Goodreads asked Alice Poon:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Alice Poon I was first drawn to Bumbutai (Empress Xiaozhuang) when I watched, back in 2003, a Chinese TV historical drama series about her life (entitled "The Secret History of Xiaozhuang" 孝莊秘史), which centered on the forbidden love between her and the Manchu Prince Dorgon. I became obsessed with her and the idea of writing about her. When I began to read historical materials on her, I became even more entranced by her political acumen and charismatic and selfless qualities. I am convinced that her contributions to humanity as a female leader in China’s patriarchal history has been grossly underrated. At the same time, I am aware that her story has never been introduced to Western readers.

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