บท 138: An Unexpected Offer

"This subject greets Attendant Zhang." 

The autumn tiger heralded a new heat wave, bringing along with it a sweltering heat that made the fabric of Zhang Qian's clothes paste itself uncomfortably to her damp skin. Once upon a time, her station had afforded her finer, airier silks that allowed a refreshing breeze to pass through whilst maintaining her modesty. 

But ever since that incident in the pavilion…it was like no one remembered Lady of Bright Deportment Zhang anymore; not the maids and eunuchs who had become lackadaisical in their servitude towards her, not the other concubines who watched her downfall with poorly disguised gloating in their eyes, and certainly not the Department of Garments, in-charge of tailoring the attire of the harem according to their designation.