Yu Suanqi (mid-ninth century CE)
Born in the Tang capital, Chang An, Yu Suanqi became the concubine of an official, Li Yi. His jealous wife tortured her and drove her from the house. She became a wandering Taoist priestess who nonetheless took many lovers, including poets Wen Feiqing and Li Cun. She was executed after being accused of murdering her maid.
On a Visit to Chung Chen Temple I See in the South Hall a List of Successful Candidates in the Imperial Examinations
Cloud capped peaks fill the eyes
In the Spring sunshine.
Their names are written in beautiful characters
And posted in order of merit.
How I hate this silk dress
That conceals a poet.
I lift my head and read their names
In powerless envy.
*the imperial examinations were never, with a few exceptions, open to women
Born in the Tang capital, Chang An, Yu Suanqi became the concubine of an official, Li Yi. His jealous wife tortured her and drove her from the house. She became a wandering Taoist priestess who nonetheless took many lovers, including poets Wen Feiqing and Li Cun. She was executed after being accused of murdering her maid.
On a Visit to Chung Chen Temple I See in the South Hall a List of Successful Candidates in the Imperial Examinations
Cloud capped peaks fill the eyes
In the Spring sunshine.
Their names are written in beautiful characters
And posted in order of merit.
How I hate this silk dress
That conceals a poet.
I lift my head and read their names
In powerless envy.
*the imperial examinations were never, with a few exceptions, open to women
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