Zhao Lihua who is 82 years old has mild depression after her husband passed away. She plans to go to the workers bathhouse for a bath, yet she has been rejected several times and has been humiliated. Her son Zhu Hongbing has tried hard to find two women who can accompany his mother to go for a bath. A seemingly simple life has become extremely difficult for this mother and son. For Zhao Lihua, “bathing”is a symbol of self-cleaning baptism, leaving with dignity is her last choice…
Orphaned as a child, Liu E travels to the capital Kaifeng, and later catches the eye of Zhao Heng. Though she was a concubine, Liu E was perceptive to state affairs, and often discussed politics with Zhao Heng. This tradition continued when he became emperor in 997. Liu E is crowned empress after adopting the son of a concubine (later Emperor Renzong), and serves as regent of the Song Dynasty during the last two years of her husband’s reign. Liu E would continue to rule until her death twelve years later in 1033.