Emperor Cheng of Han, Liu Ao: “You’re asking who I am? Uh... I mean, who am I? Well, I’m a member of the Marquis of Fuping’s household!”
Zhao Feiyan, the most beautiful woman in the Han palace: “I’d rather be the marquis’s concubine than an emperor’s consort.”
Zhao Hede, the greatest beauty of the Western and Eastern Han dynasties: “I’ll gladly die now that my wish has come true. I envy mandarin ducks, not immortals.”
Ban Jieyu, the most talented woman of the Western Han dynasty: “I gaze at the bright moon and touch my heart; the autumn wind makes me long for you.”
Wang Zhaojun, one of the Four Great Beauties: “Zhaojun left the frontier only for her beloved.”
This is an age of heroes and beauties whose names will live on. Here, the gentle dialect of Wu mingles with the sound of neighing horses and whistling winds, while the era’s most powerful declaration rings out: “Those who dare invade the mighty Han shall be slain, no matter how far away they are!”
The Great Han should not stop at the Western Regions!
P.S. Zhaojun’s journey beyond the frontier isn’t that journey beyond the frontier. She isn’t being humiliated as a bride to a barbarian ruler, but is taking up the mantle of Queen of the Western Regions. (Covering my mouth... I think I just spoiled it...)
