Conquering the Emperor

The following morning marked the start of my official journey to becoming a successful concubine, whatever that meant. It started off with Auntie waking me up super early in the morning and the maids helping me get dressed and ready for the day.

I watched as a very serious-looking Auntie marched back and forth in my sitting room as she began lecturing me on the importance of being a successful woman in the inner court.

“It is my pride and honor to have served the royal family for generations in grooming successful concubines who would produce heirs to the throne and continue the royal family tree. It is of the highest honor for women in this empire to be chosen to serve members of the royal family…” Auntie lectured in her authoritative voice.

I sat there as I watched her pace around while she continued to lecture me. I couldn’t help but wonder how many women she had lectured this way and how many were convinced of her teachings. Unfortunately, the answer to my questions would be ‘many’.

“Lady White Lotus, it is good that you are back. Without further delays, we will commerce with your training and lessons immediately. Let me start by introducing you to your instructor and mentor. Please come in,” Auntie proudly announced before calling for someone to come into the room.

As if on cue, a stunningly beautiful woman with snow white skin, dark black hair and a charming face entered the room. Her figure was elegantly alluring, and her waist was impossibly slim. I couldn’t help but stare at her, amazed by her beauty and the way that she flawlessly carried herself. The woman gracefully walked into the room and her movements were so smooth that for a second, I honestly thought that she floated rather than walked into the room.

“This is Jeely,” Aunty said politely as she gestured formally to the woman dressed in a pale yellow and pink silk robe with matching jewelry in her hair and around her neck.

By this time, I was trained well enough to recognize the ranks of the court ladies by the clothes and jewelry that they wore. This woman, Jeely, although her clothes were not as elegant as mine, her jewelry signified that she is a prominent member of the inner court. In other words, Jeely is one of the high-ranking concubines in this harem.

I wasn’t surprised by her position, Jeely was stunningly beautiful. Her face was small like a doll’s. Her brown round eyes framed by dark and long lashes. Her brows were beautiful arches that helped frame her face. Her lips and smile were alluring. I have never seen a woman as beautiful as Jeely before.

“Jeely, at your service, My Lady,” Jeely said, and I felt myself melting at the sweet sound of her voice. So sweet, just like bells ringing at the break of dawn.

“It’s…nice to meet you. My name is Rin,” I replied, trying not to stutter as I spoke.

“Have a seat, Jeely,” Auntie motioned for Jeely to take a seat and she took a seat opposite to me on the round table.

I gulped nervously. Now that I could see Jeely up close, her beauty was blinding. It dawned on me that there must be many outstandingly beautiful women in Ren’s inner court.

“This is Jeely and starting today she will be your instructor and mentor. You have nothing to worry about, My Lady. Jeely has been in the crown prince’s inner court for a longtime since she was but a child. She is one of the highest ranking lady in the court and has vast experience in the arts,” Auntie said confidently while Jeely smiled humbly.

“You’ve been here since you were a child?” I asked, a little shocked at this piece of information.

“Yes, My Lady. I came to the crown prince’s inner court when I was less than ten years old,” Jeely replied with a smile.

I never knew that they started…that young…

“You can ask Jeely for her story later if you’re interested. For now, I would like to explain to you the arts and skills that you are expected to pick up from Jeely,” Auntie said.

With a gesture of Auntie’s hand, Jeely elegantly stood up from her seat and moved to a spot where I could see the whole length of her body, unobstructed by the table.

“Observe, My Lady. This is the stance and movement of a real lady of the court. Soon, you will move and carry yourself with equal if not more grace,” Auntie stated firmly.

Jeely demonstrated various poses and I never knew that there were expectations on how one should stand, bend over, and turn around. It was just all too much.

“I’m sure that you will get used to it in not time, My Lady,” Jeely said as she lifted a part of her long sleeve to partially cover her smile as she smiled at me.

My mouth hung open at that captivating gesture. I had no problem picturing how men would be reacting to her if she was around them.

So, this is a woman that Ren was used to being around…

“Poses, stance and gestures. Then water painting, dancing, singing, playing traditional instruments of the inner court. We will start with these before proceeding to poetry and history of the empire. Yes, as to not embarrass the crown prince should you have to attend events with him, you will be required to learn the history of the empire and some state of affairs,” Auntie explained sternly.

I nodded my head, not knowing what to say. The list of things I had to learn was long and I knew without a doubt that I would be starting all topics from zero. This is going to be tougher than I had imagined at first. Oh well…

“We’ll start off with a few subjects of your choice. I think that would be better and it should hopefully lessen the pressure, My Lady” Jeely suggested with an understanding and sympathetic smile.

I was beginning to like Jeely so much already. She was easy on the eyes and the ears. Most importantly, she seemed to empathize with my situation, perhaps because she had gone through those harsh trainings before.

--To be continued…