The final emperor of the Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, experienced a tumultuous reign filled with emotional moments. History records that this emperor, known as Puyi, shed tears on three unusual occasions during his early life. These instances offer a glimpse into the challenges and pressures faced by a young monarch.
Puyi’s Unusual Tears: A Glimpse into a Tumultuous Reign
Puyi (1906–1967) ascended the throne at a young age, becoming the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. His life was marked by the dramatic historical shifts of early 20th-century China. In his autobiography, “The First Half of My Life,” Puyi recounted three distinct instances of unexpected tears, each carrying a deeper significance according to Chinese historians.
Puyi’s autobiography, “The First Half of My Life,” where he recounted his unusual tears.
1. Tears of Separation from Family: At the age of two, Puyi was abruptly taken from his family and brought into the imperial palace as a potential heir. Separated from his loved ones, the young Puyi cried out of fear and confusion. While a natural reaction for a child, some interpreted his tears as an ill omen for the dynasty.
2. Encounter with Cixi, the Powerful Empress: Soon after entering the palace, Puyi met the formidable Empress Cixi, who held immense power in the court. In his autobiography, Puyi described the encounter as “three strangers”: a strange place, strange people, and finally, a frail and unfamiliar elderly woman, who was Cixi herself. The meeting left a deep impression on the young emperor-to-be.
3. Tears at the Coronation: Puyi’s third instance of tears occurred during his coronation ceremony. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, Puyi was barely three years old and overwhelmed by the experience. As court officials performed the traditional three kneelings and nine knockings, Puyi, seated on the throne, burst into tears. He cried out, “I don’t want to sit here! I want to go home!” Even the presence of his father, who was kneeling below the throne, could not console him. It took a paper tiger, a symbol of power, given to him by his father to finally calm him down.
Puyi’s three instances of tears were seen as unusual signs by Chinese historians.
Chinese historians view these three instances of tears as unusual signs, especially as they coincided with the decline of the Qing Dynasty. Puyi’s tears, though stemming from a child’s natural fears, seemed to foretell the tumultuous end of an era in China’s imperial history.
Silence rule forces Qing dynasty concubines to keep quiet during intimate activities
During the Qing Dynasty, imperial consorts were expected to maintain silence and refrain from making any noise while being attended to by the emperor.
Unspoken rule stops Qing dynasty concubines from making noise during intimate moments
During the rule of the Qing Dynasty, concubines were required to maintain absolute silence during their encounters with the emperor. They were forbidden from making any sound at all.
Unspoken rules that forced Qing dynasty concubines to stay silent while being inspected by the emperor
When in the presence of the emperor, all concubines must maintain silence. This is a mandatory rule, and no one is allowed to disobey.
Why does a concubine need to be led back to the palace after being favored by the emperor?
This was the rule in the ancient harem. Once they were favored by the emperor, the concubines were escorted back to the palace to rest.
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