The Valley of Amazement

Magic Gourd spoke quickly. “I can test her and make sure she knows every detail by heart, no mistakes.”

“She has to be ready in a month’s time to attend her first party. It won’t be an official announcement that she is our virgin courtesan, just an appearance to spread the word.”

I felt as if she had said I would soon die.

“Don’t worry,” Magic Gourd said. “She’s a good girl, and I’ll beat out any bad temper that remains.”

Madam Li looked hard at each of us and then she relaxed. “You may call me Mother Li.”

When she left, Magic Gourd pinched my arm. “There is nothing more important than a good beginning. Do you want a good life? Do you want to be first class? Tomorrow I’ll start your lessons, and one day, when you are popular and shimmering with jewels, you’ll say to me, ‘Magic Gourd, you were right, thank you for giving me a happy life.’”

CHAPTER 4 (#ulink_8357af6b-ec64-5f76-a382-c94b5584b733)

ETIQUETTE FOR BEAUTIES OF THE BOUDOIR (#ulink_8357af6b-ec64-5f76-a382-c94b5584b733)

Wherein Magic Gourd advises young Violet on how to become a popular courtesan while avoiding cheapskates, false love, and suicide

Shanghai1912Magic Gourd

Do you want to wear out your insides by the time you are sixteen? Of course not. Then learn these lessons well.

While you are still a virgin courtesan, you must learn all the arts of enticement and master the balance of anticipation and reticence. Your defloration won’t happen until the New Year, when you turn fifteen, and I expect you to have many ardent suitors by the time Madam is ready to sell your bud.

You might be thinking, What does my attendant, old Magic Gourd, know about romance?