In 1368, Emperor Zhu Yunzhung installed himself on China's throne, founding the Ming dynasty. One of the most interesting aspects of his rule is that his collection of concubines numbered in the thousands. Cho and Genji are two young girls who are afraid to disappoint their families if they're not chosen as their emperor's concubines. They look forward to the luxurious life and pleasures their training will bring. One day, Cho locks eyes with a handsome young eunuch named Xian, and both feel an instant attraction. After losing her virginity in a violent manner to the emperor, Cho's longing for Xian increases. Xian, who has a secret of his own, starts meeting Cho, and their feelings strengthen. Cho and Genji have their fortunes read, which offer them clues of their life ahead. Genji has a better experience with the emperor and is happier than Cho. Meanwhile, Xian learns of a possible escape route through the tunnels beneath the city. Will the couple be able to escape? A retired teacher, Darlien C. Breeze currently lives in Las Vegas. "I grew up on the copper and goldmine my grandparents owned. You name it, we didn't have it. No electricity, no hot and cold running water, of course, no TV or daily paper. We had a one-room, one-window cabin. Cooking was done outside over an open fire. Luckily, my grandmother was a crack shot and provided us with plenty of fresh jackrabbit. We hauled our water from the Colorado River in barrels. Actually, we were pretty up-scale, our outhouse was a two-seater."