Chapter 2: Into the harem

“Pay attention, Angelina,” says Daoshi Shi with a quiet tone of authority. “You will undress at once, and then you and your sister will go to the baths and scrub yourselves spotless. Do a thorough job or you’ll be sent back to do it again. You are not allowed to bring your dirt and stench into the Lotus Garden. Always remember that you are Mìngfù Jing’s slaves. Your new purpose in life is to be an obedient slave in the Lotus Garden.”

“What is the Lotus Garden?” I query.

“It’s the name of this building and those who are taught within it,” replies Daoshi Shi.

I cannot deny that we badly need a bath. I don’t think the pirates ever wash in clean water, and our two escorts only allowed us infrequent washes in ditch water. We obey Daoshi Shi’s command without further complaint. Daoshi Shi follows us into the area housing the baths. The two baths are much larger than the ones we used in Beijing, and each can comfortable accommodate eight bathers at once. There are also several basins along one wall. Angelina and I enter the chilly water.

“Are you alright, Angelina?” I ask.

“Yes. But they haven’t won. We must find a way to escape and get back to England.”

While I also hold a dream of freedom, I can’t help feeling that returning to England would be a mistake. Our immediate family are dead and what marriage prospects we had are surely now ruined beyond redemption. Besides, our once proud family name may still be in disgrace; the cost we must pay for our great-grandfather’s unwavering loyalty to the losing side in a war for the crown of England. Our father’s acceptance of his appointment to the Chinese Emperor’s court was his valiant attempt to restore our family’s good name. I’ve no idea whether he has succeeded. For the moment we seem safe. I relax for the first time since our capture. Angelina and I are allowed about a quarter of an hour in which to wash and refresh ourselves. An adolescent girl wearing a pale yellow shirt and matching trousers, enters the bathroom and deposits two towels and some lightweight clothing. She looks at us as though we are ghosts and quickly departs. We are left alone for a few more minutes before Daoshi Shi and the girl return.

“Once you have finished washing, dry yourselves and put on one of these shifts,” says Daoshi Shi, pointing to the items the girl delivered. “Then stand over there so the doctor can examine you.”

We do as we are told. Daoshi Shi inspects us as we leave the bath. I no longer feel embarrassed at being examined so closely while naked. I’m sure this is nothing compared to what may happen in the future. The realisation that I’m a slave in a harem is starting to dawn on me, causing inappropriate sensations to run through my body. My hands scrub my breasts and cunt for longer than necessary. By the time we finish, I’m not sure that the moisture between my legs is entirely bath water. Once Daoshi Shi is satisfied with our cleanliness, she tells the yellow-clad girl to fetch the doctor.