Reconstructing the Appearance of an Iconic Ruler Historical records provide no direct description of Wu Zetian’s physical appearance, but tantalizing […]
The Global Marketplace of 8th-Century China Walking through the bustling streets of Tang-era Chang’an (modern Xi’an), one would encounter a […]
The Evolution of Qinglou in Chinese History The term “qinglou” (青楼) originally referred to ornate towers in aristocratic compounds, as […]
The Dawn of a New Calligraphic Era The Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties marked a transformative period in Chinese […]
The Allure of Chang’an’s Hinterland Nestled in the warm, fertile Guanzhong Plain celebrated in Records of the Grand Historian as […]
A Fateful Spring Encounter The story begins in a lush imperial garden during the vibrant days of spring. Among the […]
The Rise of the Qing Dynasty and Its Powerful Figures The early 17th century witnessed the dramatic rise of the […]
The Longest Reign in Ming History Begins In 1572, a ten-year-old boy ascended the Dragon Throne as the Wanli Emperor, […]
From Crisis to Court: The Early Life of Empress Ma The story of Empress Ma, principal wife of Ming Dynasty […]
The Rise of a Royal Family The Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) marked a period of Mongol rule over China, characterized by […]
From Humble Beginnings to Palace Walls The story of Li Shier, later known as Consort Li or Lady Yuan, reads […]
From Humble Beginnings to Imperial Consort Empress Wei Xianfei, a native of Kaifeng, rose from obscurity to become one of […]
The Imperial Matriarchs in a Changing Dynasty The Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) witnessed the rise and fall of an empire […]
The Fractured Dynasty: A Mother’s Favoritism and Its Consequences The Tang Dynasty witnessed one of China’s most dramatic family sagas […]
A Prophetic Beginning: The Girl Destined to Rule In the fourth year of Emperor Taizong’s Zhenguan era (630 CE), a […]
From Noble Lineage to Imperial Marriage Empress Zhangsun (长孙氏), born into an illustrious aristocratic family during the tumultuous transition from […]
The Unconventional Rise of the Tang Dynasty The establishment of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), one of China’s most celebrated […]
From Unwanted Child to Imperial Consort The story of Empress Xiao begins in the turbulent late 6th century, amid the […]
From Noble Lineage to Imperial Marriage The story of Empress Dugu begins in the turbulent period of Northern Zhou (557–581 […]
A Deadly Tradition and a Reluctant Emperor The Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 CE) maintained a brutal succession practice: to prevent […]
From Royal Exile to Imperial Consort The story of Empress Dowager Wenming begins amid the turbulent politics of 5th-century China. […]
The Turbulent Succession Crisis of 290 CE In the spring of 290 CE, Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan) lay […]
