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A review by _its_me_hermione
The Consorts by Melissa Addey
4.0
The novella is set in 18th-century China. The story revolves around Lady Qing, who is an Honoured Lady (lowly-ranked concubine). She was living a lonely life in the Forbidden City until the arrival of Lady Ying. How her life changed after meeting Lady Ying forms the plot of the novella.
Lady Qing, Lady Ying, Lady Ula Nara, Bao, Emperor, and Empress Fuca are the main characters.
The life of a concubine is clearly expressed through the story. A girl's lineage and family to her body odour, height, quality of hair and demeanour are checked during the selection of concubines. Some are neglected by the Emperor, while some become his favourite.
Bao is my favourite character!
"Each girl advances, kowtows, has her family announced before being given a new name which wipes out her past and brings her like a fresh empty scroll to our world, ready to have a new destiny written upon it."
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*Spoilers
Lady Qing: Neglected by the king. Met the king only 3 times in 7 years.
Lady Ying: Adventurous.
"Only a baby would ride on a horse with someone else holding the reins."
Makes Lady Qing try new things.
Bao: Supports Lady Qing. Promised her he would make her a home there, spent everyday proving himself both loyal and kind to her. The only person she can confide.
Empress Fuca: A wonderful woman. Losing her two sons was heartbreaking. Died young. Loved the Emperor. Speaks easily with each woman.
Lady Ling: Plans to become the next Dowager Empress. From a lady-in-waiting became an Honoured Lady, then was promoted to Imperial Concubine.
Ula Nara: Noble Consort. Has been at the court since before the Emperor was enthroned. Seeker and keeper of secrets. Was in love with a man before she was chosen as a concubine. She wouldn't let go of the idea of him. It turned her bitter.
In the beginning, Lady Qing wishes for a child of her own to share her life there. In the end, she gets to look after a child even if she is not the mother.
Lady Qing, Lady Ying, Lady Ula Nara, Bao, Emperor, and Empress Fuca are the main characters.
The life of a concubine is clearly expressed through the story. A girl's lineage and family to her body odour, height, quality of hair and demeanour are checked during the selection of concubines. Some are neglected by the Emperor, while some become his favourite.
Bao is my favourite character!
"Each girl advances, kowtows, has her family announced before being given a new name which wipes out her past and brings her like a fresh empty scroll to our world, ready to have a new destiny written upon it."
-------------------------------
*Spoilers
Lady Qing: Neglected by the king. Met the king only 3 times in 7 years.
Lady Ying: Adventurous.
"Only a baby would ride on a horse with someone else holding the reins."
Makes Lady Qing try new things.
Bao: Supports Lady Qing. Promised her he would make her a home there, spent everyday proving himself both loyal and kind to her. The only person she can confide.
Empress Fuca: A wonderful woman. Losing her two sons was heartbreaking. Died young. Loved the Emperor. Speaks easily with each woman.
Lady Ling: Plans to become the next Dowager Empress. From a lady-in-waiting became an Honoured Lady, then was promoted to Imperial Concubine.
Ula Nara: Noble Consort. Has been at the court since before the Emperor was enthroned. Seeker and keeper of secrets. Was in love with a man before she was chosen as a concubine. She wouldn't let go of the idea of him. It turned her bitter.
In the beginning, Lady Qing wishes for a child of her own to share her life there. In the end, she gets to look after a child even if she is not the mother.