RISE OF THE DRAGON-TANG DYNASTY NOVEL-SHINGS PERPECTIVE

THE LOTUS HOUSE

"Shuming, can you please go by my oldest brothers and see if they are going to go to the Lotus House tonight?" I asked.

"Sure thing, are you sure this is the right thing to do?" Shuming asked.

"From my understanding that this is the place that I can gather information, drunk lips will tell the truth." I said.

"That is so true, I will take my leave and find out what is needed." Shuming said.

Sitting at my desk I noticed the feeling in my study is not as exciting as Na's study I have my books, my work, but I can't concentrate in here. It has a dark feel to it where there is nothingness. It's dark and gloomy no light in here at all even though the candles are lit and daylight is shining in.

Pacing around the hardwood floor wondering how I am going to crack this case. Heading to the Lotus House have a lead there, all the officials go there to unload from their days. Not knowing what to say or ask all I can do is just play it by ear. I hear my brothers and Shuming coming down the walkway they are not quiet as well.

"Hey little brother are you around?" I hear my first oldest brother.

"Little brother." My youngest was yelling.

Walking out to meet them I greeted them "hello, what is all the noise about" I said

"So you have grown tired of your wives already?" my youngest was saying

"What gave you that idea?" I asked.

"You want to go with us to the Lotus House." he said

"Its not like that." I said.

"Then what is it little brother." My oldest asked.

"I want to learn some stuff from them." I said.

They both get a big smile across their faces and laughed. They grabbed me by the arms and led me into the city and we stood in front of the Lotus House. It was a bit intimidating at first a two-story red building with lanterns everywhere. Courtesans out front greeting people to guide them in.

We walked in and there was a center stage where the courtesans dance and play music for entertainment. Tables are around the stage as well up stairs but there are rooms upstairs. The smell of sex is flowing through the air like incense.

It's covered in red fabric upstairs the feeling of drinking and sex is everywhere here. I follow my brother over to the table next to the stage it is hidden away so no one can notice us. Just sitting there watching all the women walk around us.

As one courtesan brings us wine and food dishes to eat. Seeing my brother wave one over to us. It looks like his favorite one she is beautiful her hair pulled up in the traditional style. Not a lot of make-up but she has a soft feature about her. Not like the ones that are walking around.

As she approaches there are two more women behind her, they all look good. As I looked past them, I noticed a few of the court members here enjoying their time. Looking over at Shuming and nodding in their direction. He was alerted and moved closer but unseen to them.

One courtesan come up to me and put her hands on my shoulders at first I was uncomfortable but then I remembered why I was here. She was unforgettable the way they dressed her in purple robes looking like flames going up the skirt. Smelling like lavender and roses.

It was so easy to get lost in her, make up done ever so lightly with a lotus on her forehead. Relaxing into her touch as she grabbed my hand and led me upstairs. They sure move fast, following her up to her room. They decorated it in pinks and black fabric and the bed was a black silk comforter.