The core themes of the novel: ** Disillusionment, growth, revenge, power, twisted maternal love, continuation and redemption of sisterhood.
The friendship and competition between Lin Wanzhao and Shen Zhiwei in the boudoir: they study and practice together, compete with each other and cherish each other. Show their different character backgrounds.
The family arrangement/draft edict was issued, and their fates were bound. They entered the palace together with their own thoughts (the family's expectations, the yearning for glory and wealth, and the girl's vague longing for the emperor).
The complex emotions at the time of parting: both anxiety and expectations for the future, but also happiness that the sisters entered the palace together.
