"May I ask what you studied?" Changying said politely putting the spotlight back on the man who was asking the questions.

"I have a doctorate in Sociology but I enjoy the historical aspects of what creates the societies we live in. Some would see my study as more along the comparative lines of Anthropology," he offered and was pleased that she didn't seem confused by what he had said.

"I had an interesting conversation comparing patriarchal societies with matriarchal societies which have made me rethink some of my views on the topic. Perhaps if we have time you could share your understanding on some of the idea's that were shared with me," Changying tried to engage the man on an intellectual level.

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"I believe we may be able to do that," Marco was surprised by her response. "It will be my role within your trial to help you to understand the expectations of women within our society. Not society at large as you have always known it but our society within the tables of twelve. Your home economics teacher had it unexpectedly right, and I am glad you had that influence in your life even at such a removed angle."

Changying said nothing listening carefully to what would be involved in her trial and what this man expected from her.

"There are certain expectations a man has of any woman deemed worthy to become his wife. You are obviously intelligent, but Nero will judge the depth of that during your sessions with him. Unlike your teacher's beliefs the women who lead our families with their husbands do not have to be home-makers in the traditional sense of the word. There are servants available to cook and clean and tend to the daily domestic chores. It is preferable if they have those abilities of course and a woman's value rises considerably with those attributes but they are not necessary for a potential wife." He paused to gauge her understanding.

"My teacher would be pleased to know that her beliefs were valued by some of the societies elite," Changying said quietly feeling like she should say something.

"We have an expectation that our wives will be loyal, beautiful and have integrity," Marco explained. "They must be intelligent, have perfect etiquette and have a passion that matches their husbands." He cleared his throat. "You obvious have some of these traits, but you will hone them here with us. You will become the perfect lady whether hosting a dinner party, chairing an arts council, or enjoying the pleasures of the marital bed. Should you fail to embrace the opportunities we give you here you will fail and be sent away to live your life far distant from any of the twelve families."

"I understand the reasons why I am here and the seriousness of this trial," Changying said seriously not needing to be reminded that her future with Wang rested on her time here.

"This first meeting is informal to allow me to judge your aptitude to the life we would expect you to lead. You may talk freely and relax within the bounds of honour and respect that we expect from all who enter this facility," Marco sat back into the large high backed armchair he sat in. Changying couldn't imagine this stiff and formal man ever relaxing completely and remained as she was, sitting demurely in a simple high-backed table chair.

"Tel me of this conversation you had comparing societies," Marcos said breaking the small silence. He was pleasantly surprised by this young woman and listened carefully as she began to speak.