This piece is powerful because it shows that this is not simply a story of love, but a story of those who became enemies of love. You have beautifully connected personal grief with political fear and power, showing how love was treated as a weakness and silenced in the name of stability. The cypress tree stands out as a quiet but lasting act of resistance, proving that love can be suppressed, but never erased. What makes this work especially compelling is how it reminds us that when systems and people destroy love, they often destroy themselves as well. This is thoughtful, well-researched, and deeply moving. Thank you for telling this story with such clarity and depth.
I’ve never known much of China’s history, though I’ve always been aware of how rich and layered it is. I love reading your posts because you make that history feel alive. The way you wove grief, memory, and the cypress tree into both personal devotion and the fate of an empire was quietly powerful. You have a gift for turning history into something felt, not just learned. Thank you for sharing this.
Sorry it took so long for me to get to this saved piece, but that was a beautiful tale – well told too. I think the Zeitgeist of our times could use a cypress tree like that. Amazing work ✨🙏❤️
For the first time in my life I feel as though I am sitting at the table with the smart kids. I never realized it would be so interesting. Thank you Dorie for teaching me so much. And as always, very well written and researched. The amount of care and detail that you give to your work is really quite remarkable. Substack is a better place with you here.
The part about how planting that tree in the imperial gardens was basically an act of rebellion really caught me. When you think about it, those gardens weren't just decorative spaces but symbols of cosmic order and state legitimacy. I remember visiting similar historical gardens in Asia and realzing how every element was politically charged. Xuanzong inserting a memorial to someone blamed for nearly destroying the dynasty into that space is kinda wild, its like he was publicly challenging the narrative while grieving.
This piece is powerful because it shows that this is not simply a story of love, but a story of those who became enemies of love. You have beautifully connected personal grief with political fear and power, showing how love was treated as a weakness and silenced in the name of stability. The cypress tree stands out as a quiet but lasting act of resistance, proving that love can be suppressed, but never erased. What makes this work especially compelling is how it reminds us that when systems and people destroy love, they often destroy themselves as well. This is thoughtful, well-researched, and deeply moving. Thank you for telling this story with such clarity and depth.
This warmed my heart. Thank you so much for this wonderful comment!
You are welcome, Dorie. Thank you.
I’ve never known much of China’s history, though I’ve always been aware of how rich and layered it is. I love reading your posts because you make that history feel alive. The way you wove grief, memory, and the cypress tree into both personal devotion and the fate of an empire was quietly powerful. You have a gift for turning history into something felt, not just learned. Thank you for sharing this.
You warmed my heart! Thank you so much!
Sorry it took so long for me to get to this saved piece, but that was a beautiful tale – well told too. I think the Zeitgeist of our times could use a cypress tree like that. Amazing work ✨🙏❤️
I’m so glad you liked it 🩷
For the first time in my life I feel as though I am sitting at the table with the smart kids. I never realized it would be so interesting. Thank you Dorie for teaching me so much. And as always, very well written and researched. The amount of care and detail that you give to your work is really quite remarkable. Substack is a better place with you here.
Thank you so much Bob! This was one of my favorites so researching it was a joy. I appreciate you saying so!
The part about how planting that tree in the imperial gardens was basically an act of rebellion really caught me. When you think about it, those gardens weren't just decorative spaces but symbols of cosmic order and state legitimacy. I remember visiting similar historical gardens in Asia and realzing how every element was politically charged. Xuanzong inserting a memorial to someone blamed for nearly destroying the dynasty into that space is kinda wild, its like he was publicly challenging the narrative while grieving.
Absolutely agree! He couldn’t save her, but he could immortalize her so no one would forget her.
You know, I love beautiful stuff like this! As the French say "Tres tragique," 🦋
Some of the best love stories are in history 🩷
You are brilliant 🫶
Wow, thank you. I will hold that in my heart all day!
Sure please feel free to read my work too,I hope you ll enjoy it 🫶❤️
I will specifically add you to my list today and make sure to give you a proper read, promise🩷
Thank you so much,means a lot to me ❤️ 🫶
I’ll read more today🩷
I have now started to research if I can grow one in N Sweden ahah. Thank you for the background on this beautiful tree, Dorie!
I hope you find good soil for it! 🩷
Thank you, Dorie, for your work. I appreciate it when I get to learn something.
You are welcome! Thank you for reading. 🩷