I was a third-rank hairdressing maid at Chengxi Palace.
My greatest pleasure each day was making Her Ladyship look beautiful.
What?
His Majesty had visited a dancing girl from Jiangnan?
Time for a fresh summer look full of little joys…
What?
His Majesty had developed a taste for exotic beauty?
Time for a midriff-baring outfit inspired by the flying celestial figures of Dunhuang…
My skills earned me the position of chief steward of the inner palace.
Then, when I turned twenty-five, I needed to leave the palace for a while.
The Noble Consort, who usually ignored everyone, clenched her teeth.
“I forbid you to go!”
The dignified, courteous Empress smiled gently.
“The palace rules are outdated.
It is time we changed them.”
But—but I was only going home to visit my family!
