Imagine a wife giving her husband a younger woman as a birthday present! A Concubine for the Family is a fictionalized account based on a true-life event: my Chinese grandmother's selfless gift to my grandfather to ensure a male heir for the family. It is also a story of feminine solidarity and heroism. Full of vivid descriptions, the book tells of dramatic events in an opium den, the traditions of raising silkworms as pets, acupuncture, medicines and techniques used in healing, foot binding, and behavior protocols between husbands and wives, masters and servants, children and parents, as well as the plight of a family fleeing war. It is also the heart-rending saga of a “book-fragrant” family and their harrowing experiences from 1937 until the fall of Hong Kong in 1941. Reviewing the book, the best-selling author Lisa See was moved to write: “You did a terrific job . . . I really enjoyed the story.” And the Kirkus Review wrote: “Purple Jade has broader concerns: There is the unsettling influence of American and European ‘West Ocean Devils,’ internal strife between the Nationalists and Communists, and an impending Japanese invasion . . . the author details Chinese traditions and the fascinating but evanescent world as only someone steeped in the old ways could. An adept stylist and storyteller, the author weaves with simplicity this tale of upper-class China in upheaval . . . An engaging family saga by a talented storyteller.” Using Tang poetry, colloquialisms, terms of endearment, and other vernacular, the books give the reader an immediate and deep understanding of Chinese culture and how it differs from our own. This compelling, heartfelt story of feminine and family solidarity is lovingly drawn. It will find emotional and intellectual resonance with most families in Diaspora.

She married into the House of the Marquis as a peasant girl'Originally, I just wanted to stay close to my parents and live a small life in public! '"Only, my mother is unkind, my eldest sister-in-law is not friendly, my aunt is not courteous."while laughing about her background as a "country bumpkin"while eyeing her "ten thousand years of wealth" like a tiger eyeing its preyShe smiled coldly ...She and Loyal Dog were working together to reach the peak of power"One who deceives, slanders, or scorns others"They were all ruthlessly trampled by her in the depths of the mud ...

In the year 622, the Tang Dynasty was five years old. The Tang Dynasty was ruled by Li Yuan, and the Tang Dynasty, which would soon shake the world, had just been established. Xue Lang, a modern youth who had crossed over to this time in the Tang Dynasty, had a huge problem with his survival! From being alone to living in peace and pleasure, this is a man's inspiration history.

After the changes in the court, Su Jinruo, who disguised herself as a man, left the official scene as the 'son' of a sinful official. However, it had only been half a month, yet she was forced to return to the capital. Looking at the bright red bridal dress before her, she frowned. "Prince, you said you would let me go." "Leave?" Shen Hancheng narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, "You still have the guts to leave after lying to me?" Liar, little liar! He had cheated her to such an extent. If he didn't marry her back home, he would never let her go!

As a 21st century secret service agent, Ding Xiaoxiao became the eighth wife of the wealthiest person in Great Industry Dynasty, Lou Shunan, the Eldest Young Master. Not only that, a son also came out of thin air. What? The Lou Family's Second Young Master also favored her, so Xiao Xiao impatiently decided to flee the Lou Family. During their escape, Xiao Xiao met a mysterious Men In Black. This man, who was known as the "Two-Faced Divine Doctor", also fell in love with her. Slowly, Xiao Xiao's heart changed ...

As the successor of the imperial chef, Su Xinyu's entire family was killed because her peers coveted for her dishes. After she died, Su Xinyu found herself wearing the clothes of a little girl from an unfamiliar era. The little girl's grandparents didn't hurt, but the father didn't. He could only depend on his mother for survival. It was a good thing that Su Xinyu had the best culinary skills. She could use her excellent culinary skills to make a living! Eh? This little big brother, you're poisoned. Little girl, you have the antidote here. You have to pay for the antidote! No, no, no, I don't care about a wangfei! And the story of Su Xinyu, who was bullied by others, becoming a wangfei and then a phoenix chef!

Until now our understanding of marriage in China has been based primarily on observations made during the twentieth century. The research of ten eminent scholars presented here provides a new vision of marriage in Chinese history, exploring the complex interplay between marriage and the social, political, economic, and gender inequalities that have so characterized Chinese society.

Essays illuminate a wide range of topics from the Middle Ages, from the seals of an empress to priests' wives and the undead.This volume of the Haskins Society Journal demonstrates the Society's continued engagement with historical and interdisciplinary research from the early to the central Middle Ages on a broad range of topics including militarism, piety, the miraculous and the monstrous. Chapters explore material culture through a mythic eleventh-century papal banner and the seals and coins of the Empress Matilda; offer new insights into Carolingian hagiography and into the undead in the Historia rerum Anglicarum. Further chapters feature new evidence on the role of priests' wives, the tensions of multiple lordships, shifting identities in the Irish Sea world, and the didactic use of royal anger. A fresh examination of Aelred of Rievaulx's Relatio de Standaro and a re-assessment of Flemish documentary practice continue the Haskins Society's commitment to primary source analysis. Two essays on the thirteenth century, including links between Crusade spirituality and lay penitential strategies and an investigation into the economic costs of waging war, round out the volume.Contributors: DAN ARMSTRONG, DAVID S. BACHRACH, DANIEL M. BACHRACH, JILLIAN M. BJERKE, HANNAH BOSTON, MARIAH COOPER, FIONA J. GRIFFITHS, JESSE M. HARRINGTON, JEAN-FRANÇOIS NIEUS, ALICE RIO, CHARITY URBANSKI, PATRICK WADDEN, MEGHAN WOOLLEY, LU ZUOth century, including links between Crusade spirituality and lay penitential strategies and an investigation into the economic costs of waging war, round out the volume.Contributors: DAN ARMSTRONG, DAVID S. BACHRACH, DANIEL M. BACHRACH, JILLIAN M. BJERKE, HANNAH BOSTON, MARIAH COOPER, FIONA J. GRIFFITHS, JESSE M. HARRINGTON, JEAN-FRANÇOIS NIEUS, ALICE RIO, CHARITY URBANSKI, PATRICK WADDEN, MEGHAN WOOLLEY, LU ZUOth century, including links between Crusade spirituality and lay penitential strategies and an investigation into the economic costs of waging war, round out the volume.Contributors: DAN ARMSTRONG, DAVID S. BACHRACH, DANIEL M. BACHRACH, JILLIAN M. BJERKE, HANNAH BOSTON, MARIAH COOPER, FIONA J. GRIFFITHS, JESSE M. HARRINGTON, JEAN-FRANÇOIS NIEUS, ALICE RIO, CHARITY URBANSKI, PATRICK WADDEN, MEGHAN WOOLLEY, LU ZUOth century, including links between Crusade spirituality and lay penitential strategies and an investigation into the economic costs of waging war, round out the volume.Contributors: DAN ARMSTRONG, DAVID S. BACHRACH, DANIEL M. BACHRACH, JILLIAN M. BJERKE, HANNAH BOSTON, MARIAH COOPER, FIONA J. GRIFFITHS, JESSE M. HARRINGTON, JEAN-FRANÇOIS NIEUS, ALICE RIO, CHARITY URBANSKI, PATRICK WADDEN, MEGHAN WOOLLEY, LU ZUO

“Like a cat, I feel that I have lived through many lives—none of them sheltered. I’ve never had it easy, but then, I am not one to take the easy way out and I do not give up too easily. Actually, I have had more than my fair share of living, and what I have been through is not for the faint of heart. I am one of those who thrive in adverse conditions; it is then I unleash my built-in strength.” Marie Chung is the granddaughter of a concubine. She grew up in Hong Kong until she was a young adult and immigrated to Canada. Her fascinating story follows her travels throughout Canada, the tragedies and adversities she endured, and the triumphs and memories she cherishes. Life of the Concubine’s Granddaughter is an intimate, captivating memoir that recounts a remarkable life and shows us what strength, resilience, courage, and a positive outlook on life can really do.