The Round-Faced Beauty, A Story Of The Chinese C
The Round-Faced Beauty is a story of the Chinese court set in the late 19th century. It follows the story of a young girl, Li-Li, who is born with a round face, which is considered a sign of beauty in Chinese culture. Li-Li is taken in by the Empress Dowager and raised as a princess. She is given the best education and is taught the ways of the court. Li-Li is soon betrothed to the Emperor's son, Prince Ching. But when the Emperor dies, the Empress Dowager is overthrown and Li-Li is forced to flee the court. She is taken in by a kind family and learns the ways of the common people. Li-Li eventually returns to the court and is reunited with Prince Ching. But the court is now in chaos and Li-Li must use her wit and courage to help restore order. Along the way, she discovers the true meaning of beauty and love.
By Elizabeth Louisa Moresby · First published 1922 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy · 4,500 words
First lines
In the city of Chang-an music filled the palaces, and the festivities of the Emperor were measured by its beat. Night, and the full moon swimming like a gold-fish in the garden lakes, gave the signal for the Feather Jacket and Rainbow Skirt dances. Morning, with the rising sun, summoned the court again to the feast and wine-cup in the floating gardens.
What this Textopian page supports
The Round-Faced Beauty, A Story Of The Chinese Court is listed on Textopian as a novella by Elizabeth Louisa Moresby, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Elizabeth Louisa Moresby
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 4,500 words
- Structure: 1 section, 148 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Round-Faced Beauty, A Story Of The Chinese Court by Elizabeth Louisa Moresby
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Round-Faced Beauty, A Story Of The Chinese Court?
- How does this novella by Elizabeth Louisa Moresby fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the Chinese court and is based on a true story, making it a historical fiction.
- Romance — The book is about a round-faced beauty, suggesting a romantic plot.
- Fantasy — The book is set in the Chinese court, which could suggest a fantasy setting.
- Adventure — The book is set in the Chinese court, which could suggest an adventurous plot.
Tags
historical fiction · Chinese culture · court life · romance · drama · 19th century · female protagonist · social hierarchy · family dynamics · tradition vs modernity · love story · cultural exploration
More by Elizabeth Louisa Moresby
- The Incomparable Lady, a Story of China with a Moral (1922)
- The Building Of The Taj Mahal (1922)
- How Great Is The Glory Of Kwannon!, A Japanese Story (1922)
- Fire Of Beauty (1922)
- The Ninth Vibration (1922)
- The Interpreter A Romance Of The East (1922)
- The Ladies, A Shining Constellation of Wit and Beauty (1922)
- All works by Elizabeth Louisa Moresby