[Photo/ english.cguardian.com]

6. The Drunken Beauty

This story happened during the Tang Dynasty. The heroine, Yang Yuhuan, was Emperor Ming-Huang's favorite concubine. One evening the two had arranged to meet in a pavilion in the imperial gardens after the emperor was off his duty. So Yang prepared a banquet and was sitting there waiting him. But the Emperor failed on his promise and went to see one of his other beautiful concubines. Yang decided to stay at the banquet alone and ordered the eunuchs to serve alcohol. Yang showed her jealousy and bitterness, and her intention to forget all the unhappiness. This painting depicts the scene where Yang gets drunk and has to be supported by her maids when she tries to walk.

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