"I was thirteen years old that summer. I was selected by the Imperial Clan Court on the south side of Fuyou Street (Imperial Household Department). Before entering the palace, I was sent to learn the rules for a few days. My family would drop me off in the mornings and I would be picked up in the afternoons by my family.
In reality, it was a favour by the Imperial Clan Court (Imperial Household Department) to let the children and family bid their farewells, so that the children will not cry at the last moment. After a few days, when the family members are not around, they used a cart to send us—about thirty of us, to the Gate of Divine Prowess* where the old eunuchs took over us.
They sent me and three other people to the Palace Of Gathered Elegance.** After you entered the palace and kowtowed in the direction of the Empress Dowager's main hall, you are considered a member of the Palace Of Gathered Elegance."
When she spoke, her eyes often do not gaze at the other party's face. It was as if she was talking to herself. It was difficult to make out what her inner feelings were.
Translator's Notes:
* The Gate of Divine Prowess is the northern gate of the Forbidden City.
** The Palace Of Gathered Elegance is one of the six western palaces in the inner court of the Forbidden City. Notable consorts and empresses had resided in this palace during the Ming and Qing dynasty. This is also where Empress Dowager Cixi had lived for much of her life.
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Memoirs Of A Palace Maid
Non-FictionThis is my attempt at an English translation of the Chinese book "Memoirs Of A Palace Maid". "Memoirs Of A Palace Maid" 《宫女谈往录》is a book published by the Forbidden City Press in July 1992. The authors are Jin Yi and Shen Yiling. The book contains t...
