Everyone said the emperor of Yongle had been blessed with good fortune.
One of his two princesses was exceptionally gifted, with the grace of an orchid.
The other was so beautiful she could captivate a kingdom, her face like that of a goddess.
But when a neighboring enemy state invaded, its envoy demanded that the breathtaking princess be sent away in a political marriage.
The emperor had no choice but to agree. I begged Father to let me go in my younger sister's place.
But Father said they had chosen my sister for her beauty, and that I had my own role to play. I could not take her place in the marriage.
So I could only watch as my sister was sent far away.
I looked at the inept old man seated high on the imperial throne and gave a faint, scornful smile.
Of course. In a peaceful age, a beauty was needed to adorn his reign; in troubled times, she was made to take the blame.
Then I'll show the world that a beauty can do more than adorn a golden age. She can create one.
