Swept up in the tides of an era, one must either charge ahead or retreat from the rapids. Warlords clash, bullets fly, and women too can live with unyielding courage.
Li Yin, child of Li Jue and Yin Suzhu, was born as the dynasty fell and warlords fought. She died when the nation was rebuilding and prosperity was being restored. Gifted from birth, she studied the law at twelve and took charge of Qingcheng at sixteen. Half her life was spent on horseback in war, half plotting and planning. All her life, she was utterly alone.
Tender as flowing water, a fleeting dream of a perfect day, a passionate love: all of it clung to Song Shinu, becoming the flesh and blood of his very being.
I often wonder what women in modern times were like. As ideas flourished and culture transformed, women's shackles gradually loosened, and the women's movement rose.
I admire new women like Qiu Jin and Lin Huiyin, yet I often hear young, inexperienced children envy the warlord concubines in their cheongsams and alluring figures.
I hope this book can portray the strength of women.
Zhi Shu
Theme: The growth and brilliance of women
