The mastermind behind the Red Building was more formidable than anyone had imagined, a woman only a decade or so older than He Jinxia, in the prime of her charm and grace.
The woman gazed complexly at He Jinxia, the Oiran who had become famous throughout the Capital with her Jinghong Dance. She was her personally trained protege, and she had high expectations for her, hoping she could be of help. But she had not foreseen this sudden misfortune.
What was never lacking among the women of the Red Courtyard was struggle. It was true that He Jinxia had once been famous, that her encounter with the fire was a deliberate act of sabotage, and it was also true that she was now of no use to anyone.
To the victor go the spoils, to the vanquished go the woes; the power behind the scenes never entertained the idea of seeking revenge for He Jinxia, even though she was the best disciple she had ever taught.
The woman said softly, "Have you made up your mind?"
