Chapter 18 Cosmetics Shop
We had held the city a year. Things inside gradually settled. Little by little, soldiers even allowed common folk out in small numbers.
Sister Mudan and I opened a Cosmetics Shop in the city. She handled the craft; I handled stock and accounts. In truth I knew nothing, but Fugeer hired me the best tutors.
"Sister is so clever. You will learn it at once."
I looked at the bright red plaque and suddenly thought of Master. He always complained I was clumsy and often scolded me. "Do not blame me for not passing on my craft. You girl truly have no gift for it."
In the camp no one cared about skill—cooked was enough—and I had muddled through. All that time with Master, I really had learned nothing.
"You girl, still the same temperament. What is there to worry about? You are only seventeen this year. It is not too late for anything you want."
That was right. Days ago Fugeer had even told me Prince Ming meant to reopen the imperial exams. The common people had drive again.
In that thriving air a little hope kindled in me. Over these two years the situation had slowly stabilized, trending toward peace, and my heart was less panicked.
And precisely because things had settled, the women had a mind to dress up again. Business at the Cosmetics Shop grew better and better.