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The Secret Behind the Emperor’s Bedchamber: Why Are Consorts Escorted Back to the Palace After Imperial Favors?

The mode of transport, being escorted, was a symbol of the status and power of the imperial concubine or beauty within the forbidden quarters.

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2 September, 2024

Why Do Concubines Need Assistance After the Emperor’s Visit: Unraveling the Intricate Reasons Behind This Practice

Have you ever wondered why concubines in ancient Chinese courts often needed assistance while walking? This intriguing practice holds a myriad of fascinating reasons.

With the recent popularity of palace intrigue dramas set during the Qing dynasty, many viewers have become captivated by the intricate lives within China’s last imperial court.

If you observe closely, you’ll notice that concubines are often assisted by servants when walking. But why is this so? Even after an imperial visit, concubines require assistance to return to their quarters, but this isn’t necessarily a sign of the emperor’s special favor.

The Intriguing Question: Why Did Concubines Need Assistance While Walking?

In reality, concubines had to adhere to strict rest regulations, even after the emperor’s visit, to maintain the emperor’s health and uphold the balance of court life.

Chinese history is marked by distinct class divisions, and having servants assist concubines during their outings was a way to assert their social status.

Interestingly, this practice was specific to outings outside the palace, indicating a difference in rituals and status. For these high-ranking women, even the simple act of walking required assistance.

Another reason stems from the fact that noble women during the feudal era often had bound feet, making movement difficult and prone to falls. Thus, when leaving the palace, concubines needed assistance for their safety.

Additionally, due to their tightly bound feet, concubines couldn’t perform strenuous tasks or move around freely. These noble women were often confined to the Forbidden City for life, and when they ventured out, they were always accompanied by maids or eunuchs for support.

In ancient Chinese aesthetics, small feet were considered a beauty ideal. This belief led many concubines to limit their movement to protect their delicate feet.

The Ancient Beauty Ideal: Small Feet as a Symbol of Femininity and Delicacy

Moreover, upon entering the palace, concubines lost the freedom of movement enjoyed by commoners. Whenever they ventured out, they were required to have an entourage. Maids and eunuchs would assist the concubines to honor their status and showcase their nobility.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the design of shoes worn by concubines in ancient China, which differed significantly from modern footwear. Today, even high-heeled shoes are designed to allow women to walk unassisted.

However, during the Qing dynasty, concubines wore a type of shoe called “flowered-pot shoes,” with the heel placed in the center. Balancing in these shoes was challenging, and walking could easily lead to falls. Thus, when wearing these shoes, concubines always needed assistance.

Aside from the three main reasons mentioned, some documents offer additional insights into this unique practice. Another significant factor is the importance of rules and rituals within the imperial court, which served to distinguish the nobility from commoners.

The palace had strict regulations regarding behavior and movement, all aimed at cultivating a refined and graceful aesthetic. The requirement for concubines to be assisted while walking reflected this ideal, fitting the image of noble women.

The gentle and graceful movement of women in the palace, always assisted, evoked a sense of tenderness and fragility, which was favored by the emperor. As the ruler admired weakness, women were expected to adhere to these ritualistic rules of movement.

Frequently asked questions

In ancient China, it was a tradition for consorts to be escorted back to the palace after receiving imperial favors. This was done to ensure the safety and security of the women, as they were considered valuable assets to the empire. The journey back to the palace was often a grand affair, with the consorts being transported in luxurious carriages and accompanied by a entourage of servants and guards.

The emperor’s bedchamber was a place of great intrigue and mystery. It was said that the room was filled with hidden compartments and secret passageways, allowing the emperor to move about discreetly and surprise his consorts. The bed itself was also a masterpiece of engineering, with intricate mechanisms that allowed it to be raised, lowered, and tilted to the emperor’s desired positions.

The consorts were typically beautiful and talented women who were chosen from across the empire. They underwent rigorous training and preparation before being presented to the emperor. The selection process was highly competitive, and only the most exceptional women were chosen to serve the emperor and become his potential wives.

The consorts played a crucial role in the imperial court. They not only provided companionship and pleasure to the emperor but were also expected to be well-versed in various skills such as music, dance, poetry, and politics. They attended banquets, participated in court life, and sometimes even advised the emperor on important matters.

The presence of consorts introduced an element of competition and intrigue within the palace. Each consort sought to gain the emperor’s favor and become his preferred choice, which could lead to jealousy and rivalry among them. Their influence could also extend beyond the bedchamber, as they could form alliances with other members of the court and potentially impact political decisions.