The Empress in the Pepper Chamber: Zhao Feiyan in History and Fiction

Zhao Feiyan, the second empress appointed by Emperor Cheng of the Han dynasty, was born in slavery and trained in the performing arts. Her appointment as empress was controversial, but her reputation was marred by accusations of vicious scheming, murder, and promiscuity. This book-length study includes a complete translation of The Scandalous Tale of Zhao Feiyan, a Tang dynasty erotic novella that established writings about palace women as the accepted forum for discussing sexual matters.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Zhao Feiyan, the second empress appointed by Emperor Cheng of the Han dynasty ({MAC_ADDRESS}), hailed from a humble background as a slave and received training in the performing arts. Her appointment as empress, despite her exceptional talents and achievements, sparked controversy due to her humble origins. However, her political enemies relentlessly persecuted her, ultimately leading to her tragic suicide. Posthumously, Zhao Feiyan's reputation was tarnished by allegations of vicious scheming, the murder of other consorts and their offspring, and a relentless pursuit of promiscuity. These accusations were punctuated by extravagant shopping sprees.

This comprehensive book-length study delves into the life and literary legacy of Zhao Feiyan. It includes a complete translation of The Scandalous Tale of Zhao Feiyan (Zhao Feiyan waizhuan), a Tang dynasty erotic novella that vividly portrays the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by imperial favorites in Emperor Cheng's harem. This seminal text played a pivotal role in establishing writings about palace women as the authoritative forum for discussing sexual matters, including fetishism, obsession, jealousy, and marital incompatibility. Through meticulous historical documentation, Olivia Milburn reconstructs the evolution of Zhao Feiyan's story and sheds light on the broader context of palace life for women and the significant social influence of the novella.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295748740