Two Years in the Forbidden City

A young Chinese princess, raised in a family that bridged tradition and modernity, offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of the imperial court at the turn of the twentieth century. Trained in missionary schools and later in a French convent, she returns to China to serve the Empress Dowager, witnessing the rituals, hierarchies, and daily life that defined the Forbidden City’s secluded realm.

Through her eyes we encounter the tension between a reform‑driven upbringing and the conservatism of the palace, as well as the subtle politics that shape the lives of those who serve the throne. Her narrative balances vivid descriptions of court ceremonies with personal reflections on duty, culture, and the challenges of navigating two very different worlds. Listeners will feel the quiet grandeur of the palace corridors and the quiet courage of a woman who chose to share her unique perspective with the wider world.