Liu in the Imperial Harem

This book is Jiang Yingliu’s memoir, which narrates Liu’er life from Beauty to Empress in the palace. Under the plain sentences lies the difficult life in the palace for more than 50 years. Inside the palace, everyone is pitiful. The author describes the majority of “my” life in the palace after “I” accidentally entered the palace in first-person perspective and shows a different life in the imperial harem. Rather than intrigue and contention, the life here is quite peaceful and happy. Finally, I wish them reincarnate as civilians next life and never enter the palace again as they wished. Pink hands so fine,Gold-branded wine,Spring paints the willows greenpalace walls can’t confine.East wind unfair,Happy times rare.In my heart sad thoughts throng;We severed for years long.Wrong, wrong, wrong!Spring is as green,In vain she’s lean,Her kerchief soaked with tears and red with stains unclean.Peach blossoms fallNear deserted hall.Our oath is still there. Lo!No word to her can go.No, no, no!

Original Publisher

jiangsu phoenix art publishing house

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Liu in the Imperial Harem This novel took me by surprise. "Liu in the Imperial Harem" isn't your typical palace intrigue story; it's a character-driven slice of life that explores the lives and emotions of the women within the walls of the imperial court. It's a story that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with a healthy dose of humor to balance out the heavier themes. ### First Impressions Initially, the writing style felt a bit like reading a personal diary, which some might find too plain. However, I quickly grew to appreciate its simplicity. It allowed me to connect with the main character, Liu, on a very personal level as she navigates the complexities of the harem. It's told from the perspective of a young girl who enters the harem at the age of 14 and grows up. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its characters. The author has crafted a cast of unique and memorable women, each with their own dreams, desires, and struggles. The friendships and sisterhood that develop between them are genuinely touching. I found myself laughing at their witty banter and shedding tears during their moments of sorrow. The story also offers a more realistic take on harem life. There's no over-the-top face-slapping or constant scheming. Instead, we see the women supporting each other, finding joy in small things, and learning to survive in a world that often feels suffocating. The MC is calm and wise and protects her heart and self. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several reviewers mentioned the tragic fate of the Empress and the Emperor's subsequent treatment of Liu. The Emperor is a scum who couldn’t protect someone he loved and didn't deserve most of the women in the harem. Many found the Emperor to be a rather unlikeable character, particularly for his treatment of the women in his harem. He seems to view Liu as a mere substitute for his lost love, the Empress. However, Liu is brave and kills her love for him and never resents the Empress. ### Final Verdict Despite the potential for heartbreak, "Liu in the Imperial Harem" is ultimately a story of resilience, friendship, and finding happiness in unexpected places. It's a beautiful and bittersweet tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a historical novel with depth, heart, and a fresh perspective on the imperial harem.