Madam Zhang Yunhe was born into a prosperous family in Hefei, Anhui Province. Her grandfather was an influential politician and general in the late Qing Dynasty and a close associate of the educator Cai Yuanpei. She had ten siblings. Though born with the silver spoon, children were not spoiled but well brought up. Each had achievements in their field. The Last Lady is a warm account of family life during the author's early years. It shows the love between parents and among siblings, respect for teachers, and the love of Kunqu opera. Vivid language touches the reader with gentle happiness and old aristocratic elegance that are hard to experience today.