It is said that ancient people emphasized the harmony of yin and yang, and the relationship between husband and wife is as vital as everything in the universe. The I Ching states: "There must be heaven and earth before there are all things, there must be all things before there are men and women, there must be men and women before there are husband and wife." This husband-wife relationship is really significant! During the Zhou Dynasty, the emperor had to establish an empress, as well as concubines in the six palaces, which included many—three consorts, nine concubines, twenty-seven first-rank wives, and eighty-one imperial concubines—all for the governance of the country and the maintenance of harmony. The Book of Rites also states that the emperor and empress are like the sun and moon, complementary to each other; neither can be absent. Continuing the titles from the Qin Dynasty, the emperor's mother in the Han Dynasty was called Empress Dowager, and his wife was called Empress, along with titles such as beauties, virtuous women, and sons and daughters of different ranks. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the ranks of consorts and concubines expanded significantly, up to fourteen levels. In the Wei and Jin periods, the title of Empress Dowager continued to be used from the Han Dynasty, while the ranks of other consorts and concubines fluctuated.
Our founding emperor rectified the chaos and knew well the harm of extravagance and waste. He himself wore coarse cloth and ate simple meals, living very frugally. The empress of the founding emperor passed away early, and he did not take another empress afterwards, so records of the palace concubines are quite brief.
The father of the founding emperor, Empress Xian Zhang, named Zhang Shangrou, was from Fangcheng in Fanyang. Her grandfather, Zhang Cihui, served as the Governor of Puyang during the Song Dynasty. Her mother, Lady Xiao, was Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty's aunt. During Emperor Wen's reign in the Yuanjia era, Zhang Shangrou became a concubine of Emperor Wen and gave birth to Prince Xuanwu of Changsha Liu Yi and Prince Zhaowu of Yongyang Liu Fu, and later had our founding emperor Liu Yu.
It is said that Zhang Shangrou once saw calamus blooming in the courtyard, the flowers exceptionally vibrant and unlike any others in the world. Startled, she asked her maid, "Did you see them?" The maid replied that she hadn't. Zhang Shangrou then heard that those who saw such flowers would become wealthy, so she quickly picked one and ate it whole. That very month, she gave birth to Emperor Gaozu. On the night of Emperor Gaozu's birth, Zhang Shangrou saw figures dressed in official robes standing in formation in the courtyard. Later, she also gave birth to Liu Chang, Prince Xuan of Hengyang, and Liu Lingyi, Princess of Yixing. In the seventh year of Emperor Xiaowu's Taishi reign during the Song Dynasty, Zhang Shangrou passed away in Moling County, where she was buried in the Dongcheng mountains of Wujin County. In the first year of Tianjian, in the fifth month, she was posthumously granted the title of Empress Xian.
Mu Zhi, whose courtesy name was Sijing, was the sixth-generation descendant of Huaxin, who served as the Minister of Works during the Jin Dynasty. His great-grandfather was implicated in Huaxin's death, and the entire family relocated to Xinggu, but was summoned back before reaching their destination. Later, he crossed the Yangtze River and became an advisor to the Prime Minister, also serving as an official serving the Crown Prince. Mu Zhi was elegant and knowledgeable from a young age. During the Song Yuanjia period, he became an Assistant Cavalry Officer in the Ministry of Personnel. He maintained a close relationship with Jiang Zhan, the Minister of Personnel, and Yuan Shu, the Left Commander of the Crown Prince. Yuan Shu recommended him to Prince Jing of Shixing, who held him in high regard. Sensing potential danger, Mu Zhi requested a transfer from Jiang Zhan to evade trouble. Jiang Zhan initially wanted him to serve as an official in the eastern region, but he insisted on being assigned to a remote area. Eventually, he was appointed as General Ningyuan and Governor of Jiaozhi. He made significant political contributions during his tenure. When the Governor of Jiaozhi passed away, chaos broke out, and Mu Zhi calmed the people with his reputation and compassion, swiftly restoring order in the region. Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty was pleased to learn of this and intended to appoint him as the Governor of Jiaozhou, but he fell ill and passed away before that could happen. His son Hongji, styled Zhenyi, served as a military officer during the early years of the Qi Dynasty, where he died in office. After Gaozu ascended the throne, he posthumously honored Mu Zhi with the title of Grand Master of Splendor and awarded him a golden seal. An edict was issued declaring: "My late uncle, who served as the Military Officer of the Western Garrison of Qi, was renowned for his elegance and talent. Although he passed away at a young age, his brilliance was buried. Having endured much hardship in my youth, I hold deep feelings for him. Although I cannot personally construct his tomb or provide a lavish funeral procession, I am deeply saddened by his premature death. I hereby posthumously appoint him as Minister of Justice." Since Hongji had no sons, his cousin Hongce adopted his third son to be his heir, as noted in other historical accounts. The Empress of Gaozu, Lady Xi, named Hui, was from Jinxiang, Gaoping. Her grandfather, Xi Shao, served as the National Sacrificial Officer and was also the teacher of the Prince of Donghai. Her father, Xi Ye, served as an official in charge of the Crown Prince and passed away early.
At first, when the Empress's mother, Princess Xunyang, was pregnant, she dreamed she would give birth to a noble child. On the day the Empress was born, there was a red light shining indoors, and everything in the house looked exceptionally bright, which the family found quite strange. The fortune-teller remarked that this girl was more radiant than others and might encounter some obstacles in the future, so a purification ceremony was performed for her by the water. The Empress was intelligent and clever from a young age, excelling in clerical script and reading many history books. She was also skilled in traditional women's crafts like embroidery. The deposed emperor of the Song dynasty sought to marry her as Empress; in the early days of the Qi dynasty, Prince Liu Mian of Anlu also wanted to marry her, but the Xi family declined due to health reasons, so it did not happen. During the Jianyuan period, the founder eventually married her, making her Empress. She gave birth to Princess Yuyao of Yongxing, Princess Yuwan of Yongshi, and Princess Yuhuan of Yongkang. In 49 AD, the founder was appointed Inspector of Yongzhou, first taking up his post before bringing the Empress to join him. Shortly after, in August 69 AD, he passed away at his official residence in Xiangyang, at the age of only thirty-two. That same year, he was buried in the eastern part of Wujin County, Donghai Prefecture, south of Nanxuzhou. In 50 AD, the Qi dynasty posthumously honored him as Prince of Xiangguo, granted him ten counties, and posthumously honored his wife as Duchess of Liang. After the founder ascended the throne, she was posthumously honored as Empress. The court sought to bestow a posthumous title upon the Empress, and Minister of Personnel, also Right Deputy Chancellor, Chen Yue suggested: "The posthumous title is meant to be remembered for generations, to show her immortal merits. The late Empress fulfilled the auspicious signs, with virtues as vast and profound as the earth, gentle and kind, enlightening the world. Her union with the Emperor was as great as the creation of humans by Nüwa, but sadly, she passed away young and never got to witness the prosperous era. We should emulate her virtues and hold a solemn ceremony. According to the 'Rites of Posthumous Titles', loyalty and obedience, purity and goodness are called 'virtue', while noble and courteous are also called 'virtue'. Therefore, she should be honored with the title 'Empress De'." The Emperor agreed to this suggestion. Her tomb is known as Xiuling.
The Empress's father was named Ye, and the Emperor posthumously honored him as Grand Minister of the Golden Purple Light. He married Princess Xunyang, daughter of Emperor Wen of the Song dynasty. In the early days of the Qi Dynasty, his title was demoted to County Lord of Songzi. His son was named Fan, and he served as a military officer serving the Prince of Linchuan in the Central Army.
Empress Taizong, whose surname was Wang, was named Lingbin. She was from Linyi, Langya County. Her grandfather, Wang Jian, served as Grand Commandant and was posthumously honored as Wenxian Duke of Nanchang.
The Empress was gentle and kindhearted from a young age, with a noble disposition. Her uncle Wang Jian remarked upon seeing her, "Our family has produced a female teacher!" In 511 AD, she was appointed Princess of Jin'an. She bore the Crown Prince Xiao Daqi, Prince Xiao Dalian of Nanjun, and Princess Xiao Mia of Changshan. In October of 523 AD, she was made Empress Consort. In March of 526 AD, she passed away in Yongfu Province at the age of 45. That same year, Taizong ascended the throne and posthumously honored her with the title Empress Jian. In September of 527 AD, she was buried in Zhuangling. Before her burial, the Emperor decreed, "The date for Empress Jian's burial has been set. The Ba Ling of the Western Capital was built according to the mountains, while the Shou Ling of the Eastern Han dynasty was built according to the water. At this difficult time for the country, with poor harvests and suffering people, I wish to set an example of frugality. The construction of Zhuangling must strive for simplicity." The Emperor also ordered Grand Minister of the Golden Purple Light Xiao Zifan to compose the funeral oration.
His father, whose courtesy name is Siji and birth name was Xuancheng, had a character in common with the name of Emperor Qi Gaodi, so he changed his name. He initially relied on his relationship with the royal family to become an official of low rank, then rose to be the prince's horse steward, inherited the title of Duke of Nanchang County, and was later sent to Yixing as the prefect. He later returned to the court as a Cavalry Advisor and gradually rose through the ranks to become a Yellow Gate Attendant and the Right Chief Historian. He had a calm personality and was not one to ingratiate himself with others. Once, he calmly remarked to his sons, "Our family is a prestigious one; as long as we move forward steadily with the current, there is no need to pursue anything deliberately." Near the end of the Yongyuan era, the court promoted him to attendant, but he turned it down. After Emperor Gaozu established the power, he was invited to serve as the Grand Marshal's consultant, then later promoted to attendant and concurrently appointed as the Colonel of the Yue Cavalry.
After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, a decree proclaimed, "The Tianjian lineage's enduring sacrifices have continued since the Zhou dynasty; Le Yi was granted land and shone in the Hong Han era. The former Grand Marshal and Duke of Nanchang, who exemplified virtue and followed the Way, laid the foundations for the rise of Qi, providing wise counsel and support according to ancient traditions. Although Zifang was renowned as a teacher of emperors, Wenruo's achievements rival those of the King's advisors; he stands unmatched. We have inherited the legacy and received the imperial mandate, with a multitude of treasures and rituals for ascension and descent. We revere the past and honor the illustrious ancestors, not seeking glory for ourselves, but upholding righteousness and nurturing the next generation. Let the Duke of Nanchang be ennobled as a marquis, with a fief consisting of a thousand households." His father inherited the marquisate, later rising to be the Minister of Finance. In the fourth year of the Tianjian era, he was sent to Dongyang as the prefect, then shortly thereafter transferred to Wu County. Eight years later, he returned to the court as the Minister of the Imperial Household Affairs, while also serving as Rear General, and later promoted to Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. In the eleventh year, he was appointed as the Palace Secretariat Prefect and also received the title of Junior Cavalry Attendant.
At that time, Gaozu built a large Temple of Great Love and Respect on Zhongshan. His father's former land was next to the temple, with over 80 acres of fertile land that was granted by Wang Dao, the Prime Minister of the Jin Dynasty. Gaozu sent someone to deliver an imperial edict to him, wanting to buy the land to donate to the temple. His father replied, "I will not sell this land; if the emperor insists on taking it, I will have nothing to say." The answer was relatively brief and not respectful enough. Gaozu became angry, had the land appraised and forcibly purchased it. Because of this offense to the emperor, he was reassigned to Wu Xing as governor. He fell ill in the county and was unable to manage affairs. Later, the court summoned him back, appointed him as the Minister of Revenue, and appointed him to the Censorate, as well as the Colonel of Archery. After his mother passed away, he resigned from his official position to mourn at home.
In the third year of the reign of Emperor Wen of Liang, his father passed away at the age of forty-nine. The court posthumously granted him the titles of Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and posthumously honored him with the title An. His son Rui inherited his title, with further details recorded in biographies.
It is said that Liang Wu Di's concubine Ding Guipi, named Lingguang, was from Qiao State, whose family had lived in Xiangyang for generations. She was born in Fancheng and was extraordinary from the moment she was born, as her house was filled with purple smoke, hence the name "Guang." A fortune teller declared at that time, "This girl will be wealthy and noble in the future!" Later, when Xiao Yan, the Emperor Wen of Liang, became a provincial governor, someone recommended Ding Lingguang to him. At that time, Ding Lingguang was only fourteen years old, and Xiao Yan took her as his concubine. She had a red birthmark on her left arm when she was young, which resisted all attempts at treatment, but curiously, as she grew older, the birthmark gradually disappeared.
Ding Guifei was deeply respectful and attentive when serving Empress De, the queen of Xiao Yan. One time, she was standing beside the Buddha altar and felt a strange sensation, as if she were in the presence of a deity. When Xiao Yan took up arms, Prince Zhaoming had only just been born, so Ding Guifei and the prince stayed in the provincial capital. They only returned to Jiankang after the capital was pacified. In May of the first year of Tianjian, the court intended to elevate her to the rank of noblewoman, but before the decree was issued, she was promoted to Guifei in August, ranking above the other three concubines and residing in Xianyang Palace. After Prince Zhaoming was established as the crown prince, someone submitted a memorial saying: In ancient times, etiquette was important, and the principle of "the mother is honored through the son" is documented in ancient texts, including the Spring and Autumn Annals. Now that the crown prince is of noble status, everyone in the realm must show him due respect, and since respect is due to the crown prince, his mother should also be respected. However, the emperor's concubines are different from common people, and there are no formal protocols for showing respect to them. However, our crown prince is both wise and valiant, destined to be the future emperor, so the principle of "the mother is honored through the son" is exemplified in him. In the past, the princes and princesses could communicate and greet each other, and the concubines in the harem, despite being of equal status to Guifei, must show her respect in accordance with the etiquette due to the crown prince. In the past during the Song Yuanjia period, officials from Xixing and Wuling countries employed official etiquette to pay respects to Emperor Jing's birth mother, Pan Shufei, and Lu Shuyuan. Although this Guifei does not hold the title of "junior empress" in the palace, the principle is akin to how officials paid respects to the emperor's birth mother during the Taoyu period of the Song Dynasty. Therefore, the eunuchs in the palace should behave like officials and present invitations to Guifei at the Shenhuo Gate, and they should do likewise during festivals and holidays.
Of course, women typically do not involve themselves in political affairs. If you want to congratulate or greet a noble concubine, you should inform the officials. In marriage, women should not be too assertive. To show respect to one's mother, one must provide her with the best. How can a son prosper without taking care of his mother? According to the records in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," wives conferred by the king hold the same status as their sons. Although the situation in the vassal states is different from that of the crown prince, the principle of respect remains unchanged. The customs of the previous dynasty are well-documented in historical texts.
The noble concubine has borne the future heir and has made great contributions to the country, so she enjoys the same etiquette as the crown prince. This is all based on precedent. When the noble concubine position was first created, her status was second only to that of the empress, with little emphasis on her title. Secondly, her status was equivalent to that of a prime minister, with a title equal to that of a vassal king. The noble concubine's etiquette is already quite elevated; moreover, she is the mother of the future crown princess, so her position is extraordinary. Furthermore, the crown princess is the noble concubine's daughter-in-law, so it is only right to respect the mother-in-law. If the daughter-in-law were to overshadow the mother-in-law, it would lead to chaos. Therefore, the etiquette of the noble concubine should be the same as that of the crown prince.
Finally, the etiquette of the noble concubine is the same as that of the crown prince, and everyone must respectfully address her as "your grace."
The noble concubine is known for her kindness and compassion, and she is humble in her dealings with others in the palace, so everyone holds her in high regard. She prefers simplicity over lavish decorations, and her clothing and belongings are very simple. She never seeks personal gain for her relatives and friends. Later, the founding emperor promoted Buddhism, and the noble concubine devoutly believed in it, renouncing worldly pleasures and following a vegetarian diet for an extended period. On the day she took her vows, sweet dew fell before the palace, covering an area of one zhang and five chi. She grasped the principles of the Buddhist scriptures promoted by the founding emperor, particularly excelling in the "Sutra of the Pure Name." She used the rewards she received to fund Buddhist practices.
On the ordinary day of the eleventh month in the seventh year, the noble consort passed away at the age of forty-two and was laid to rest in the Linyun Hall of the Eastern Palace. The Emperor ordered Zhang Zuan, an official from the Ministry of Personnel, to compose a eulogy, which read as follows:
The funeral procession has set out, the wine cups are empty, the dragon-patterned drapery has been arranged, and the ivory garments are set to be donned. The Emperor mourns the everlasting void of the Bitai Terrace, laments that he will never tread upon Zengcheng again, halts the folk songs and Yan music, and abolishes the music in the sacrificial rites. In the Book of Songs, there exists the poem "Cai Fan," spreading its teachings throughout the southern states, thereby commanding the historians to praise the virtues of the noble consort.
The essence of Xuan Wei, the brilliance of Jianghan; returning to the sleeves of the lord, born from this brilliance apart. Born from the beginning, at the time of nurturing; the central energy envelops the surroundings, the divine light shines on the house. It reaches the waiting years, containing chapters early and solemn; the sound resonates harmoniously in the sunlight, the reputation spreads in the central valley. The virtue of the dragon is in the field, reverently offering this sacrifice; the yin transformation comes to an end, the royal wind begins. In respectful consultation, speaking out and consulting the historians; suitable for the family, punishments in accordance with the national records. Embracing this fate, following the heart of this house; Di embellishes the collection of jade, the jade pendants chime with elegance. Reflecting by day and pondering under the full moon; why not be vigilant, as the sky shines high above. The dark red should not be repaired, the early chapters are incomplete; who can truly create, the fragrant jade has a strong presence. The pure spirit is upright and clear, the purple palace shines brightly; reaching the bottom without harm, thinking of the virtuous without obscuring. Personally frugal means being thrifty, making things clear and pious; gold and jade are not for show, the baskets and boxes are kept. Auspicious flow of virtue and culture, celebrating the virtues on display; Zhen Chang's outstanding talents are revealed, pregnant with the spirit of Lu Tao and Yan. Discussing women's education, the bright chapters and threshold mats; the mysterious pond is sealed early, the Xiang and Yuan rivers are already deep. Displaying clothes with elegance, the red canopy covers the traces of sleep; admiring the ancestral temple's structure, deeply lamenting the flourishing of the distant and the distant. Alas, what a sorrow!
(Translation: You are the chosen one by the heavens, a distinguished figure in the Jianghan region; under the emperor's protection, born in this bright and glorious era. Since your birth, you have been blessed by divine favor; with thunder and lightning surrounding the palace, divine light shining on the buildings. You have been dignified and quiet since childhood, with a noble character; your reputation spreads far and wide, your praise echoes in the valleys. You embody noble qualities akin to a dragon, and we respectfully hold ceremonies; the influence of ill deeds has come to an end, a new royal style is about to begin. You are dignified in behavior, cautious in speech; you lead by example, guiding those in the palace. You have accepted this mission, and from then on, you found peace in the inner quarters; adorned with exquisite jade ornaments, behaving elegantly. You reflect on your duties by day, contemplate your faults at night; you are humble and cautious, and the heavens also bless you. Although you passed away at a young age, your virtues will be remembered for generations; whoever can achieve such greatness, your merits will be forever remembered. Your pure soul radiates, lighting up the Forbidden City; your kindness and virtue will be eternal. You live a simple life, devout in your actions; never donning gold or precious jewels. Your virtues touch everyone around you, blessing relatives and friends; your merits will be forever remembered, your virtues will be forever passed down. You are a model of female virtue, managing the palace with skill; your untimely passing brings deep sorrow. You shed your luxurious clothes, living a simple life; your nostalgia for the palace will linger on. Oh, how tragic this is! The turtle predicts good fortune, ancestors migrate, officials line up, one after another inheriting the achievements of their predecessors. Spring is shrouded in gloom, dark and gloomy; the wind is bleak and desolate, filled with melancholy. Leaving the imperial palace, reluctant to depart, decorating the new palace, waiting for a long time. Oh, how tragic this is!)
The crimson flag fluttering high, the magnificent procession; the precious treasures dim and lifeless, the sounds of sorrow and joy striking the heart. The remnants of her life linger in the palace, with the heavy palace gates tightly closed, seeming especially desolate. Although the scent of pepper and orchids remains warm as ever, the Orchid Palace is dim and cold, devoid of vitality. Alas, how sorrowful!
In the depths of the palace, noble and virtuous, her virtues are recorded in history; her achievements rival those of Yu Shun and Tang Yao. She is gentle and beautiful, as elegant as a barefoot fairy; her grace knows no bounds, day or night. Alas, how sorrowful!
The officials presented her with the posthumous title of "Mu." After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, she was bestowed posthumous honors as Empress Mu.
Empress Mu's father, Zhong Qian, served as the Inspector of Yanzhou during the Tianjian period of the Southern Liang Dynasty.
Empress Mu's mother, Ruan Xiurong, also known as Lingyin, originally surnamed Shi, was from Yuhao in Kuaiji. She was initially taken as a concubine by Prince Yaoguang of Qi. After Yaoguang's defeat, she entered the palace of the Eastern Hunhou. After the fall of Jiankang, Emperor Xiaoyan took her in as a palace maid. In the seventh year of Tianjian, she gave birth to Emperor Xiaogang. She was later bestowed the title of Xiurong and often accompanied Emperor Xiaoyan on his tours.
In the sixth year of Datong, in June, she passed away in her chambers in Jiangzhou, at the age of sixty-seven. In the same year, in November, she was laid to rest on Tongwang Mountain in Jiangning County. She was posthumously conferred the title of "Xuan." After Emperor Xiaogang ascended the throne, officials presented a memorial, posthumously honoring her as Empress Wenxuan.
In the second year of Chengsheng, her father, who was posthumously honored as the Grand Marshal of the Lingbao Scattered Cavalry and Left Guard General of the Qi Dynasty, was granted the title of Marquis of Wukang County, with a fief of five hundred households; her mother, Lady Chen, posthumously honored as the Lady of Wukang County.
Emperor Shizong's Xu Consort, named Zhaopei, was from Tan County in Donghai Province. Her grandfather Xiaosi held the title of Grand Commandant and was granted the title of Marquis Wen of Zhijiang; her father Gun held the title of Palace Attendant and General of Loyal Valor. In the fifth month of the sixteenth year of Tianjian, she was bestowed the title of Princess of Xiangdong. She gave birth to Crown Prince Xiao Fangdeng and Princess Xiaohanzhen. In the third year of Taiqing, she was executed and was buried at Waguansi Temple in Jiangling.
Historians say that the virtues of the Empress Mother praise the wisdom of the Emperor, and her influence reaches far and wide, perhaps drawn from the principles in the poems "Ge Tan" and "Guan Ju." As for Consort Mu, her good character was evident early on; she bore outstanding princes, and her virtues inspired others in the palace, which is truly commendable! The Xu Consort of Emperor Shizong acted improperly and ultimately faced her downfall, which was well deserved!
Consort Mu was truly a good person; her children were all exceptional. In the palace, her virtues influenced everyone, making her a true role model. Consider the Xu Consort of Emperor Shizong; she did wrong and ultimately faced a tragic fate—she got what she deserved! Historians conclude that the actions of the Empress Mother, as described in "Ge Tan" and "Guan Ju," exemplify virtue, and her contributions to the country are significant.
