Though Empress Dowager Cixi is a household name, Der Ling's point of view offers a quite unique and surprisingly intimate portrayal of the Empress and Beijing's Imperial Palace in China's last feudal dynasty.

"Two Years in the Forbidden City" is a book written by Princess Der Ling, who was the renowned Lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager Cixi in the early 20th century. Though Empress Dowager Cixi is a household name, Der Ling's point of view offers a quite unique and surprisingly intimate portrayal of the Empress and Beijing's Imperial Palace in China's last feudal dynasty.

In this episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City"......The two girls being novelty among court ladies, find themselves well received in the imperial court and favored by the court's first lady Empress Dowager Cixi with exceptionally courteous gestures from her. A scene from the Chinese classic literature "A Journey to the West" was staged and was harmoniously enjoyed by all those present.

In this episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City"......Pre-luncheon appetizing snacks, showing reverence before the feast, eating while standing, numerous dishes left over for others, the supreme lady Empress Dowager Cixi sharing tea with the girls, all of which were taken to be her majesty's kindness and generosity, which also lead to the princess' questioning of her informant's description of Cixi's fierce temper. The initial close-up encounter makes her conclude her majesty was "the sweetest woman in the world" and without much hesitation, agreed to come back and serve within the tall red walls.

In this episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City", a diplomatic audience with the Empress reveals the Supreme Lady's strong sense of self- righteousness, curiosity about the outside world, dubious nature and even womanly gossip. Der Ling and her sister's appearance opened the door wider for her to the outside world. Der Ling has no choice but to stay in the palace to serve as her main interpreter and even marry someone she selected or arranged for her.

In this episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City"…… Der Ling closely observed and carefully studied the appropriate ways to serve Empress Dowager Cixi. Cixi's manipulation on the Emperor and state affairs, her particularity about details of her own appearance and her extreme love for jewelry, are all peculiar and novel to Der Ling.

This episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City" is about Der Ling's first day of real work serving the Empress Dowager Cixi. Through seemingly mundane incidents littered a slow-paced but high protocol day, she found Cixi to be a loving and curious human being, but also conservative, suspicious, and assertive.

In this episode of "Two Years in the Forbidden City"......Despite the fact that Der Ling has made up her mind to forget what the court ladies have told her, she finds herself guilty of having chosen to deceive the old lady about her religious inclination.