The Phoenix Sings in Late Qing

When the idea of “Cixi reborn” first came to me, I knew this would be a revolutionary work.

The Yehonala woman we know has borne too many labels in history: power-hungry, extravagant, and responsible for ruining the nation, ruling from behind the curtain. But what if she wasn't herself?

What if the soul entering the Forbidden City belonged to a modern career woman, well versed in history's lessons?

That is the core premise of Phoenix's Song in Late Qing: Lin Wantang, a modern PhD in history, accidentally transmigrates as Lan Guiren, a newcomer to the imperial palace. This “Qing dynasty” unfolds in a parallel world whose history diverges from the one we know, making it both familiar and strange, and giving the protagonist, as well as me, plenty of room to explore.

Rebirth, transmigration, palace intrigue, political machinations, and strengthening the nation: these elements intertwine to create an epic spanning a million words.

At the heart of the story is this conflict: How can a modern person who knows how “history originally unfolded” survive the cage of imperial rule and change the nation's fate at the same time?

This is not merely a feel-good palace-intrigue story. It is a profound tale of knowledge, power, reform, and the struggle of human nature. Cixi's political acumen, a modern person's historical perspective, and a woman's subtle strength combine to create a protagonist unlike any other.