Clouds over Yanshan

The Empress Dowager once said, “Among those who seek power, one in a thousand rises to high office, and one in ten million claims the realm. But among those who crave beauty, one in a thousand finds pleasure, and one in ten million wins a true heart.” She taught me to take things easy, think less, and regard the world’s splendor as dust before my eyes, while treating a man’s career, with its blades and blood, like peonies blooming in a garden. I could never learn her carefree ways, so I could not understand the joy and freedom she spoke of. All I ask is to find someone dear, and spend this fleeting life together in simple contentment.