The Empress Dowager Cixi-to-be
Harem whore. Worthy Lady. Concubine.
Then Consort. Then the Noble Consort Yi.
In here a girl advances or she dies.
The Empress only more advanced than me.
Yet I provided offspring. Birthed a son.
Became the one he trusts. I read his laws.
Memorials to govern. I’ve become
The voice through which the Emperor appears.
I learn that power comes through influence
With safety never guaranteed until
The great await in fearful impotence.
Who rules behind the curtains of the court
Will last. And I will last this whole world out.
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