Farewell to the Shining Rose

Core themes of the novel: disillusionment, growth, revenge, power, twisted maternal love, and the continuation and redemption of sisterly bonds.

The friendship and rivalry between Lin Wanzhao and Shen Zhiwei in the women's quarters: they study and practice the arts together, competing with one another while also appreciating each other. Their contrasting personalities come to the fore.

When their families make arrangements and an imperial edict for the selection arrives, their fates become intertwined. Each has her own hopes and ambitions, from fulfilling her family's expectations and longing for wealth and status to a young woman's hazy dreams of the emperor, and together they enter the palace.

Their parting is filled with mixed emotions: anxiety and anticipation about the future, along with relief that they will enter the palace together as sisters.