Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Acknowledgments vii
4. Chronology of Dynasties and Qing Reign Periods ix
5. Dates and Names xi
6. Introduction 1
7. 1 The Women of the Nalan Family: Miss Nalan, Sibo, and Madam Zhaojia 32
8. 2 A Prisoner’s Mother and Wife: The Mistress of the Study for Nurturing Simplicity and the Mistress of the Orchid Pavilion 53
9. 3 Chastity and Suicide: Xiguang 68
10. 4 Mourning Royalty: Lady Zhoujia, Lady Tongjia, and Lady Fucha 76
11. 5 Sacrifice and Friendship: Bingyue 113
12. 6 A Tomboy in a Silly Dress: Mengyue 129
13. 7 Unbridled Energy: Yingchuan 142
14. 8 Releasing Butterflies: Wanyan Jinchi 149
15. 9 Seeking Refuge in Truth: Guizhen Daoren 158
16. 10 Traveling throughout the Empire: Baibao Youlan 167
17. 11 A Proud Descendant of Chinggis Khan: Naxun Lanbao 190
18. 12 From Hengyang to Beijing: Lingwen Zhuyou 206
19. 13 The Modest Pursuit of a Minor Way: Duomin Huiru 216
20. 14 A Poet from the Homeland: Lady Husihali 221
21. Abbreviations 244
22. Notes 245
23. Glossary of Chinese Characters 275
24. Bibliography 283
25. Index 296