"Dream Peony" is the story of Yang Yuhuan, the most voluptuous of the Four Legendary beauties in Chinese history. She was best known for her fleshy figure, and statues of her were typically sculptured in the nude. When she was sixteen years old, she was chosen as wife to Li Mao, the Prince of Shou, and a favorite son of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty (685 to 762). Unfortunately, her exquisite beauty had attracted the attention of her father-in-law, and his obsession turned her world upside down. Once, the famous poet Li Bai, who was known as the "Drunken Immortal," had written a poem, "Song of Pure Peace," in praise of her mesmerizing beauty. Half a century later, another famous poet, Bai Juyi, wrote "Song of Perpetual Regret," narrating Emperor Xuanzong's obsessive love for her. Both poems have been translated by the author within this novel.