It is said that in ancient times, the rituals of the Zhou dynasty were highly regarded, and the emperor established empresses. The imperial harem consisted of six palaces, three consorts, nine concubines, twenty-seven wives, and eighty-one imperial wives, all to ensure peace and good governance. However, an emperor must rely not only on the assistance of external ministers but also on the help of virtuous women in the harem. Starting from the Han and Wei dynasties, the positions in the harem have varied significantly across different dynasties. When our founding emperor rose to power, the world was in great chaos. After finally pacifying the world, he became emperor and led a relatively simple lifestyle, resulting in many harem positions being left vacant. It was during the reign of Emperor Shizu that the official positions in the harem were defined, with the appointment of three noble consorts, which corresponded to the ancient three consorts. Nine positions were also established, including Shuyuan, Shuyi, Shurong, Zhaohua, Zhaorong, Zhaoyi, Xiuhua, Xiuyi, and Xiurong, equivalent to the ancient nine concubines. Five positions were also established, including Jieyu, Ronghua, Chonghua, Chenghui, and Lierong, collectively referred to as the five positions, with a status slightly lower than that of the nine concubines. In addition, there were three positions of beauty, talent, and virtue, with an unlimited number of people, considered miscellaneous positions. Emperor Shizu was also relatively frugal, so many positions in the harem were left vacant. During the reigns of Gaozong and subsequent emperors, the structure of the harem saw little change. I will now briefly outline these details.
The Empress of Emperor Gaozu, Empress Zhang, named Zhang Yao'er, was from Wuxing Wucheng. Her original surname was Niu, but her father, Niu Jingming, was adopted by the Zhang family, which led to her surname change. Her father Niu Jingming held the position of Cavalier Attendant in the Liang Dynasty. Empress Zhang's mother, Lady Su, once met a Taoist who gifted her a small tortoise that glowed with colorful light and said, "In three years, there will be an omen." Three years later, Empress Zhang was born, and that night, there was a shimmering purple light in the room, but the little tortoise had vanished. Empress Zhang was intelligent and beautiful since childhood, with slender, delicate fingers about five inches long, in a mix of red and white. Whenever she donned formal attire, one of her nails would inevitably break. Emperor Gaozu had previously married Qian Zhongfang's daughter from the same county, but she died young, and later he married Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang was skilled in calligraphy and arithmetic, and she could also recite the Book of Songs and the Songs of Chu.
Emperor Gaozu set out from Guangzhou to the south to attack Jiaozhi, then allowed the Empress and Prince Chang of Hengyang to accompany the Crown Prince (Emperor Wen) back to the Great Wall by sea. Later, during the Hou Jing Rebellion, Emperor Gaozu fled to Yuzhang, and the Empress was taken captive by Hou Jing. After the situation with Hou Jing was settled, Emperor Gaozu appointed him as the Duke of Changcheng County and then married her. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he named her Empress in the first year of Yongding. The Emperor also posthumously honored the Empress's father with the title of Special Advanced, Grand Master of Purple Light, and bestowed upon him a golden seal and purple ribbon, as well as appointed the Empress's mother as the Lady of Anji County. Two years later, Lady of Anji County passed away and was laid to rest alongside the Empress's father in Wuxing. The following year, the Empress's father was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Guangde County, with a fief of five hundred households, and the posthumous title of "Wen." After Emperor Gaozu passed away, the Empress and the Palace Attendant Cai Jingli secretly discussed and quickly summoned the Crown Prince (Emperor Wen) to ascend the throne without making the Emperor's death public. This event is documented in the biographies of Cai Jingli and Hou Andu.
After Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, the Empress was elevated to the rank of Empress Dowager, and her palace was known as the Cixun Palace. Later, when Emperor Fei ascended to the throne, she was elevated to the rank of Grand Empress Dowager. In the second year of the Guangda era, she ordered the deposition of Emperor Fei, designating him as the King of Linhai, and established Gaozong as the Emperor. In the first year of the Taijian era, she was once again elevated to the rank of Empress Dowager. In the second year, in the third month, she passed away in the Hall of Purple Extremity at the age of sixty-five. Before her death, she left instructions that her funeral should be simple, and no animal sacrifices should be made. In the same year, in April, the court posthumously conferred upon her the title of "Xuan Empress Dowager," and she was buried together with Emperor Gaozu in Wan'an Mausoleum. Among the Empress's relatives, only her cousin Niu Qia attained the rank of Middle Division Officer.
The Empress of Emperor Shizu was named Shen Miaorong, and she was from Wukang, Wuxing. Her father was Shen Fashen, who served as a Middle Recorder and Army Officer during the Liang Dynasty. Shen Miaorong married Emperor Shizu during the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty when she was in her teens. When Emperor Gaozu was campaigning against Hou Jing, Emperor Shizu was in Wuxing at the time, and Hou Jing sent people to capture Emperor Shizu and Shen Miaorong. They were only spared after Hou Jing was defeated. After Emperor Gaozu ascended to the throne, in the first year of the Yongding era, Shen Miaorong was bestowed the title of Princess of Linchuan. After Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, she was made the Empress. The Emperor posthumously honored Shen Empress's father, Shen Fashen, as Grand Master of Ceremonies, bestowed upon him a gold seal and purple ribbon, appointed him as the Marquis of Jiancheng County with a fief of five hundred households, and conferred upon him the posthumous title of "Gong." He also posthumously honored Shen Empress's mother, Lady Gao, as the Lady of An County, and conferred upon her the posthumous title of "Ding." After Emperor Fei took the throne, Shen Empress was honored as the Empress Dowager, and her palace was known as the Ande Palace.
Emperor Gaozong and Prime Minister Dao Zhongju, as well as Secretary of the Secretariat Liu Shizhi, were appointed to assist in governance. Liu Shizhi and Dao Zhongju stayed in the palace every day, participating in various political affairs, while Gaozong was then the governor of Yangzhou, living with over three hundred attendants in the Ministry of State. Liu Shizhi harbored secret resentment as he saw Gaozong's power growing, so he forged an imperial edict to tell Gaozong, "Now that the world is at peace, you should return to the Eastern Palace and manage the affairs of the province well."
Gaozong was preparing to leave when the councilor Mao Xi stopped him, saying, "If you leave now, you won't stand a chance of becoming a wealthy man, just like Cao Shuang!" Gaozong then decided to feign illness, called Liu Shizhi to talk with him, and had Mao Xi go in first to tell Liu Shizhi, "Now that the emperor is still young, all political affairs are handled by the Second Prince (referring to Gaozong); this is not the emperor's intention." Mao Xi also went to meet with the deposed emperor and said, "This is what Liu Shizhi and his associates did, not my intention." Mao Xi relayed these words to Gaozong, who then ordered the arrest of Liu Shizhi. He went to meet with the deposed emperor in the palace, laid out the numerous crimes of Liu Shizhi, personally drafted a decree, requested punishment for Liu Shizhi, and handed him over to the court for trial. That night, Liu Shizhi was executed in prison. From that point on, Gaozong held all political power in the court.
Later, the empress felt increasingly anxious and couldn't come up with a solution, so she secretly bribed the eunuch Jiang Yu to seduce Jian'an man Zhang Anguo to rebel, hoping to get rid of Gaozong. Zhang Anguo's plot was uncovered, and he was also executed by Gaozong. Some of the empress's attendants knew about this, and fearing implicating others, the empress had them all killed. Gaozong later ascended the throne, and the empress was named Empress Wen. After the fall of the Chen dynasty, the realm fell under the Sui dynasty. During the reign of the Sui dynasty, the empress returned from Chang'an to Jiangnan and soon after, she passed away.
The Queen's brother, who was the uncle of Emperor Gaozong, Qinyin, accompanied Emperor Gaozu in battle. Because of his military accomplishments, he was promoted to the rank of General Zhenwei and Governor of Anzhou. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Qinyin inherited the title of Marquis of Jiancheng and was subsequently appointed as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, Commander-in-Chief overseeing military affairs in nine counties, including Kuaiji, General Mingwei, Prefect of Kuaiji, and later served in the court as an Attendant, General of the Left Guard, and Minister of the Guards. During the Guangda period of the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as Right Supervisor of the Ministry of Writing, and soon after was promoted to Left Supervisor. Qinyin was not particularly talented and was known for being reserved. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, Qinyin was assigned as General Yunhui and Prefect of Yixing, with a rank equivalent to 2,000 bushels. He died in the first year of the Taijian era at the age of 67, posthumously honored as an Attendant, Specially Advanced, and General of the Left Protecting Army, and received the posthumous title of Cheng. His son Guan inherited his title, was very knowledgeable, and rose to the position of Deputy Imperial Secretary.
The Empress of the Deposed Emperor was the daughter of Gu Shi, a Golden Purple Gentleman. In the first year of the Tianjia era, she was made the Crown Princess, and after the Deposed Emperor ascended the throne, she became the Empress. Later, when the Deposed Emperor was made King of Linhai, she became the Queen of Linhai. She died during the Zhide era.
She gave birth to Zhi Ze, the Crown Prince of Linhai. Zhi Ze was officially declared Crown Prince in the first year of Guangda. In the first year of Taijian, he inherited the title of Crown Prince of Linhai. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed General Xuanhui and assigned a historian. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, they moved to Chang'an.
Empress Liu Jingyan, the consort of Emperor Gaozong, was from Jie County in Hedong. Her great-grandfather Shilong served as the Minister of the Interior, Minister of Works, and Grand Secretary in the Qi dynasty, and was granted the title Duke of Loyal Military. Her grandfather Yun was well-known in the Liang dynasty, rising to the position of Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat and was posthumously honored as Minister of the Interior and Central Protector General. Her father Yan married Princess Changcheng, the daughter of Emperor Wu of Liang, and was appointed as the Commandant of the Imperial Guards. During the reign of Emperor Daobao of Liang, he served as the Administrator of Poyang and died in office. Empress Liu was capable of managing household affairs at the age of nine, demonstrating remarkable maturity for her age. During the turmoil of the Hou Jing Rebellion, she and her brother sought refuge in Jiangling, where they were welcomed by Emperor Yuan of Liang. Due to their connection with Princess Changcheng, Emperor Yuan treated them with great favor. Later, Emperor Gaozong arrived in Jiangling, and Emperor Yuan married Empress Liu to him. In the second year of the Chengsheng era, Empress Liu gave birth to the future Emperor Zhongzong in Jiangling. The following year, Jiangling fell, and Emperor Gaozong relocated to Guanzhong, while Empress Liu and Emperor Zhongzong remained in Rangcheng. In the second year of Tianjia, they returned to the court, and Empress Liu became Princess Ancheng. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he declared her Empress.
The empress was very beautiful, standing seven feet two inches tall, with her hands reaching past her knees. When Emperor Gaozong was young and living in the countryside, he first married a woman from the Qian family in Wuxing, and after ascending to the throne, he named her his noble consort, greatly favoring her. The empress was fully aware of this and respected it, knowing that the finest rewards from the palace were bestowed upon the noble consort, while she herself received lesser ones. After Emperor Gaozong passed away, Prince Shuling of Xinxing rebelled, and it was thanks to the empress and Lady Wu of Lean that the later emperor was saved from danger, as recorded in the "Biography of Shuling." After the later emperor ascended to the throne, he honored the empress as the empress dowager, and her palace was called Hongfan Palace (弘范宫). At that time, the country had just lost the Huainan region, Sui Dynasty troops were encroaching, and with the period of national mourning, the later emperor fell ill and could not handle state affairs. Although the orders were given by the later emperor, in reality, it was the empress dowager who made the decisions on the execution of Prince Shuling, funeral arrangements, defense of the borders, and other court matters. After the later emperor recovered, he returned state affairs to her. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, they moved to Chang'an, and in the eleventh year of Daye, the empress dowager died in the Eastern Capital at the age of eighty-three and was laid to rest at Mount Mang in Luoyang.
She was humble and cautious, never taking advantage of family connections, and even her daily life did not receive any special treatment. Her brother, Pan, married Princess Fuyang, daughter of Emperor Shizu, during the Taijian period and was appointed as the Duke of Cavalry. After the later emperor ascended to the throne, because he was the emperor's uncle, he was further appointed as the Cavalier Attendant. Pan was foolish and reckless, addicted to alcohol, often riding drunk into the palace gates, which led to his impeachment by the authorities, resulting in his dismissal and eventual death at home. He was posthumously granted the titles of Palace Attendant and Guard General.
He came from Zudi Village, was elegant and alert, and very knowledgeable. At the end of the Taijian period, he served as the stable steward, in charge of managing the documents and archives of the Eastern Palace. After the emperor ascended the throne, he gradually rose in rank to become a cavalier attendant and Captain of the Guards. In the first year of Zhenming, he was promoted to General of the Right Guard, while also serving as a Gentleman-in-Waiting in the Palace Library, and appointed as the Grand Inspector of Yongzhou. Since the death of Pan, only Zhuang had the closest relationship with the empress dowager among her family, and Zhuang himself had a high reputation, so he enjoyed the empress dowager's deep favor. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of Finance. After the Chen dynasty was destroyed, he defected to the Sui dynasty and served as the Sima of Qizhou.
Empress Dowager Shen, known as Wuhua, was the daughter of the Marquis of Wanci Zhenxianhou Junli, who held the title of Yitong Sanqi. Her mother was Princess Mu of Kuaiji, the daughter of the founding emperor. Princess Mu died early, and at that time the empress dowager was still young, but her grief caused her to become extremely thin. After the mourning period was over, every New Year and on the first and fifteenth days of each month, she would sit alone and weep, her sorrow moving everyone, and she was greatly respected both inside and outside the palace. In the third year of Taijian, she was named the prince's consort. After the emperor ascended the throne, she was named empress.
The empress was dignified and quiet, with few personal desires, sharp and intelligent, possessing exceptional memory, well-versed in history, and skilled in calligraphy. When the empress's father passed away while the emperor was still in the Eastern Palace, the empress mourned deeply, exceeding the customary mourning period. The emperor had always been indifferent toward the empress, and Zhang Guifei, who enjoyed the emperor's deep favor, held all the power in the palace. Despite this, the empress remained calm as still water, never displaying jealousy or resentment. She led a frugal life, never donning extravagant garments, and had only a little over a hundred attendants. She spent her time reading historical books and reciting Buddhist scriptures. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, she accompanied the emperor to Chang'an. After his death, she personally composed eulogies for him, expressing deep sorrow. Whenever Emperor Yang of Sui embarked on his tours, she accompanied him. After Emperor Yang of Sui was killed by Yuwen Huaji, the empress returned to her hometown of Guangling, after which she vanished without a trace.
The empress did not have any children of her own, but she adopted the son of Sun Ji and raised him as her own. Her family included many prominent officials, as detailed in Jun Li's biography.
My great-uncle, the former Jun Gong, had been staying in Jiangling since the failure of Emperor Yuan of Liang. During the Zhenming era, he, along with Xiao Huang and Xiao Yan, led troops in rebellion against the Sui and surrendered to the Chen Dynasty. The Chen empress later appointed him as the Prince's Advisor. My great-uncle was exceptionally knowledgeable and talented, had excellent eloquence, and was skilled in debate, earning great esteem from the Chen empress. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Sui ordered his execution in Jiankang due to his earlier rebellion against the emperor.
The Empress, named Li Hua, came from a military family. Her family was very poor; her father and brother made a living by weaving mats. When Emperor Chen was still a prince, she was selected to enter the palace. At that time, Gong Guifei was a favored concubine, and Li Hua was only ten years old, serving as a maid to Gong Guifei. Emperor Chen was immediately taken with her and favored her. Later, she became pregnant and gave birth to the crown prince, Shen. After Emperor Chen ascended the throne, he honored her with the title of Empress. She was intelligent and clever, deeply favored by the emperor. Emperor Chen often took Empress Li Hua and guests to play and feast together, and she would also recommend some palace maids to join in. The other concubines were grateful to her and praised her, so Empress Li Hua was highly favored in the palace. She had a fascination with supernatural spells and used tales of ghosts and gods to enchant the emperor, conducting lewd rituals in the palace and gathering demons and ghosts to dance and perform rituals. She also inquired about external affairs and knew about any movements in the world, informing the emperor beforehand. Therefore, the emperor paid more and more attention to her, and many of her family members were highly regarded. When the Sui army breached the city, Empress Li Hua and the emperor hid in a well together. After being rescued by the Sui army, Prince Jin Yang Guang ordered Empress Li Hua to be beheaded, and her body was hung on the bridge of Qingxi River.
Historical records state that Duke Zheng of Zhengguo, Wei Zheng, reviewed historical materials and interviewed old ministers, saying: When Emperor Chen had just ascended the throne, he was alarmed by the rebellion of Prince Ling and was lying in the Chengxiang Pavilion to recuperate. At that time, the concubines in the palace were not permitted to attend to him; only Empress Li Hua was by his side to take care of him. Empress Dowager Liu still lived in the Bailiang Palace, which was the main palace of the empress. The original empress, Empress Shen, had fallen out of favor and was not permitted to attend to the emperor's illness, so she was arranged to live in the Qiuxian Palace.
In the second year of Zhide, Emperor Chen built the Linchun Pavilion, Jieqi Pavilion, and Wangxian Pavilion before the Guangzhao Hall. These three pavilions soared to the heavens, boasting dozens of rooms. The windows, walls, door frames, railings, and so on were all made of sandalwood, adorned with gold, jade, and precious jewels, with pearl curtains hanging outside and precious beds, canopies, and various luxurious furnishings inside, unlike anything ever seen. A gentle breeze could carry the fragrance for miles, and the morning sun would illuminate the entire palace. Fake mountains, ponds, exotic flowers, and trees were built below the pavilions, creating a breathtaking scene.
Emperor Chen resided in the Linchun Pavilion, while Zhang Guifei lived in the Jieqi Pavilion, and Gong Guifei and Kong Guifei occupied the Wangxian Pavilion. Covered walkways linked the pavilions, allowing for easy movement. Wang Meiren, Li Meiren, Zhang Shuyuan, Xue Shuyuan, Yuan Zhaoyi, He Jieyu, and Jiang Xiurong were also favored and enjoyed taking turns in the pavilions. Emperor Chen also selected some cultured palace maids, such as Yuan Dashe, who was appointed as a lady scholar. He often invited guests to enjoy leisure and banquets with the concubines, where noblewomen, lady scholars, and literati composed and exchanged poems, selecting the most exquisite verses to set to music, accompanied by new melodies. Beautiful palace maids were chosen to learn and perform, taking turns for entertainment.
These songs, such as "The Backyard Flower of Yushu" and "Music of Spring," mainly praise the beautiful appearance of Zhang Guifei and Kong Guifei. The general meaning is: "The moon is full every night, and the jade tree blossoms anew every day." Zhang Guifei's hair is seven feet long, jet black and glossy, shining brightly. She is intelligent, spirited, elegant in demeanor, and beautiful in appearance. Her every frown and smile are radiant, captivating. She often dresses up beautifully in the attic, stands in front of the window, and the palace residents gaze at her from a distance, feeling like she is a fairy. She is quick-witted and possesses an extraordinary memory, and is good at observing words and expressions.
At that time, Emperor Chen paid little attention to state affairs, and all official reports had to be presented by eunuchs Cai Tuo'er and Li Shandu. Emperor Chen often held Zhang Guifei on his lap to discuss state affairs together. The things that Li and Cai couldn't remember, Guifei could organize into clear memorials with no details overlooked. Therefore, Emperor Chen loved her even more, allowing her to become the favored one in the harem. If the concubines did not follow the rules, if they sought Guifei's assistance, Guifei would have Li and Cai report to Emperor Chen first, and then slowly explain for them. If the ministers did not obey, she would also create discord, and Emperor Chen would follow her advice.
As a result, the influence of Zhang Guifei and Kong Guifei grew increasingly powerful, and the court officials also flocked to them. The eunuchs and villains colluded inside and outside, recommended each other, bribery ran rampant, rewards and punishments were unclear, and the political landscape fell into disarray.
Historical texts record: The Book of Songs displays the virtues of love in the "Ospreys" section, and the Book of Changes explains the fundamental principles of "Heaven and Earth." However, marital relationships—now that's a significant matter in human relations! If we talk about being able to emulate the laws of nature and aid in ruling the realm for the royal family, then Empress Xuan achieved this; she is truly remarkable!
Empress Dowager Xuan, born Mi Shi, a native of the State of Chu, was the sister of Wei Ran and the wife of King Zhao. After King Zhao's death, his son King Dao took the throne while still a child, and Empress Dowager Xuan held power over the court for twenty-six years. Her brother Wei Ran was granted the title of Marquis of Rang, wielding significant power in the court, feared by all. When King Zhao of Qin sought to attack Wei, Wei Ran suggested a counterattack, which Empress Dowager Xuan approved. After the Qin army suffered a major defeat, Wei Ran became fearful and requested Empress Dowager Xuan to cease hostilities, to which she complied.
After King Dao died, his son King Xiao took the throne while still a child, and Empress Dowager Xuan's authority grew, as she ruled the court independently, with all vassal lords paying her homage. Empress Dowager Xuan favored King Zhuang Xiang, who was then held as a hostage in Qin. She summoned him back and proclaimed him as the King of Qin. After King Zhuang Xiang's death, his son Zheng succeeded him, who later became known as Qin Shi Huang.
Empress Dowager Xuan maneuvered through turbulent times, supporting three kings despite being a woman in a turbulent era, ruling the court for twenty-six years and commanding respect from all vassal lords. Her intelligence, courage, and foresight allowed her to achieve this great feat. However, her absolute control of the court had its drawbacks as well, and future generations would evaluate her legacy, both its triumphs and its shortcomings.
Empress Dowager Xuan lived in turbulent times. As a frail woman, she was able to serve three emperors, exercise power for twenty-six years, and command respect from the vassals. This is no small feat! Possessing both wisdom and courage, with remarkable vision, she accomplished such great achievements. However, her concentration of power had its downsides. As for her achievements and shortcomings, let history be the judge!
