Yan Guifei (Ming Shizong)

Honorific Consort Rong'an Huishun Duanxi of the Imperial Clan, Yan Shi, born in 1516, a native of Qinzhou, Shanxi. Her father, Yan Ji, was a deputy commander of the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard), and her mother was Lady Jia. She was born on the 21st day of the seventh month in the 11th year of the Zhengde Emperor's reign (August 18, 1516). Her mother was Lady Jia. She entered the palace in November of the 9th year of the Jiajing Emperor's reign (1530), having been selected through a beauty contest, and was subsequently awarded the title of Lì Pin (Beautiful Consort) in March of the 10th year (1531). In August of the 12th year (1533), Yan Shi gave birth to the emperor's eldest son, Zhu Zaji, who was later posthumously honored as the Aichong Crown Prince. In the first month of the 13th year of Jiajing (1534), Empress Zhang was deposed, and Yan Shi was promoted to Lì Fei (Beautiful Consort). In September of the 15th year (1536), she was elevated to Guifei (Noble Consort). Subsequently, Yan Guifei was gradually promoted to Huang Guifei (Imperial Noble Consort), received further titles among the consorts and concubines, and was collectively honored with other consorts in the autumn of the 18th year of Jiajing (1539). During this ceremony, Yan Shi was bestowed the titles of Lì Pin and Guifei. On January 2, 1540, Guifei Yan passed away at the age of twenty-five. Emperor Jiajing posthumously honored her as "Rongan Huishun Duanxi Huang Guifei" (Honorable Consort Rong'an Huishun Duanxi), with posthumous titles highlighting her status and influence in the palace. Within her family, her father Yan Ji was granted the position of Zheng Qianhu (Chief Officer) of the Jinyiwei in the ninth year of Jiajing. Her son, Yan Hong, requested to succeed his father's military command, which was approved. After her death, she was buried next to the mausoleum of Empress Xiaojie at Tianshou Mountain.