… I presented them to Her Majesty,
bowing to the ground nine times. She thanked me and wished me a
happy birthday. She then made me a present of a pair of sandalwood
bracelets, beautifully carved, also a few rolls … returned to my room, where I found
presents from all the Court ladies.
Altogether I had a very happy birthday.
I can never forget the fifteenth day of the fifth moon as long as
I live, for that was a bad day …
-- from
Two Years in the Forbidden City by Princess Der Ling, 1886-1944