From the Prologue...

The girls withdrew from the scented stillness of the empress's chamber and retraced their steps through the labyrinth of corridors to the clamor of the world outside the walls, no doubt light-headed with relief. They returned to their lodgings laden with imperial gifts: a piece of the rich red silk for each, and beautifully wrapped parcels of the exquisite court cakes. So sacred were these sweets, it was said, that a single bite could cure any illness. The girls might be the newly anointed vanguard of enlightened womanhood, but their families were not about to trifle with divine favor. Portions of the cake were carefully conveyed to relatives and friends.

In a month, the girls would board a ship for America. By the time they returned, if all went as planned, they would be grown women.