The city of Xi’an is a marvel of engineering, and one of the many pillars of Shaanxi, supporting a thriving culture and people that have endured the test of time. While certainly nowhere near as significant as the Terracotta Warriors or the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Cinnabar Pavilion has been a historical constant binding people in indulgence and elegance.
It has been active since the Qin -and Han Dynasties, but didn’t begin to thrive until the time of Emperor Wen of Sui ( 隋文帝 ), The Sui Dynasty funded the Pavilion throughout the reconstruction efforts by the Emperors Wen and Yang, bringing about its ascension to a major institution. Ever since it has slowly expanded its reach, using its history as a weapon, its reputation as a lure, and its facilities as the glue to bind it all together.
Now the Cinnabar Pavilion is one of the premier relaxation locations for officials, wealthy industrialists, and the greatest minds of all China, where they come to relax and network. It hosts natural hotsprings, various gardens, food, drink, and accommodations for extended stays. You have been hired to help as someone familiar with the running of the Pavilion, to assist the Amber Lady in the carrying out of her duties.
You stand outside her office nervously as you see various servants come and go bringing into the room various documents and objects requiring her personal attention. You’ve been told you’d be called in when the time was right, but you’ve been standing there for over an hour. But, eventually, you hear the voice that has made several emperors beg for more, Her voice, the Amber Lady.
“Come in you.”
Her tone is curt, bereft of warmth, but it bears the weight of a long life. As does the practiced smile she meets you with. Her real name is Jin Shu Hua, also known as the Graceful Golden Flower of Shaanxi. From what you remember, her preferred mode of address is Jīn Shūhuá Xiānshēng, or Jīn Xiānshēng, and will not tolerate less respectful modes of address.
“I don’t like wasting time, so I’ll save you the formalities. You’ll be assisting me in keeping this place in top shape. You’ll be working with me personally, and if I find you wanting, you are going back to where you came from, understood?”
