This book tells the stories of famous empresses and consorts of various kinds from different periods in history. Some helped their husbands establish and secure their realms, such as Empress Lu of Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty; Bian, a consort of Cao Cao of the Three Kingdoms; Empress Dugu of Emperor Wen of Sui; and Ma Xiuying, empress of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Some were virtuous, kind-hearted women, such as Yin Lihua, empress of Liu Xiu, founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty; Empress Xiao of Emperor Yang of Sui; and Empress Niohuru of the Qing Emperor Wenzong, Yizhu. Some fought for favor and power, such as the Zhao sisters, consorts of Liu Ao, Emperor Cheng of Han; Yang Yuhuan, consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang; and Wan Zhen'er, a favored consort of Emperor Xianzong of Ming. Some brought disaster upon their countries and people, such as Wang Zhengjun, empress of Emperor Yuan of Han; Jia Nanfeng, empress of Sima Zhong, Emperor Hui of Jin; and Cixi, empress of the Xianfeng Emperor of Qing. There were also empresses and consorts who helped emperors preserve their realms, ruled as regents, corrupted the government through debauchery, or witnessed the fall of their countries... Through their intelligence and political skill, these women each wrote a different story of their lives. Some left behind names praised through the ages, while others became infamous and were reviled for generations.
These influential figures from different eras, each possessing extraordinary intelligence and remarkable political skill, played out historical dramas that were sometimes joyful and sometimes tragic, and painted sweeping historical scenes that move us to reflect. Their stories of brilliant strategy inspire thoughtful wisdom and spur people to restore past glories.
This book is rich in content and covers various types of concubine stories. The writing style is easy to understand, the writing is smooth, and the storyline is fascinating. It made me feel like I had traveled to ancient times and witnessed the rise and fall of these concubines. At the same time, this book also made me deeply aware of the importance of resourcefulness and inspired me to think more on the road to pursuing my dreams. Not bad, worth reading!