THE author of the following narrative has peculiar qualifications for her task. She is a daughter of Lord Yu Keng, a member of the Manchu White Banner Corps, and one of the most advanced and progressive Chinese officials of his generation. Lord Yu Keng entered the army when very young, and served in the Taiping rebellion and the Formosan war with France, and as Vice Minister of War during the China-Japan war in 1895. Later he was Minister to Japan, which post he quitted in 1898 to become P...

Using the title of princess, which would create controversy for her in both China and the United States in future, Der Ling wrote down her unique experience in court in her memoirs Two Years in the Forbidden City, which were published in 1911. "Two Years" gives historical insights into life at court and Der Ling's service to the Dowager Empress, essentially a world that has disappeared.

Two Years in the Forbidden City by Princess Der Ling is a fascinating memoir that offers an insider's perspective on the life and customs of the Qing Dynasty in China, particularly focusing on the imperial court in the Forbidden City. The author, a Chinese princess and lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi, provides a unique account of her experiences living within the palace from 1903 to 1905. Through her personal narrative, Der Ling reveals the intricacies of court life, the dynamics o...

A rare insider’s account of life within China’s imperial court, offering cultural insight, political intrigue, and personal observation from a unique vantage point.

In "Two Years in the Forbidden City," Princess Der Ling offers an unparalleled glimpse into the enigmatic world of Beijing's imperial court during the last decades of the Qing Dynasty. Written with an engaging blend of vivid descriptive prose and intimate narrative style, the book functions as both a memoir and a historical document. The literary context surrounding this work is particularly noteworthy as it juxtaposes the personal experiences of a Chinese noblewoman with the broader polit...

Step into the opulent yet tumultuous world of imperial China with Princess Der Ling in Two Years in the Forbidden City, an audiobook that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into life at the heart of the Qing dynasty. Der Ling, a young Chinese princess educated in both Eastern and Western traditions, shares her personal experiences, observations, and reflections during her time serving at the imperial court.The audiobook delves into themes of cultur...

In "Two Years in the Forbidden City," Princess Der Ling offers a rare and captivating glimpse into the secluded life of the Imperial court of China during the late Qing dynasty. Written with an engaging narrative style, the text intertwines personal anecdotes with historical context, encapsulating the complexities of court life, cultural practices, and the political milieu of the period. Der Ling vividly portrays the opulence of the Forbidden City while revealing the emotional and social f...

In "Two Years in the Forbidden City," Princess Der Ling offers an unprecedented glimpse into the opulent yet cloistered world of the Qing dynasty's imperial palace. Through her eloquent prose, she intertwines personal anecdotes with vivid descriptions of court life, illuminating the complexities of Eastern culture amidst the backdrop of a pivotal historical moment. The narrative is both a memoir and a social commentary, portraying the intricacies of life within the Forbidden City, filled w...

Two Years in the Forbidden City is the memoir by Princess Der Ling about her life in the service of Empress Dowager Cixi, where she was the First lady-in-waiting, as well as interpreter for her when she received foreign visitors. The book provides unique insights into life at the Manchu court and the character of the Empress, a world that ended abruptly with the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Manchu or Qing dynasty.

In '2 Years in the Forbidden City' by Princess Der Ling, readers are offered a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the Qing Dynasty through the eyes of a Chinese princess who served as a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager Cixi. The book is written in a detailed and descriptive style that transports the reader back to the opulent and often tumultuous world of the Forbidden City. Der Ling provides firsthand accounts of court life, political intrigues, and the customs and ritua...

For two years, Der Ling was the favorite lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager Cixi in the imperial palace in Beijing. This book provides a unique and surprisingly intimate portrait of the Dragon Lady, who ruled China for 47 years, and brought the country to the brink of destruction.

Der Ling (whose Christian name was Elisabeth Antoinette), was born in Beijing in June 1885 and died in Berkeley, California in November 1944. She was a Manchu, the daughter of Yu Keng.Yu Keng was a member of the Manchu Plain White Banner Corps. After serving as Chinese Minister to Japan he was appointed Minister to the French Third Republic for four years in 1899. He was known for his progressive, reformist views, as well as his firm support of the Empress Dowager Cixi (29 November...