The Tang Dynasty is powerful and prosperous. Indeed, China is experiencing a golden age of expansion, invention, and culture. But for Di Lingyi (and for many girls and women), all she hears are the endless reminders of rules: don’t do this, don’t say that do as you’re told, stay out of trouble. The problem is, there’s just so much to see and learn and do in the emperor’s palace, especially for a young servant girl who is all but invisible to the courtiers. Invisible to all, except to Fair Flatterer—the most powerful woman in China. Together, they set about challenging what is expected of them.