Sashi's Journey: From Struggles to the Emperor's Court

This chapter chronicles the life of Sashi, an 11-year-old girl in post-war China, as she takes on adult responsibilities to support her struggling family. Her journey leads her to the Emperor's Court, where she faces a rigorous and dehumanizing selection process for concubines, embodying the challenges women faced in an oppressive society. Through her resilience and strategic thinking, Sashi navigates the complexities of court life and political turmoil, ultimately shaping her destiny amidst the chaos of her time.