The book is set in the guangxu reign which was when the great powers of the west( England, France and Austria) where all interested in china and it products. The book starts of in a small village. Where a crowd has gathered to witness a death of a member of the emperor court, the main characters father. The description that the author uses is dricipitvie while adding elements to the story. As it builds up the different characters and elements that are in the story. The cover of the book shows a young worman wearing trational Chinese clothing in a fiery red colour which draws focus. The rest of the cover is done in muted grey tone and it shows off an divine and impressive Austrian palace. Which book is one for the bookshelf if you are in love in imperial China.