It was so much more than I expected. Jeannie Lin created one of the most compelling and immersive historical settings I’ve read. The world of Pingkang Li comes alive with all the pleasure houses, markets, scholars’ and merchants’ patronage in the quarter, lives of courtesans, festivals, imperial examination season, and, most of all, the investigation of a mysterious murder that affected the quarter and created a portrait of the socio-economic and political environment during the Tang Dynasty. Yue-ying and Bai Huang start working together on the investigation, combining their knowledge and strengths: Yue-ying’s understanding of how the quarter functions from the inside and Bai Huang’s social status and wealth, which open doors that would rather stay closed. Their class difference is the foundation of the intricately complex world Jeannie Lin so skillfully built, while also providing the tension and the main conflict between the couple. Yue-ying is a practical young woman with a tortured past, who serves one of the most famous courtesans of Pingkang Li; Bai Huang is a romantic scholar and a failing eldest son of a prominent family in the empire. Their love story seems improbable from Yue-ying’s practical perspective, but it only enhances Bai Huang’s romantic notions. The romance develops slowly, giving characters time to process their feelings and take small steps toward each other. There is also space for taking steps back; the story allows characters to get to know each other outside of their courtship and gives them time to reflect and make decisions without rush, while the investigation drives the plot. I am impressed and enamored with The Lotus Palace; and I am very curious to try other books by Jeannie Lin. I have a feeling I’ve discovered a new favorite historical romance author. (recommend to put Tang Dynasty music playlist while reading - grants truly magical experience. also, in Crusader Kings 3 I enjoy playing with scholar to imperial minister arc, and it was so entertaining to read about examinations and future prospects and disappointing heirs)