Guard the Forbidden City

Author: Dou Zhongru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Emperors who grew up or lived in the Forbidden City experienced luxurious material enjoyment, but spiritually, they often felt like prisoners. After Wan Zhen'er's death, Emperor Xianzong, who had always relied on her, sighed sadly, "With Wan Shizhang gone, how could I possibly last much longer?" True enough, a few months later, Emperor Xianzong passed away in melancholy, following Wan Zhen'er. The timid Wan Rong began to consume opium, engaging in self-destructive behavior both physically and mentally, ultimately meeting a tragic fate—"a shining empress fading away with the wind."
Emperor Puyi's playful words were easily forgotten, but to Hu Shi, they were like golden words. After consulting with Charles Bell, he actually stepped before the Divine Prow Gate of the Forbidden City, demanding an audience with Emperor Puyi.
People are familiar with the Forbidden City yet also strangers to it. Strolling through the magnificent and towering imperial palace, one can let their imagination soar, applying adjectives like splendid, majestic, luxurious, grand, exquisite, and ingenious to any extreme without excess.
The former Forbidden City has now opened its heavy gates to the world, revealing not only its golden and gilded architectural wonders and countless treasures but also the mysterious politics of China's centuries-old feudal dynasty, the humanity twisted by power, and the secrets that people have long told and will continue to tell.