Chapter 12 – Marianne’s Self-Reflection

Let me be honest — this chapter reflects my own professional hesitations. As an experienced researcher, my first demand of myself is that any traits or actions I attribute to my characters must be historically relevant and psychologically credible. All my own questions here were projected onto my protagonist: Why would an imperial princess involve […]
Chapter 12 – Theatrical Performance in the Imperial Family Circle

To provide a slight counterbalance to the deeply introspective nature of the chapter, let us cast a brief glance at the family entertainments. The Imperial children were involved in public events from an early age. They participated in gala occasions at court and in religious ceremonies, and they gave formal audiences to ambassadors. A steady […]