The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in the history of China. In this dynasty, concubines were ranked and the highest rank was the Empress. Depending on their rank, concubines received different rewards and opportunities to meet the Emperor.
Among the countless beautiful ladies in the palace, the Emperor kept only a few names that he especially favored. These names were engraved on cards placed in a large box located above the dragon bed. When the Emperor wanted to select a concubine, the cards would be flipped and the eunuchs would prepare the chosen concubine to serve him.
Flipping the cards to select a concubine…
The practice of flipping cards to select concubines was also applied from this point on. The names of the empresses and consorts were carved on wooden cards, and then the Emperor would choose a card. The chosen concubine would then serve the Emperor throughout the night.
According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, after dinner each day, the Chief Eunuch would present a tray containing engraved gold cards with the names of the palace concubines to the Emperor. If the Emperor wanted to favor a concubine, he would flip the card with her name. If he had no interest in selecting a concubine, the tray would be returned to its original place.
Before the intimate meeting, the concubine favored by the Emperor would bathe and cleanse herself, remove her clothing, and be thoroughly checked to ensure there were no hidden weapons. She would then wrap herself in a red blanket and be escorted by the eunuchs to the Emperor’s dragon bed.
Why does the Emperor never select the same concubine for multiple consecutive nights even if he loves her deeply?
At that moment, the concubine had to crawl onto the dragon bed and crawl under the blanket, as standing with her back facing the Emperor was considered disrespectful. After the intimate encounter, she would crawl backwards out of the bed, wrap herself in the blanket again, and be taken back to the palace by the eunuchs.
In addition, the Emperor was not allowed to favor the same concubine for multiple consecutive nights. This would prevent the Imperial household from having many offspring. Furthermore, favoring one concubine would cause jealousy and rivalry among the other concubines, leading to chaos in the palace.
During the intimate encounter, eunuchs would always be stationed outside, continuously reminding the Emperor to finish “the task” according to the regulations. This was to ensure that the Emperor would not indulge excessively and to safeguard his health.
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.
The Must-Have Items for Preparing for Childbirth: 2 Essential Things that Qing Dynasty Empresses Cannot Do Without
The emperor’s concubine being pregnant brings joy to the entire nation. To ensure a smooth birthing process, the mother and child must be well-prepared, and there are two essential things that cannot be overlooked.
