accept the beautiful necklace she gives me.