Can Long is a promiscuous, lascivious, and amorous Emperor in history, so he is called the “Lascivious Emperor”. He not only had three palaces and six houses with over 40 wives and thousands of beautiful concubines, but also had many legends about his amorous affairs in the people’s mind.
So, among all these women, who did Can Long love the most?
Empress Phu Sat (Filial Virtue Empress)
Empress Phu Sat, also known as Filial Virtue Empress, came from a noble family and had the Phu Sat lineage in Sa Te, Manzhou Tong Huang Ky. At the age of 16, she was chosen by Emperor Ung Chinh to become the designated wife of Prince Hoang Lich, later known as Emperor Can Long of the Great Thanh Dynasty.
Being gentle, virtuous, extremely elegant, simple, and above all fulfilling her responsibilities during the years of being the role model in the world, she did it with her full heart. Not only talented in managing the harem, she was also kind and compassionate to the other concubines in the palace. Because of this, despite his reputation for being promiscuous and having countless beauties, Can Long always had a special love for her, a respected position in the emperor’s heart.
Although she gave birth to two princes for Emperor Can Long, both of them had a short life. Severe illness caused Empress Phu Sat to be unable to continue her position. She passed away at the age of 37. In addition to giving her a posthumous name, the emperor also organized a funeral ceremony that became a legend in the history of the Great Thanh Dynasty.
Consort Cao Quy (Wise Virtue Empress Cao)
In the recorded history of the Thanh Dynasty, Consort Cao Quy is considered one of the concubines favored by Emperor Can Long. With her noble lineage from Manzhou Tong Huang Ky, the prestigious Bao y layer, she was designated as the wife of Prince Hoang Lich and after ascending to the throne, Can Long bestowed her the title of Cao Quy.
In Can Long’s 10th year (1745), during a serious illness, she was bestowed the title of Hoang Quy Phi by Emperor Can Long. However, just two days after the title was granted, she also passed away and was posthumously named Wise Virtue Empress.
Consort Nhan Phi (Consortal Empress)
Consort Nhan Phi’s real name is O Lat Na Lap Thi, the daughter of Commander Na Nhi Bo from a noble lineage. Initially, she was designated as the Trac Phuc Tan of Prince Hoang Lich. When Emperor Can Long ascended to the throne, he bestowed her the title of Consort Nhan Phi. And her life as a concubine gradually progressed to the highest position in the harem of the Great Thanh Dynasty.
It is recorded in history that Consort Nhan Phi gradually became Consort Quy Phi after the death of Consort Cao Quy, and was only second to Empress Phu Sat. When the first Empress of Emperor Can Long passed away, with the love and affection of Emperor Can Long, she officially ascended to the position of Consort Empress.
However, towards the end of her life, she was coldly treated by the emperor. O Lat Na Lap Thi left the world in a desolate and lonely manner at the age of 49. Her funeral was stripped of most of the royal ceremonies. There was no posthumous name, no offerings, and no epitaph at her tomb. She was buried like a low-ranked palace maid next to the tomb of Empress Thuan Hue. The entire funeral only cost 207 silver, which is lower than the salary of a low-ranking official in the court.
Consort Lenh Phi (Orderly Respected Empress)
Consort Lenh Phi’s real name is Nguyen Giai Thi, coming from Nguyen Thi. With Emperor Can Long’s favor, this beautiful woman also became a legend in the history as she rose to the highest position in the harem of that time. From Quy Nhan, became Tan, then Phi, and finally Quy Phi.
Although Can Long had countless concubines, he had very few successors. Consort Lenh Phi was the one who gave birth to four princes and two princesses for the emperor. However, among them, not many lived long, and the only consolation was Prince Vinh Diem, who later became Emperor Gia Khanh.
Consort Lenh Phi passed away at the age of 49. In addition to giving her the posthumous name Lenh Y, Can Long also wrote a poem in memory of the past – “Lenh Y Respected Empress’ Lament”. Moreover, she was the fifth person to be buried together with the emperor in the royal tomb.
Empress Thuan Phi (Empress Thuan Hue)
In historical books, Empress Thuan Phi’s name is To Thi – the most favored beauty by Emperor Can Long. Despite being of Han descent and not of noble origin, when she reached adulthood, she became the beloved of Prince Hoang Lich. Due to her commoner background and not being a court official, even though she gave birth to a prince, she was not designated as Trac Phuc Tan.
Why did eunuchs in the past get married even though they couldn’t have children?
There is a common misconception that eunuchs never get married, but the reality is that most of them do. The truth behind it is quite heartbreaking.
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.
