
A brilliant empire trembles under the weight of a ruler’s yearning for a beauty that seems to eclipse the heavens. When the young lady of the Yang household steps into the palace, her grace and charm instantly captivate the emperor, drawing him into a world of sumptuous gardens, fragrant baths, and endless celebrations that eclipse all courtly duties. Their days blossom with music, silk‑lined chambers, and whispered vows, while the palace itself glitters with the decadence of a love that feels eternal.
Yet beneath the silk and song, the story hints at the fragile balance between passion and power. The emperor’s devotion begins to reshape the rhythm of the capital, as officials and soldiers watch the court’s pleasures swell while distant murmurs of unrest stir. Listeners will be drawn into the tender intimacy of the couple’s early romance, feeling the heady mix of desire, indulgence, and the subtle foreboding that shadows even the most radiant of loves.
Language
zh
Duration
~20 minutes (19K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
May 6, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

772–846
A master of Tang poetry, his work is known for clear language, emotional warmth, and a sharp eye for ordinary life. He wrote with unusual directness about friendship, exile, music, aging, and the struggles of common people.
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