Taking deep breaths, I looked around, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling brothel around me. I was back in time, back in the brothel where I had spent years of my life as a courtesan. It was surreal, and yet, I felt a sense of familiarity wash over me. I had been here before; I knew this place like the back of my hand.
I quickly composed myself, reminding myself of my mission. I had to change the course of history, starting with my own life. I had to make sure that emperor Wei took me away from this life, and that I remained a powerful figure in the streets of Tong nation.
I walked around the brothel, observing the other courtesans and the patrons. It was all so different from the life I had been living in the library, where time was stagnant, and nothing ever changed. Here, everything was in constant motion, and I had to adapt quickly.
I spent days watching and learning, observing the other courtesans and their techniques. I learned how to walk, how to move, how to dress. I practiced in front of the mirror until I was confident that I could seduce the emperor with just a glance.
Finally, the day came when emperor Wei visited the brothel. I felt a thrill of excitement and fear, knowing that this was the moment that could change everything. I dressed in my most alluring clothing, a silk robe that hugged my curves and revealed just enough skin to tantalize.
I positioned myself near the entrance of the brothel, knowing that the emperor would have to pass by me on his way out. I waited patiently, watching as the other courtesans vied for his attention. They were beautiful, no doubt, but they lacked the grace, elegance, and patience that I had honed over centuries in the library.
Finally, the emperor emerged from the brothel, flanked by his guards. He glanced at me as he passed, and I held his gaze, using my ability to read his emotions to my advantage. I could sense his interest, his attraction, and I knew that I had him hooked.
I turned and walked away, my movements slow and deliberate, knowing that he was watching me. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away, and I smiled inwardly, knowing that I had succeeded in seducing him from a distance.
Over the next few weeks, I continued to use my ability to study the emperor's emotions. I would make myself scarce when he was looking for me, then reappear when he least expected it, always leaving him wanting more. I knew that he was becoming obsessed with me, and I used that to my advantage, knowing that it would give me power over him in the future.
As the days turned into weeks, I began to realize that I had underestimated just how difficult it would be to change the course of history. Even with my knowledge of the future, I was finding it hard to manipulate events to my advantage. I knew that I had to be patient, and that change would not happen overnight, but it was hard to keep that in mind when I was so used to having instant access to knowledge and power.
And so, it was. One day, as I was walking through the marketplace, I felt a hand on my arm. I turned to see the emperor standing there, his eyes dark with desire.
"I have been watching you," he said, his voice low and husky. "I cannot resist you any longer."
I smiled inwardly. This was exactly what I had planned. "And what is it that you desire?" I asked him, my voice soft and alluring.
"You," he replied, his eyes roaming over my body.
I pretended to be shocked, feigning innocence. "I am but a lowly courtesan," I said, lowering my eyes demurely. "I am not worthy of your attention."
The emperor laughed. "Nonsense," he said. "You are the most beautiful ger I have ever seen."
And with that, he led me away from the marketplace and into his private chambers.
Over the next few weeks, I became the emperor's favorite courtesan. I was always by his side, attending to his every need. I could see the way that he looked at me, the way that he hungered for me, and I knew that I had him completely under my spell.
But I was careful not to reveal too much too soon. I wanted to keep him wanting more, always hungering for my touch.
And so it went, for months and months. I served him whenever he called for me, always by his side when he came to watch our shows, and always attentive to his needs.
But as time passed, I began to grow restless. I knew that I couldn't stay in this position forever. I had to find a way to gain even more power, to rise even higher than I already had.
And so, I began to plot. I would spend my nights pouring over books that I had read in the library, recalling everything that I could about politics, strategy, and warfare. I began to see the world in a new light. I saw the way that power moved, the way that it shifted and changed. I saw the way that those in power would do anything to keep their positions, no matter what the cost.
And I knew that I had to be careful. I knew that I had to be smart, to be cunning, to be ruthless, for the first time in my life, I felt like I had a purpose. I felt like I was destined for greatness, and I knew that nothing, not even the emperor himself, would stand in my way.