The Truth About Harem Women

What was the real historical Mi Yue like? What kind of life did the historical figure behind the fictional character Ni Huang lead? Did Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang really marry Dorgon? Was Consort Zhen a patriotic concubine? Was Ruyi truly the empress Qianlong loved most? Tell You About the Real Women of the Imperial Harem takes a serious, rigorously researched look at questions like these. Drawing on authoritative historical records, it restores the true stories of 19 women from the imperial harem, including Mi Yue, who have appeared in hit TV dramas. With a witty writing style, it recounts their real lives and examines influential plot points in those dramas, helping viewers and readers distinguish historical fact from artistic invention and gain an objective understanding of these historical figures. The book also highlights the tenderness and beauty of the women’s hearts, revealing an emotional world beyond palace intrigue.