Four Beauties
According to literature, the beauty of Wang Zhaojun would charm flying birds to fall from the sky. Wang Zhaojun had entered the harem of Emperor Yun at a young age. She remained as a lady-in-waiting. She was never visited by the emperor. At that time, the concubines of the emperor were chosen through the portraits. So, most women secretly gave money to the painters. It was done to make their portraits look more beautiful. Wang Zhaojun refused to do this. So, her portrait was painted as an ugly one. In 33 B.C., Hu Hanye visited the Imperial Court. He asked for a beautiful Han lady to be his wife. Therefore, he was presented with Wang Zhaojun. She was asked to appear before the court. The Emperor saw her in real life. Emperor Yun was shocked. The painter of her portrait was later killed for cheating the emperor.