Kimberly T’s Reviews > Lady Tan’s Circle of Women > Status Update

“When suffering, how can a woman not feel despair, frustration, or anger — whether rich or poor, educated or illiterates, childless or a mother?”

“I was born in the Year of the Snake, I tell myself. I am not afraid.”

Fate! It’s the still year of the snake until February 17th, when it changes to horse!

OHHH SHIT THE DEATH EARLIER IN THE BOOK WASNT AN ACCIDENT. I DIDNT THINK IT WAS MURDER MYSTERY TIME

“First, I try to bolster my daughters spirits for whatever might come next.

‘You did everything correctly,’ I say. ‘I’m proud to have you as my children. Don’t ever forget that.’”

I had missed Yunxian’s daughters. Ailan!! You can survive this!!

SMALLPOX…

“See yourself as one of us in this condition. Imagine the creature inside ripping its way out of your body. The midwife continued her duties, never once abandoning her responsibility to the empress. The midwife was prepared to give her life and that of her own baby. One did not survive. Do you now punish this woman who has already paid so much to do what was right and proper?”

GET HIM YUNXIAN

MEILING NO

Ok why are they talking about poisonous herbs that caused miscarriages?? There are THREE WOMEN PREGNANT RN in the palace. Oh my god, if someone miscarries due to herbs and Yunxian IS FRAMED…

“Meiling lifts the tea tray and sets it on a side table.” Then she slides against me and rests her head on my shoulder. The heat of her body seeps into me. I wouldn’t move for anything.”

It’s sweet that Yunxian and Meiling get to spend so much time together again!

“When Meiling was sent thousands of Li away from home, who did she think of first to share in her good fortune?”

It’s nice to see Yunxian be a real person - jealous, petty, focused on herself. There is a lot of pressure for her to bear a son. I hope with treating patients she can reconcile this about her self and her joys also.