To my surprise, General Jianyun grinned instead. “Does Her Celestial Majesty approve of your companion?” he asked Liwei with mock incredulity.
“My mother does not involve herself in such matters” was all Liwei said, as he flipped his book open.
Though the general’s expression was one of disbelief, he said no more on the subject.
By noontime, my head throbbed from learning and my hand ached from writing. When we were dismissed for the afternoon meal, I was glad to escape to the kitchen. Carrying the tray laden with food, I headed toward the pavilion outside the Chamber of Reflection. A small sign hung over it, painted in broad black strokes with the characters:
柳歌亭
Willow Song Pavilion
“A beautiful name.” I laid out the steamed fish, tender snow pea leaves, and eight-treasures chicken on the marble table.
“A fitting one, too,” Liwei replied, placing a finger to his lips.
I did not understand his meaning, but followed his lead to remain silent. When a breeze blew, the willows swayed, dipping their branches into the clear water. As their delicate leaves rustled against each another, the air filled with sighing whispers—an exquisite though melancholy melody. How it reminded me of the wind blowing through the osmanthus trees, the clink of my mother’s jade ornaments.
“Did you enjoy our lessons?” Liwei asked, breaking my reverie. He served a little of each dish onto my plate, in blatant disregard of convention.
“Some more than others,” I replied, recalling the tedious lecture on plants and herbs. “Especially General Jianyun’s.”
“I thought you would fall asleep in that class.”
“Why? Should girls only draw, sing, and sew?” I asked, thinking of Lady Meiling’s lessons, and my own with Ping’er.
“Of course not.” His tone was grave as he leaned forward like he was about to impart some great wisdom. “What about having children?” There was a teasing glint in his eyes.
I choked on a piece of chicken I was chewing, with the added indignity of having Liwei slap my back to dislodge it. Eager to change the subject, I said, “Well, I can’t draw, and you wouldn’t want me to sing.”
“Will you sew my clothes?”
“Not unless you want clothes with holes where they shouldn’t be.”
His fingers tapped the table contemplatively. “So, you can’t draw, sing, or sew. What about—”
“No!” I burst out, louder than intended, fighting down the flash of warmth across my skin.
He blinked, shooting me a look of innocence. “All I was going to ask was whether you would play your flute for me.”
Flute? I cursed inwardly, my wandering mind.
“What did you think I meant?” He shook his head in mock disapproval.
“Just that. Nothing else.” I grasped at the lie.
“How else might you compensate for your shortcomings? It appears you have many indeed.” As Liwei’s lips twitched, I suspected he was enjoying this far too much.
“The same way you can compensate for yours,” I retorted.
“Mine?” He sounded stung. A part of me wondered if anyone had ever spoken to him this way. “Name one.”
“Your manners?” I offered. “Your sense of superiority? Your habit of interrupting your teachers? How you say such outrageous things to amuse yourself? Your—”
Liwei held up a hand, looking pained. “One was enough.”
I tried to keep a straight countenance through the mirth which bubbled up in me. How at ease I felt, my heart lighter than it had been in months. “Besides, I don’t believe playing music was included in my list of duties,” I added.
He picked up a glistening piece of white fish, inspecting it for bones before placing it on my plate. “You’re not very accommodating.”
I shot him my sweetest smile. “It depends on how you ask.”
He laughed, but then cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for my mother’s order, that you were asked to attend to me as well. You don’t have to. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself, when I want to.”
“I really don’t mind,” I said. “I’m glad to earn my keep. And if I don’t, someone might report back to Her Celestial Majesty.” She would be keen for the slightest excuse to dismiss me—of that, I was certain. Part of me was relieved that the empress showed me no generosity, because it meant I owed her nothing. And Liwei did not make me feel like I was attending to him, but rather assisting him. A small distinction, yet it made a world of difference to my pride.