Who Borrowed the Song of Sheng and Ge?

This book mainly records the stories of some famous women from ancient times.

Xi Shi says, “I knew it was a beautiful lie, but I chose to believe it anyway.” Yang Guifei says, “Everyone's heart is full of wounds. No matter which one heals, the others remain.” Diaochan says, “Some encounters are calamities. Once they begin, they leave you shattered and beyond redemption.” Chen Yuanyuan says, “His world is vast, filled with the land and all under heaven. Perhaps there is no room for me in it.” Chen Ajiao says, “Women always think nothing will ever change. So they trust promises, believe lies, and in the end, even put their faith in love.”

Their breathtaking beauty could not keep the dynasty from falling. Faced with schemes, power, and feuds between nations and families, even the grandest love is gradually swallowed up.

Though their love stories ended in separation or death, if you look closely, you'll find that behind each of these women was a soul that loved her, hidden away in a corner where no one noticed or loved it. For example, Yizhi, who loved Bao Si; King Fuchai of Wu, who loved Xi Shi; Yan Liang, who loved Huo Xiaoyu; and Wu Sangui, who loved Chen Yuanyuan.

Readers who enjoy history programs or poring over historical records may question how the “Beauty's Smile” and “Classic Retellings” series in this book completely overturn historical facts. But history itself is not the author's focus. The focus is love, overturned, adapted, and retold.

The print edition is now available, published by Manyou Culture.