In ancient societies under patriarchal rule, prostitutes, as a special group in society, came into contact with people from all walks of life, from traffickers and pawns to the upper nobility and even the emperor. Li Shishi was a famous prostitute during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song. When he was young, his family was poor and he lost his father at the age of four. Master Li also studied under the famous musician Zhou Bangyan, so the songs were also sung very well.
Master Li slowly grew into a generation of famous prostitutes with extraordinary style, which caused a sensation in the capital. The fame is getting bigger and bigger, and many princes and nobles want to see it. In the inner courtyard of the deep palace, Huizong, who pays attention to luxury, pursues elegance, and is extremely emotional, has also heard of Master Li's flower name. The first time Emperor Huizong of Song met Master Li, there were two theories. First, Emperor Huizong of Song was accompanied by Gao Li. Through the introduction of Gao Li, who knew Master Li, Song Huizong was attracted by Master Li's beauty and talent, and began to love Master Li for more than ten years.
Another theory is that there was a eunuch by the side of Emperor Huizong of Song at that time, named Zhang Di. Zhang Di once lingered in a brothel in Beijing before entering the palace. Of course, he also knew Master Li's reputation. So under his leadership, Song Huizong took advantage of the night to disguise himself and came to Zhen'anfang and met Master Li. No matter how Song Huizong met, one thing is certain, that is, Song Huizong liked Li Shishi very much when he first met her.
Master Li has a quirk. Anyone who comes to her is required to leave a poem. Emperor Huizong of Song happened to be a versatile emperor of the wind and currents, and naturally would not refuse. So Song Huizong happily picked up the pen and wrote his first beautiful words in his unique "thin gold" calligraphy. Song Huizong said goodbye to his teacher four months later. Emperor Huizong of Song, accompanied by Wang Yi, came to Zhen'anfang again. Wang Yi was also an old friend of Master Li, and naturally knew that Wang Yi was in an important position.
When Master Li saw that he was accompanied by Gao Yu once and Wang Yi once, and both of them were polite to him, he probably understood a little in his heart. From then on, Emperor Huizong of Song often sneaked out of the palace at night to see Master Li. Zhang Di saw that Emperor Huizong of Song remembered Master Li and his safety concerns for the emperor's nocturnal travels, so he gave Advice to Emperor Huizong of Song. A tunnel of two or three miles was dug from the palace, leading directly to the south square of the town. After that, Emperor Huizong often crossed the tunnel to Zhen'anFang to meet Master Li.
Since Li Shishi and Song Huizong were together, Li Shishi's courtyard has been extensively built and beautifully built. Song Huizong personally nominated "Drunken Apricot House". Li Shishi had a deep friendship with Emperor Huizong of Song, which aroused the opposition of the ministers of the DPRK and China. Even the empress said: "Since ancient times, the emperor has not been a prostitute, plus night travel, and the security work is incomplete." "But affectionately. How could Song Huizong, who was obsessed with Master Li, listen? Over the years, Emperor Huizong of Song rewarded Master Li with a large amount of gold and silver treasures, amounting to 100,000 taels. After the Song Dynasty song and dance, after the Jing kang disaster, Song Huizong was captured by Jin, and when Jin soldiers surrounded Beijing, Li Shishi handed over all the wealth accumulated over the years to the state as military expenses for the anti-Jin army.
Legend has it that Master Li fled alone to Ciyunguan and became a female Taoist monk. Later, she was discovered by Jin Jun. Li Shishi, unwilling to serve the Lord of Gold, committed suicide by swallowing gold without preparation. A generation of famous prostitutes Li Shishi, a beautiful woman outside the palace who was favored by Emperor Huizong, died tragically.