The Emperor T’ai Tsung, a middle-aged man when his attendants presented the young girl, Wu Chao, to him, was impressed by her beauty and bearing; he immediately named her Concubine of the Fifth Grade, a noteworthy honor. Like the other concubines, she had duties appropriate to her rank, such as supervising maids and eunuchs, and helping to prepare for rites and ceremonies. Her most important duty would be to share, when called upon, the Emperor’s bed. She also received instruction in music, art, and literature. Ambitious and quick to see an opportunity, Wu Chao used her new to see an opportunity, Wu Chao used her new position to advantage. She soon discovered how to employ skilfully her charm and good looks, and before long she became one of the Emperor’s favorites