Empress of Salt and Fortune

The Empress of Salt and Fortune, Nghi Vo. Fantasy novella about a scholar learning about the secret history of an empress. I liked the structure, and it was a very nicely-sized piece of intrigue and the personal choices that make history. Vo put in just the right amount of story for the space. I've also been rereading the Queen's Thief books in anticipation of Return of the Thief (! !! !!!!!!) and I think Salt and Fortune might appeal to the same fans.