Contents

Characters

Names of Places

Beginnings

Memories

Chapter 1 - from one caged garden to another

Chapter 2 - the concubine gathering

Chapter 3 - dancing lotus in a caged garden

Chapter 4 - how to become a concubine

Chapter 5 - mirror image in a pond

Chapter 6 - strangers and friends alike.

Chapter 7 - the four imperial consorts

Chapter 8 - embroidered patterns of gold, silver and red

Chapter 9 - a noble new friend

Chapter 10 - arrogance, a woman scorned

Chapter 11 - dreams & memories

Chapter 12 - the string tugs on the heart

Chapter 13 - dance steps

Chapter 14 - literary studies of old and new

Chapter 15 - haunted halls illuminated by moonlight

Chapter 16 - bullied by jealousy, rescued by kindness

Chapter 17 - a new rank

Chapter 18 - the emperor comes a-calling

Chapter 19 - the consort of cherry clouds

Chapter 20 - important etiquette

Chapter 21 - the consort of calm waters

Chapter 22 - the triad's test

Chapter 23 - the arrival of the dragon

Chapter 24 - echos of the past

Chapter 25 - speech worthy of a prince's gaze

Chapter 26 - a period of rest

Chapter 27 - the consort exam

Chapter 28 - identities revealed

Chapter 29 - the prince takes a stand

Chapter 30 - the next step forward