A quick warning before we get started, this episode will have adult content throughout,

including intense backstabbing and some pretty frightening mother-son relationships.

There is also a high chance that we will say the odd swear word here and there,

so please watch out for that and then teach those words to your children.

From the bedrooms of powerful men,

we're bringing you the secret histories

of their mistresses, concubines and courtesans.

I'm Jamila Jamil.

I'm an actor, a writer and a broadcaster.

And I'm Dr. Kate Lister,

a historian with a ponchant

for scandalous tales from centuries past.

This is mistresses, an audible original.

It's the summer of 649 and we are in China, on the outskirts of its former capital city, Chung-Anne.

Emperor Taizong, the second emperor in the Tong dynasty, has just died.

His palace is now going through the usual upheaval with a changeover taking place as his son takes the throne.

As is customary, Emperor Taizong consort, concubines and his selected ladies have been sent away from the palace to a Buddhist temple.

They have taken tonsure, which means they've shaved off their hair and they are in the process of becoming nuns.

In the eyes of the deeply patriarchal Confucianist system in which they all exist, these women have fulfilled their

life's purpose. They've served the emperor. And now he's dead. The temple is the only place for them.

It's here that they will spend the rest of their lives. Well, all except for one. Because amongst

this group of women is one truly extraordinary individual.

...