A woman wrapped in fine silk embroidered with intricate peonies greeted them. Her thin-boned hand held a white fan decorated with bold calligraphy brush strokes depicting lotus flowers. Pia had never seen such a beautiful woman. Awestruck, she followed Ruwe.

The guards led their horses away while Pia and Ruwe entered Frost Lotus Pavilion. Blue frost lotuses decorated everything Inside rather than the pinks and reds she'd expected. They were not as 'frosty' as she'd have guessed, done in deep blues, accented with black and silver. Off to the side, a woman in blue silk played the zither for a group of men and women. It was a slow, calming melody.

"Welcome, Duke Zhi. Your room awaits you," the woman said in a voice as silken and smooth as her attire.

The scent of mint curled through the air, courtesy of the many burning oils and joss sticks. It gave Frost Lotus a crisp, refreshing scent. Pia breathed deeply, letting the cool scent sink in.

Duke Zhi gave a polite hand bow and gestured to Pia, saying, "Thank you, Madam Linhua. Actually, the room is for my disciple, Pia."

What? Pia thought, stunned into forgetting her manners. Her eyes slid to her Master, narrowing. His hand settled on her back, between her shoulders, pushing her forward. Finally, Pia gave the woman a hand bow, not wanting to be rude.

Madam Linhua's face remained relaxed and clear. She shut her fan with a sharp click and gave him a nod.

"As you wish. The common areas are open. Feel free to browse at your leisure," she told Ruwe, her voice seeming to indicate something Pia didn't understand.

Pia hesitated, looking at Ruwe in confusion. He inclined his head towards Madam Linhua, who had begun to walk away.

"Why am I the only one going?" Pia asked, giving him a sour look.

Ruwe shook his head and pushed her forward again.

"You'll understand. You won't want me there. Trust me."

Giving him a last irritated look to let him know she wasn't happy, Pia followed after Madam Linhua. The woman's long robe hovered just above the floor, rippling like water as she walked. Pia's eyes wandered back to the woman's hair, taking in the splendor.

In her etiquette books, she'd seen multiple drawings of varying fashions. Hair buns stuck with golden combs, twisted locks held with silver pins, and towering bejeweled hair pins that dangled pretty accessories from the head. She'd never seen it in person though.

Madam Linhua's hair was smoothly fashioned into a bun, held with two silver hair pins garnished with bright blue lotuses. From under the lotuses, two silver chains dangled blue teardrop gems. In the middle of the bun sat a single hair comb lined with small blue gems of the same color. It enhanced the blue-blackness of her hair, and every time she moved, her hair seemed to shimmer under the lights. Pia couldn't see herself ever wearing anything that beautiful, but it was eye-catching.

The Madam led her past rooms, which peeking in, confused Pia. Men and women sat around tables, drinking or eating, laughing together. Many of the rooms had women leaning over the men, offering him a drink, faces pressed close together.

It didn't seem proper at all. Frowning, Pia's arms crossed over her chest. Madam Linhua's lips twitched with amusement, which further annoyed her.

She began to think Frost Lotus Pavilion was not a scholar's parlor or an inn. Suspicions grew as every open room revealed similar sights: lovely women simpering over men with money. It was definitely not a gentleman's place of refinement. Finally, they reached a staircase, dark wood polished to perfection, and climbed to the second level.

Pia hardly had the chance to take in the wide hall that formed an open square around the first floor, allowing the second, and peeking up, she saw the third floor as well, to look down, where a dance floor stood center place on the main floor, before Madam Linhua bustled her to one of the closed rooms to their right.

"Here you go, Pia," she said, voice warm and inviting as she opened the door.

Inside, Pia saw a woman dressed as beautifully as Madam Linua, except this woman was dressed all in black. Interest piqued, Pia's irritation disappeared, and she entered the room. Behind her Madam Linhua closed the door, and the sound of a lock clicking sounded loud in the silence of the room.

The woman's black clothes were melded to her body, showing a lean but femininely curved body. Though it was undoubtedly improper, Pia admitted that, though her cheeks felt warm, it made the woman enticing and appealing.

"I finally get to meet the mysterious disciple," the woman murmured, and Pia felt a thrill at the smoky, low voice. It was equally mesmerizing. Never had she'd seen a woman like this before.

When the woman patted the dark cushion beside her, saying, "Come sit," Pia couldn't help but obey. The woman's deep red lips curled upwards.

Her skin was so pale that the dark paint on her lips made her seem otherworldly. Only a simple black hairpin held back her long black hair, allowing the lengths to drape over her shoulders in waves that resembled ink pouring over white paper.

Once Pia was sitting, practically gawking, the woman leaned forward and poured them both a cup of tea. It smelled spicy and rich, like melted ginger candy and cinnamon, yet a bitter scent like venom seemed to hide in the midst. Sipping it, Pia's brows rose. Her nose had not deceived her—that was Three-Ringed Viper venom. It had been deconstructed. There was no numbness to her tongue, only a sharp tingle, enhancing the tea.

"You've got a wise tongue," the woman said, chuckling throatily.

Raising her cup, the woman covered the tea with her hand and looked away as she drank.

"You know my Master?" Pia asked, breaking herself from the slight thrall the woman had cast over her.

As the woman put her teacup back, her robe parted at the neck, revealing moonlight-pale skin, broken by a red peony painted just above her breast. Hastily, Pia averted her gaze, feeling her cheeks flame with shame.

"Yes, we've worked together often," the woman said, winking at Pia.

Having guessed that this was a brothel house, Pia's cheeks burned hotter still. She did not want to imagine what kind of work that was.

"Ruwe has asked me for his help. Such a rare occasion to gather a favor from him, I couldn't resist."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The casual use of her Master's name left her feeling possessive. Were they really so close for her to use his first name? Pia's lips thinned.

Seeing it the woman laughed again, delighted.

"You're as prickly as he, I see. No need to worry. I can assure you that your position in his life has no competition. Now, let's see," the woman said, raising her knee to prop her elbow on.

"My name is Mo Jing, and as you've likely guessed, I'm a lady of Frost Lotus Pavilion."

Pia nodded, wondering what exactly Ruwe had asked of this exotic woman.

Mo Jing, seeing the anticipation on her face, laughed again. She turned and reached beside her for a plain wooden box. Putting it on her lap, she rested a long, pale hand atop its lid.

"Before you set out on your journeys, Ruwe wanted to make sure he could prepare you for all the trials a woman might face in the world. And, yes," the woman said, her voice sharpening, "even powerful, talented women face dangers in the world. Some that very, very few men also face."

Beautiful and serene, her face twisted into a sneer, eyes locking on Pia's face with intensity.

"Be wary of men, warier still of those who seem kindhearted. Three-Ringer Viper venom might be made safe, but it is still a venom," she cautioned. Then she opened the lid of the box.

"Ruwe spoke highly of your talent as a fighter. He said nothing about your feminine strengths. Which leads me to believe that no one has ever spoken to you about them?" Mo Jing said, fiddling with something inside the box.

"What are 'feminine strengths' exactly?"

Grinning, the woman closed the lid, resting her hands atop it.

"Do you get your monthly bleeds?" she asked bluntly.

Mortified, Pia's cheeks, which had finally calmed, flamed hot once more.

"I use acupuncture and herbs to keep it away," she admitted. "It started last year. I'd read books about reproduction, so I had an idea beforehand."

Tsking, Mo Jing shook her head, rippling her long black hair.

"Give me your hand," she instructed, holding out her hand.

Pia did, and the woman took it, running her fingers over the veins up her arm.

"The other," and Pia swapped hands.

Mo Jing's fingers paused on Pia's left arm. Without asking, she pushed Pia's sleeve up, revealing the sigil mark of three koi and an orchid.

"What is this?" the woman asked, her light fingers tracing over the design. "It has a power to it, though I can't make sense of it."

Pulling her hand free, Pia shoved her sleeve down defensively.

"It's something my friends and I did when we were fourteen."

"Does Ruwe know about it?" Mo Jing queried.

Pia shook her head. "No. I had no reason to bring it up. It's just a silly thing we did to memorialize our bonds."

Mo Jing's lips curled slightly.

"If you made it this far with no problems it's likely fine," she said, waving the topic away. "Back to reproduction. You seem to have done well with using acupuncture. No surprise from a student of Ruwe. Do your herbs prevent potential side effects of being bedded?"

Pia held up her arms, crossing them in front of her body.

"No. I have no intention of wasting my time on those activities," Pia said hotly. Even just reading about the concepts had been horrifying to her. She never wanted to even think about those things.

Mo Jing laughed at the innocence Pia displayed, but she quickly sobered.

"Many youths feel that way. Passion for growth can quickly turn into passion for men. Also, many men don't ask permission," she said, giving Pia a stern look and emphasizing the importance of that information. Only when Pia seemed to have understood the weight of the statement, she continued, "So, it's best to be prepared. Instead of herbs, have you considered a Barrowisp?" she held out a palm, where a tiny blue wisp sat. Its body was blue, but its wings were pure silver.

Suspicious, Pia asked, "What is a Barrowisp?" It looked like a bee but thinner and lacked a stinger at its base.

"These are spiritual Wisps, grown from and cultivated in feminine energy. Popular in many pavilions such as these," Mo Jing spread her arm out, indicating the Frost Lotus. "You allow them into your body, and they will attack any unwanted masculine 'energies' from taking hold. You can safely remove them in the future, should a child be a later wish."

Pia held out her hand, and Mo Jing slid the Barrowisp into her palm.

"Are there side effects?"

"If you should lie with a man, nausea and a bit of upset stomach as the Barrowisp works is not a bad price to pay."

"Will it also stop the monthly bleeds?" Pia asked, holding the bug up to her eyes. It stared serenely back at her.

"No, you will still need herbs or acupuncture for that. I can show you some different needle positions that will work if no herbs are available. I caution against using them too often, though. Permanent infertility can occur if you overuse them," Mo Jing explained.

"How do I use the Barrowisp?"

Mo Jing walked her through placing a rune under the wings of the bug, sealing it with a pinprick of fire yi.

"Fire yi works the best with them, just not too much, or you'll turn them crisp. Now, pop it in your mouth," she told her, ignoring Pia's disgusted look.

Pia did as told, grimacing as she felt it slide down her throat, tickling as it went.

"If you wish to conceive, activate the rune, and the bug will die. They last years, but if you should need a new one, visiting most brothels will be the easiest way to replace it."

Patting her stomach, Pia frowned. She'd never considered getting pregnant, yet also, the idea of being forced…she shivered. What a horrible thing. She'd read about the crime occurring but never thought it might be something she'd have to worry about personally.

Once more, Mo Jing opened the box, and began pulling out strange wooden structures. At first, she didn't understand what the woman placed on the mat between them. Pia's eyes went wide with shock. Were those—?

Mo Jing laughed, deep and throaty.

"I know it isn't something you wish to discuss. However, this is largely why Ruwe brought you here. It is important that you understand these. You may be strong in martial arts and sword fighting, but this is a different kind of sword fight women face. Let me teach you some skills a woman can wield. May you never need them, but if you do, you'll be prepared."

Fearing her cheeks may never return to a normal shade, Pia swallowed the anxiety that seeing those objects brought forth and listened intently. Mo Jing patiently and expertly explained in great detail.

When they finished, Pia's mind whirled. So many different ways a man could be vulnerable. Why didn't all women know these tricks?

Pressing her hands together, Pia gave Mo Jing a deep bow.

"Thank you. I never thought about these situations, but I'm deeply grateful for the care you've shown me."

The woman smiled fondly and handed Pia a small silk pouch.

"Practice the needle techniques often. Get better at hiding them as I've shown you. Nakedness need not be powerless," Mo Jing reminded her.

Pia tucked the pouch inside her robes, promising to practice diligently.

"Tell Ruwe I won't forget the favor he owes me," Mo Jing said. She gave Pia one final, languid smile and then rose and went to unlock the door.

She bowed one more time in respect, and then Pia took her leave. Knowing he knew what they'd discussed, facing Ruwe was humiliating. Yet, she was incredibly grateful for him acknowledging her lack of education in the matter.

At the bottom of the stairs, Madam Linhua greeted her with a knowing smile. Craning her head to look around, Pia didn't see her Master anywhere.

"He waits for you outside. I hope all went well?" Madam Linhua asked.

Meeting her gaze, Pia shocked the woman by bowing in respect. In the back of her mind, Pia couldn't help but think that these women likely weren't given much respect due to their line of work, and that thought angered her.

"Thank you for your assistance. My visit was most enlightening," Pia said to the Madam.

Madam Linhua smiled at the young woman, feeling touched by her sincerity, and bowed in return.

"Safe travels, young lady."

Walking outside, Pia breathed in the strange scents of Caihe. The scent was such a contrast to the refreshing, soothing scent of the pavilion that she sneezed. Wiping her nose on her sleeve, Pia spotted Ruwe waiting for her on the street.

Stiffly, she walked to his side. He avoided her gaze as she avoided his.

"Thank you," she muttered through gritted teeth. "Though a heads up would have been nice."

"You wanted me to bring up those topics with you?"

The thought of Ruwe trying to explain what Mo Jing had instructed her on sent her cheeks flaming again.

"No," she said vehemently. "It was embarrassing enough as it was."

"I apologize for being remiss in not finding a way to address that part of your knowledge. It didn't occur to me until recently. Sometimes I forget you're a girl," he teased.

Pleased with that information, Pia's tension eased, and the awkwardness fled from them.

"I gather it went well?" he asked.

"Mo Jing said you owe her a favor."

He laughed and then held out her sword. She took it, and the two walked down the street.

"What's next?" she asked.

"We have a real room at Tea Breeze," Ruwe said, and seeing her dubious expression, he grinned. "It's a real lodging this time."