Chapter 2:
As spring arrived, they flowers bloomed brightly, but her mother's business was going slowly. The day was as usual for the seventeen year old Zî Xuān. She was woken up by the morning sun shining through her window into her small room. "My dear, it's time to wake up," said her mother, yelling from the kitchen. Groaning, she opened her eyes, looking confused as to why her mother would wake her up so early in the morning. Then she remembered that she had to help her mother out in the restaurant. She took a bath and got dressed in an old blue dress and put her hair in a braid.
She went to the kitchen, where her mother was busy preparing breakfast for them. She took a seat at the small table as her mother placed the food on the table. "Thank you, mom," said Zî Xuān. "You're welcome, my dear," said her mother. When they were done eating Zî Xuān helped her mother to wash the dishes before going to the restaurant.
The restaurant was as quiet as usual. Food was being prepared and served. The people gossip about the royal family. "I heard the Emperor was looking for some women that he met years ago," said a voice. "That right, I wonder who she could be," said another voice. As the afternoon arrived, her mother asked Zî Xuān to go to the village market and buy ingredients.
She arrived at the village market. She started looking for the ingredients. Suddenly, she was grabbed, and her nose was held closed by someone. She was being dragged by someone. She tried to fight the person off, but it was no use. She could not breathe, and she started to fall unconscious. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that she was in a room full of other women. Their hand were chained, and so was hers. What was going on here, she thought. The door of room burst opened as an old, fat looking man walked in. "You're here because you were sold off for paying your family debt." said the man.
Zî Xuān couldn't believe it. She knew her mother wouldn't sell her. She knew her mother loved her, and they lived a happy life so far. Did they perhaps have the wrong person? "My name is Zî Xuān and I don't think I'm supposed to be here." she said. The old fat man didn't answer her back because they all used the same excuse. They were being sold of in brothel where the rich would buy them for being used as servants. The brothel was full of people, mostly men looking for servants. Music was being played on zithers. The people dancing and drink wine. Some were even drunk. Cheering can be heard as the bidders select and name their prices.
In the brothel was a separate room where "slaves," as they said, are being held, waiting to be called their names as they were next in line for bidding. Zî Xuān didn't understand why people would sell other people like a piece of meat that needs to full their hunger. She saw as some of the women came back sighing in relief that they were not baught. The old fat man from before came in and started selecting women, not even knowing their names. They were just a sign of money for him. "You the girl that is looking confused come it's your turn." said the old fat man. Zî Xuān pointed towards herself as if she did not understand what he said. "Yes, you," he said.
Arriving at the centre of the room was a stage like floor and steps next to the stage. In front of Zî Xuān was another woman, and then it was her turn. When it was her turn, you could hear the cheers as she came up the stage. "100 taels," a voice yeld. "1000 taels" yells another "10000 teals" another. "Going once, going twice, and sold to the eunuch. Zî Xuān was lead to a room. Inside, she was met with the eunuch that bought her. He seemed to be from the imperial palace.
"What's your name and age dear?" asked the eunuch. "I'm Zî Xuān and I'm seventeen years old, sir." she said. "No need for formalities dear, just call me Eunuch Lee. I bought you today because you seemed to know how to work hard. Let's get you to the palace so that you can start working." he said. Arriving at the imperial palace at the servant court, Zî Xuān was amazed by what was behind the big red walls.
Every servant knows that either you are married off or you lose your freedom. Those who lose their beauty and glory have no freedom. Without permission, you can't leave the palace. Here on the place I'm standing marks my future. I will be staying here for life. Working day and night for the imperial palace