Concubine

Must be chosen in the Harem Choosing event.

A woman of certain beauty, grace, and bearing. Must be decently educated to qualify. Must also be virtuous, capable, and intelligent.

Whenever the emperor deems it time, there is a call out to all the families of the country, that if they have a daughter they believe to be fine enough to wed the Emperor, then they should send her to the capital. Government officials in each region make sure a good number of girls go, because if one of their girls gets chosen, they get a bonus.   Once the girls are gathered in the palace, there is a long, gruelling set of tests and trainings for what is required to be a concubine for his majesty. Bad behavior will remove you from the running. Failing the tests will remove you from the running. If the Eunuchs or the Harem Mistress dislikes you, you're out of the running.   Once the 'training' perior ends, the concubines start as companions to older concubines, serving them faithfully. If they catch the attention of the emperor, they may be raised significantly in rank. Otherwise, they stay a concubine forever.

A concubine's first duty is to the Emperor. She must be available to him at all times. Her second is to remain virtuous, intelligent, and to have a good reputation.

Daily: Sewing, Tea-making, Running Errands, Gardening, Cooking, Studying, Attending their superiors, and if they are lucky, entertaining the Emperor.

Rich clothing, jewelry, luscious food, the best cosmetics, safe, clean rooms, Chance to gain the ear of the Emperor.

Concubines are allowed to dress themselves, although to be too flashy or gaudy is considered faux pas. Jewelry is given as gifts for good service or in each Concubine's allowance, although rich concubines will often buy their own pieces or bring some from home.

A concubine may be removed for many reasons. She is found to be unvirtuous, found alone with an uncut man, displeases someone of higher rank, or makes a fool of herself in front of the Emperor. She will summarily be thrown out onto the street with her belongings, and expected to find her own way home.