A Fleeting Glimpse of Beauty

About this story

The emperor bestows the title of Noble Consort on a common woman of unknown origins. She travels around proclaiming that everyone is equal, opens schools for women, and seems to have an endless supply of novel ideas in her head. When the Empress Dowager hears of it, she only smiles faintly: “Oh, just like you when you first transmigrated here.” I humbly bow my head and reply, “Yes.” That is right—and not right. When I first transmigrated here, I drew far more attention than she does. But now I am merely the most ordinary old palace maid in the harem.