The Last Empress

I am presently reading a biography by Anchee Min.

There are 2 parts. The first instalment is "Empress Orchid".

It talks about how a commoner girl was imported to Palace. Throughout the book, she describes the chronologies of how this inncoent young girl works her way up the imperial ladder to be one of Emperor Hsien Feng's favourite lady concubine.

The sequel labelled "The Last Empress", reveals her doing after she succeeded the throne as the Last Empress of CHINA.

Her cruelty was forced, not natural. Her doings were meticulously staged, never impulsive. Empress Tsu Hsi did all that in a ultimate goal. To gain protection against agressors who wanted to harm her!

I particularly agree with a quote in this book.

" There will never be friends inside the Forbidden City, only treachery and trickery "

If you have the chance to watch "War & Beauty" , a blockbuster drama serial by TVB HK, you will find a striking resemblance in them.

Characters brought to live by works of Min include:

a) 侯佳玉瑩 (by Gigi Lai)

b) 鈕祜祿如玥 (by Deng Cui Wen 邓萃雯)

c) 董佳爾淳 (by Charmaine Sheh)

d) 大清皇后 (by Rebecca Chan)

e) 蘇完尼瓜爾佳安茜 (by Maggie Cheung Ho Yee)

Its a good book. If you've watched the drama, read this book to bring back the thoughts.

If you haven't, this book is a must-have for everyone in this treacherous world.