Two Years In The Forbidden City

""Two Years in the Forbidden City"" is a memoir written by Ling, the Princess Der, who was a member of the Chinese imperial family during the late Qing dynasty. The book provides a detailed account of Ling's experiences as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful and controversial ruler of China at the time. Ling describes the daily routines and rituals of the imperial court, as well as the political intrigue and power struggles that took place behind the scenes. She also provides insights into the personalities and lifestyles of the royal family and court officials. The book offers a unique perspective on a pivotal period in Chinese history, as the country faced increasing pressure from foreign powers and underwent significant social and political changes. Ling's account is both a personal memoir and a valuable historical document, shedding light on the inner workings of the Chinese court during a time of great transition and turmoil.Princess Dar Ling's chronicle of life at court.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Princess Der Ling was born in 1885, the daughter of Lord Yu Keng who served as Chinese minister to Japan and then as minister to France for four years from 1899. She received a Western education in Paris and in 1903 at the age of 18, entered the palace as a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager, acting as her interpreter and helper. She left the palace in March 1905 to be with her father, who died in Shanghai that year. She married an American named Thaddeus White in 1907, published this book in 1911 and died in the United States in 1944.