The Foreign Empress

An Unexpected Solution

"I cannot serve you, Your Highness." What?

"Why not?"

"This one is not worthy to serve royalty and receive such kindness." Xiaoyue kowtows again, face deathly pale. At this point, she is no longer being humble. Instead, she's actually refusing my offer. Something must be afoot here.

"Xiaoyue, you are my benefactor. I do not see why you wouldn't be worthy."

"This one does not wish to deceive Your Highness. However, this one also cannot reveal the reason why she cannot serve Your Highness. This one humbly begs your forgiveness." Xiaoyue remains with her forehead pressed against the floor. Her fear has dissipated somewhat, replaced with a resolute determination. I'm not going to get any more out of her, am I? Sighing, I ask, "I would be remiss if I did not pay you back somehow. Is there really no way I can get you to enter my service?"

Silence ensues. Xiaoyue begins to tremble. At first, I think I've pushed too far. Then I realize her shaking isn't coming from fear but from sobs. She raises her head a bit. Tears stream down from her eyes, cutting white streaks through the grime covering her face. Yet, in spite of her tears, a wide smile dominates her face.

"Please take this one and her brother as slaves, Your Highness!"

"Wha—"

Note on slavery in the Han Dynasty: I think I brought this up before, buthistorically speaking, the Han Dynasty had very few slaves, less than 1% of thepopulation in fact. Slaves in ancient China generally fell into three categories:those who sold themselves into slavery due to debt; those who committed certaincrimes; and prisoners of war or tribute from client kingdoms. The Hanmaintained an expensive poll tax for private slaves, making them a rare sight.Slaves in the Han Dynasty could also hold great social status based on theirown abilities or the position of their master while slaves of wealthy families mightactually live better than peasants.