English Title: Princess Pearl
Author: Chiung Yao
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Summary: Emperor Chienlung traveled out of the palace in disguise to find out firsthand the state of his subjects. He was accompanied by Hsiao Yence and Cewei. On the way, the Fifth Prince confessed his love for Hsiao Yence. The emperor was suddenly attacked by someone and almost died, but his soul was saved by Cewei by sacrificing himself.
Upon their return to the palace, they had the guest of honor the Tibetan Chieftain and his daughter, Saiya. To establish good relations between the two countries, Princess Saiya will be betrothed to the Fifth Prince, but Princess Saiya made her choice on Erkang who managed to defeat her in the pits, while Cewei will be appointed as a concubine because of her merits.
Good and bad points: Hsiao Yence is a commoner who being mistaken as the Emperor's illegitimate daughter when she delivered a message from Hsia Cewei (The Emperor's real daughter). The book is quite good as a historical drama. It has good plots and I really enjoy read the book. It was like watching a drama
The journey also interesting to read. There are many conflicts that happened to make the reader exciting and nervous too. The main character is lively, free, and naive. Sometimes she made me annoyed by her acts which caused troubles for them. Since she was actually a commoner who doesn't have good manners to begin and have to adapt to royalty life, sometimes she can't controlled herself. It was also very interesting to read about Hsiao Yence and 5th Prince relationship, as everyone (leave for Hsiao Yence closest people at the palace) know that the two are siblings, it was kinda difficult to them.