No More Early Court Sessions: From the 'Hidden Beauty' in the Golden House to the Tragic Poetess Ban Jieyu, Empress Zhen, Wu Zetian, and Empress Dowager Cixi... Unveiling the Legendary Consorts from Qin and Han to the Qing Dynasty

Is it true love between an emperor and his favorite consort, or a mere infatuation with beauty? Or perhaps a mix of both?

Battles for the throne, mothers sacrificing sons, purging corrupt officials, ruling from behind the curtain, and reigning over the empire—their beauty captivated the world, and their extraordinary lives subverted history. This is the history of Chinese empresses and consorts, woven with love and hate, revealing the stories behind the beauties.

▎Marrying a Village Head, Campaigning Across the Land, and Protecting the Heir through Schemes

──Empress Lü (Lü Zhi): Beyond the invention of the cruel "human pig" punishment, here is what you didn't know!

◎ Hard at work farming at home when disaster struck—she was taken hostage!

While Liu Bang was away for years, Lü Zhi worked the fields to support the family. In the first year of the Second Emperor of Qin, Liu Bang responded to Chen Sheng's rebellion, and almost the entire Lü clan followed him into battle. Liu Bang led his army from Hanzhong to Peng城. Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu quickly returned and defeated the Han army. Liu Bang tried to rescue his family during his flight, but his father and Lü Zhi had already been taken hostage by Xiang Yu. It was only after Lü Zhi's brother, Lü Ze, took in the exhausted Liu Bang that he gained a foothold. Lü Zhi and the father were not returned until the Chu-Han peace treaty was signed.

◎ In short, the struggle over the crown prince ended in a total victory for the Lü clan!

Empress Lü's greatest enemy was Liu Bang's favorite, Consort Qi! She was not only a romantic rival but a threat to the legitimacy of Crown Prince Liu Ying. When Liu Bang proposed deposing the prince and faced unanimous opposition from ministers, Lü Zhi, eavesdropping from the side chamber, was terrified. She secretly sent her brother, Lü Shizhi, to consult Zhang Liang. Following the plan, she secured her son's position through a series of interlocking schemes.

▎An Emperor's Obsession Changed Her Life and Overturned Tang History

──Yang Yuhuan: Beyond her love for "fresh" lychees, she was a jealous consort!

◎ A single glance and a smile produce a hundred charms, making the painted beauties of the six palaces fade! Then why did you look at someone else?

The love between Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang became an immortal legend through Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Regret." The poem’s exquisite verses have moved generations since the Tang Dynasty...

In reality, Xuanzong was not that devoted! He loved many women and remained attached to Consort Mei even while infatuated with Yang Yuhuan; he also kept a maid named Niannu by his side. Whenever the Consort discovered Xuanzong had a new flame, she would throw a jealous tantrum. Once, she angered Xuanzong so much that he ordered Gao Lishi to send her home. However, after just half a day, Xuanzong regretted it. What could be done? An Emperor cannot change his orders lightly! So he vented his frustration on the eunuchs, ordering them beaten if they even walked too fast. Seeing this, Gao Lishi brought the Consort back. Surprisingly, after just one day apart, they acted like lovers separated for years, and Xuanzong’s favor for Yuhuan grew even stronger.

◎ Short nights and a late-rising sun; from then on, the King no longer attended early court! Who says I only have beauty?

How did Yang Yuhuan captivate Xuanzong so completely? She was naturally beautiful, sharp-witted, and possessed a combination of beauty, talent, artistry, and wisdom. Xuanzong loved music, and Yuhuan had an extraordinary gift for it. "The Rainbow-Feathered Dress" was Xuanzong's masterpiece, and Yuhuan could dance to it perfectly. Especially when slightly tipsy, her dancing was like whirling snow and flowing wind, leaving Xuanzong in awe of his soulmate.

Book Features: The book is divided into six chapters by dynasty. Based on historical records and written in a narrative style, it explains the complexity of political struggles and uncovers the most hidden corners of history. Unlike dry textbooks, this book brings readers a history of Chinese consorts filled with love and hate.