The battle in the palace is always cruel. Those who are not favored wither away, while those who are favored have many enemies and suffer from harm.
To compete for favor and escape the loneliness of the palace, the concubines naturally hope to bear a child for the emperor as soon as possible. Because having a child not only elevates the status of the concubine, but also brings security to their future lives.
However, in the history of the Qing Dynasty, there is a rare case. That is a consort who lived through three reigns and was favored and loved by three emperors, namely Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong.
The consort with an esteemed background
This consort is none other than Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý, a consort of Emperor Kangxi. According to historical records, Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý was born in the 22nd year of Kangxi’s reign (1683) and was the daughter of the Qua Nhĩ Giai family, a wealthy noble family.
In the Qing Dynasty, many concubines were selected from families in the Eight Banners of Manchuria. The Qua Nhĩ Giai family was one of the prestigious families that unexpectedly rose in prominence. Therefore, it seems that from birth, Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý was chosen to enter the palace.
In the 37th year of Kangxi’s reign, Qua Nhĩ Giai entered the palace. Thanks to her family background, beauty, and talent, Qua Nhĩ Giai quickly caught the attention of Emperor Kangxi. By the 39th year of Kangxi’s reign, when Qua Nhĩ Giai was only 17 years old, she was bestowed the title Hòa tần. For a newly entered consort, this position truly made many others envious.
During that time, Hòa tần was favored by the emperor and quickly became pregnant. This consort gave birth to a princess, but unfortunately, the princess passed away at a young age. Due to the immense grief, Hòa tần did not have any more children.
A great loss and a desired outcome for the entire harem
Seeing Hòa tần, who was still young, suffer such a loss, Kangxi still loved and cared for her. Although she could no longer bear children, Emperor Kangxi elevated her position to Hòa phi, a high-ranking title in the harem.
In 1722, Emperor Kangxi passed away, and Yongzheng ascended the throne. At that time, Hòa phi was still relatively young at 39 years old.
Emperor Yongzheng also treated Hòa phi with great respect and attentiveness for several reasons. Firstly, Hòa phi did not participate in the “nine familial exterminations” event. Secondly, Hòa phi was a consort of the previous emperor and did not have any offspring. Thirdly, Hòa phi had raised Hoằng Lịch (later known as Qianlong), the son of Yongzheng, with great care.
Yongzheng respected and bestowed the title Hoàng Khảo Quý phi on Hòa phi. Although they were not blood relatives, their bond and affection were strong. Because of this, Yongzheng treated Hoàng Khảo Quý phi with respect and kindness during his reign.
After Yongzheng’s passing, Qianlong ascended the throne. At that time, Hoàng Khảo Quý phi was already elderly. Due to the past nurturance, Qianlong was always dutiful and respectful towards the consort of Emperor Kangxi, so much so that he bestowed her the title Ôn Huệ Quý thái phi. In the 8th year of Qianlong’s reign (1743), after the passing of Empress Khác Huệ Đông Giai, Emperor Qianlong elevated her to Ôn Huệ Hoàng Quý thái phi, a highly esteemed position in the harem.
Emperor Qianlong held great filial piety towards Ôn Huệ Hoàng Quý thái phi, just like towards his own mother. Specifically, during her 70th and 80th birthdays, the emperor personally organized grand celebrations and offered numerous offerings to congratulate her.
In the 33rd year of Qianlong’s reign (1768), Ôn Huệ Hoàng Quý thái phi passed away at the age of 86. Emperor Qianlong personally attended the wine ceremony in front of her coffin. This emperor also offered a posthumous title of Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý phi and arranged her burial in the Imperial concubine cemetery inside the Cảnh lăng.
Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý phi was the last consort to pass away among Kangxi’s concubines.
Although she did not have children, the life of this consort can be said to be extremely joyful, peaceful, and glorious. According to historians, due to her beauty, talent, and virtuousness, Empress Dunyi Hoàng Quý phi received the love and care of the three most famous emperors of the Qing Dynasty. This is truly a fortunate ending that not all beauties in the harem could receive.
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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