The term "Golden Enclave" stirred up various images in the mind of most Lijiangians. To those in the know it was an area devoted to honouring the ancestors, preparing youngsters for their futures guiding the nation and ensuring the beloved Dragon Emperor had most of the day to day concerns taken care of. It was a place that those of the nobility saw as a place of service and where their fortunes could be made. To those outside the capital it was a place where the very walls were made of gold and and the streets lined with jewels. It was a place where those selected by the Two Dragons ensured the nation retained the love of the Two Dragons and did what was needed to make the crops grow, the rivers flow and that everyone had enough food. It was along with the Imperial Palace one of two places that ensured the nation was as Majestic as the name suggested. The truth though was that its walls were not golden, they were huge buttresses of dark grey stone with three gatehouses. The wall was so wide it was possible that a military force of 20 men in line could march along them side by side. Rumour had it that the walls could even have tanks drive along them they were so formidible however out of respect for the Enclave it had never actually been tried. The streets to where Grey cobbles with two storey buildings either side made of white walls with red trims and roof tiles. A great deal where still made out of wood and a walk through the grid pattern streets was like going back to the 1600's. Most residents wore traditional style fashions of brightly coloured silks and huge gardens sprang up every few houses. The Enclave's nerve centre though was a sprawling complex of buildings within a smaller wall, this one yellow in colour which was were the Enclave actually got its name from. Once through the only gate way, which was always guarded by men in black traditional armour, there was a yellow coloured set of paving that wound its way through the Enclave and it was noticeable that everyone avoided walking on the path as it was reserved for the royals and those given permission to walk upon it. Soon that would include
Huian.
The 19 year old had spent nearly two years fearing her father's actions were going to see her executed and she had hardly slept since the Dragon Emperor had been named. In her room at the Sanctory of the Two Dragons she had feared every person arriving since Tielin being proclaimed Emperor was bringing orders for her death. It had reached a point where she contemplated throwing herself out the Palace window to end it all before the Emperor sent for her beheading. Thankfully she hadn't and although her father would be paying the ultimate price she would live. Then news had come that her nobility had been stripped and her heart had sank she knew no life other than that of a noblemans daughter but then she had been told she would be moved to the Golden Enclave and would become a Concubine to the Dragon Emperor. It was a mixed fortune, on one hand she would be forced to give herself to the Dragon Emperor on his command but she would also know a life of luxury and safety. She had read a lot of history and knew in the past some of those who had held the title ""Imperial Lady of the Emperors Chamber" had wielded just as much power and influence as any Empress or Queen. She had already been treated like someone important as she had made that 10km journey as she had been permitted to ride in a carriage usually reserved for high ranking nobles. To see the city once more made her appreciate the fact that this was happening as she believed she would never see the place again. In her youth she had attended several events in the Enclave but she had been told tales of how once the period of mourning was passed the place would become even more alive. Already as she passed into the Enclave she could see that was the case. The place was full of people going about their business in bright reds, yellows, blues the old blacks and greys of her former visit gone. Music filled the air as somewhere someone was teaching a group of youngsters how to play various instruments. The people on the streets parted to allow the carriage through and soon they were at the centre where next door to the residence of the Empress was a low single story wooden building beautifully decorated.
"Welcome to the Concubine's Lodge" a woman with her hair in a bun held by a silver ribbon greeted her. "You must forgive us, we have had just two days to clean the place up and ready it for your arrival. My name is Shai and I am to be the Matron of the Lodge, my duty is to ensure you are cared for and when the time comes look after any children you and the Emperor produce. I am to be a combination of your mother, your tutor, your secretary and nanny." Shai said proudly. She lead Huian through a series of rooms each finished in deeply polished dark wood and decorated with beautiful works of art. The Lodge was a beautiful building and in its heart was a a large hall set up as a dining room. "From time to time once you have children you will be expected to host events on behalf of the Dragon Emperor with minor nobles. Also the Dragon Emperors of old would often dine with all their Concubines, one story tells that one had 100 or so girls." The room was indeed big enough to accommodate that but surely that was something of a throwback to antiquity. Somewhere in the maze of rooms a clock chimed 2pm. "We must be quick now" Shai grabbed her hand and lead her into several more rooms before pushing open a large heavy wooden door. It was a bath house full of sunken wooden tubs. Three young girls in their early teens were busily filling one such tub from a bubbling font of water. "We have our own natural warm spring, the waters are said to be very good for your health and long life." Shai pushed Huian towards the tub and without really explaining began to undress her. "The Emperor shall be here at 4pm and we have much to go over." Huian tried to protest but soon found herself being helped over the low edge of the tub which she discovered was beautifully warm. There was a ledge to sit on which when she lowered herself onto it she discovered meant only her shoulders and head were above the water. "This is awkward but must be asked." Shai was sat on the edge of the tub giving instructions to the attendants to fetch various lotions and potions and this was asked while they were away. "Have you been with a man before?"
"No" Huian seemed offended Shai would even suggest such a thing.
"I meant no offence. You see in a time before living in the Enclave I ran a brothel in the city. I was hired a year ago for this position should it ever be needed to ensure people like you are well looked after and understand their unique position. You exist now to primarily give the Emperor more children but also to keep him fulfilled in anyway he needs. So I need you to be ready" The next half an hour or so sent Huian's mind into a whirl as Shai gave her rather intimate advice on what her new role would be and as such she was now nervous over whether she would ever be truly happy in life. Having been bathed to Shai's satisfaction she was helped dress and for the first time in her life had make up applied. "I am sure the Dragon Emperor will be very pleased with you." She seemed almost proud of her new charges appearance as she stepped back and admired their work.
Suddenly a gong sounded followed by a fanfare which announced the arrival of Dragon Emperor Tielin. Huian suddenly felt like she was going to throw up as nerves turned her stomach into a swirling mess. "It's ok" Shai whispered to her as Tielin approached. The Dragon Emperor was accompanied by several guardsman and they followed him inside. "Welcome Your Imperial Majesty" Shai bowed deeply as did Huian. "May I introduce Huian Imperial Lady of the Emperors Chamber" hearing her new title used for the first time she knelt before the Emperor as Shai had instructed.
"Please get up" Tielin held a hand out and Huian accepted it as he raised her to her feet. "It is a pleasure to meet you." The Emperor stammered slightly it betraying his own nerves. He had only ever been intimate with one woman in his life and in truth was not sure he actually wanted this arrangement but there were customs that needed to be upheld. "Have you been well looked after?"
"Yes My Lord" Huian kept her eyes lowered showing her submissiveness which Shai had suggested. "Shai has been very kind to me and the Lodge is beautiful. It is more than I deserve considering my fathers indis...."
She didn't get to finish the sentence. "You are not responsible for the problems your father caused. The Dragon Priestess has told me of your time with her and you have suffered enough. Your future is a safe one" Tielin took hold of her hand "Please show me around your home." Huian did her best to remember the tour that she had received just a few hours earlier and with Shai in tow she was able to muddle through reasonably well. As they reached the bath-house she noticed a tub had been freshly filled. "Would My Lord like to bathe" She asked remembering once more the lesson Shai had given.
"Not at present" Tielin wasn't sure if he should say yes or no but the thought of having his guardsman present while he bathed was a little weird to him and perhaps on future visits he could find a way to keep them outside. "Please show me the rest" they continued to the large dining room and then concluded with the private quarters of Huian which were essentially a series of three rooms and a walled outside garden and decking. She had her own bedroom, lounge and a bathroom all more modern than the rest of the house. The Emperor seemed happy enough with the arrangement especially as he was a little unsure originally that the life here would be any better than that at the Sanctory up the road. Having seen it he was confident that she would be happy here especially if he treated her the way he intended. The Emperor turned to his guards and Shai, "I shall be spending the evening with Huian" he announced and noticed the girl visible gulped. The guardsman grinned at each other bowed an left although the Emperor noticed the shadow of one outside. Shai was last to leave before whispering to Huian to remember what they had discussed earlier and give her last words of encouragement.
The two were alone and Huian prepared to begin untying her dress but found Tielin stopped her hands. "No" the Emperor said. "For now I will visit you twice a week, Monday and Thursday. We shall dine together, we shall have people come to entertain us and we shall host people together. I shall allow Shai and my guards to witness you helping my bathe and then we shall retire here. You shall sleep in your bed and I shall sleep on the sofa." The Emperor suddenly seemed less serious. "You will tell Shai of my prowess in bed loud enough for my guardsman to hear and I shall naturally speak of your great beauty. You of course will be lying but I will be telling the truth. If a day comes you want me to come into your bed I shall but that shall be your choice. Do we have an agreement?"
"Whatever My Lord desires." Huian felt both flattered and disappointed. Her Emperor had just called her beautiful but had also rejected her and the conflict raised a question. "But I am supposed to have your children" she reminded him.
"I am to marry in a week or so time. That Queen shall have my children, as will any future Queens. I have little choice than to do other. You however I will tell that I find so captivating that I do not wish to ruin your body with a child." The pair chuckled slightly with the overly dramatic way the Emperor spoke of his plan. "Now I would like a tea and to get to know you." Tielin instructed.
"Yes My Lord" breathing a sigh of relief Huian let go of the tied robe belt she was about to undo and began preparing some tea for their conversation wondering whether there would ever be a time this arrangement would end.