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Hello, and... Hello and welcome to the history of China.

Episode 287, Hail to the King, baby.

No one in any dynasty of China ever lived a more rigidly controlled life than the emperor of the Qing.

Due to strict observance of traditional conventions of the court, the freedom of the

emperor was far less than that of an ordinary man.

As long as the emperor stayed within the court, he was restricted in every way by tradition.

Consequently, it was only natural that the emperor wished to stay away from court as much as

possible. When the emperor lived in a detached palace, he could lead a comparatively free life,

for he was exempted from the early morning audience. He could dine with his consorts, and every manner and custom was simplified.

Nevertheless, he was not as free as an ordinary person, for he still had to give daily audiences

and promulgate instructions considering the documents submitted to him.

The only amusements the Emperor could enjoy in the court were to attend a stage show, to practice calligraphy and to paint.

No other amusements were permitted.

From Su Qing, the Chinese name of Japanese-American Yokiko Tashima, when she married a man whose family had close ties to Emperor Puyi,

...