Robert Hart (1835 - 1911) was the 'Godfather of China's modernism' and the only foreigner the emperor of China trusted. In fact, Hart played a crucial role in ending the bloodiest rebellion in history--the Taiping Rebellion--and he owes this success largely to Ayaou, his live-in dictionary and encyclopedia, his Chinese concubine. About a year after arriving in China in 1854, Robert Hart falls in love with Ayaou, but his feelings for her sister go against the teachings of his Wesleyan-Christian upbringing and almost breaks him emotionally. To survive he must learn how to live and think like the Chinese and soon finds himself thrust into China's Opium War, where he makes enemies of men such as the American soldier of fortune known as the Devil Soldier. First came "My Splendid Concubine" December 2007; then came the sequel "Our Hart, Elegy for a Concubine" in 2010. Both novels have now been combined as one in "My Splendid Concubine's" 3rd edition. * Warning: The first-half of this novel contains graphic-sexual content that reflects Robert Hart's lifestyle while attending college and during his early years in China that may be considered soft-porn and offensive to some readers. If you think you might be offended, please do not buy and read this novel.