<p>Der Ling became the First lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as a translator, and was highly trusted by the Empress-Dowager to share many memories and opinions with her. In this fascinating story, Der Ling reveals the history and true story behind the character of the Empress-Dowager Cixi - not the monster of depravity depicted in the popular press. but an aging woman who loved beautiful things and had many regrets about the past. Originally published as &ldquo;Old Buddha&rdquo; this thoughtful and well written account reveals the tragic story of the end of the Qing Dynasty, compassionately and truthful told through the articulate writing of a trusted friend.</p>