Consort Ji, Of The Wang Clan

Consort Ji (Chinese: 吉妃; pinyin: Jí Fēi; 1846 – 12 November 1905) was a consort of the Xianfeng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. She belonged to the Han Chinese Plain Yellow Banner Wang clan.

Family background:

Consort Ji's father was Qingyuan, who served as a guard in the imperial gardens department. Her mother was Lady Wu (伍氏). She had at least one brother named Wenyuan (文元). Her father and grandfather had both died before she entered the imperial court, leaving her in the care of her mother, who received a monetary allowance of one tael per month.

Early life:

Born in 1846 during the Daoguang era, Lady Wang’s early years were marked by the death of her father and grandfather. Following these events, she resided with her mother.

Imperial court life:

In 1858, Lady Wang entered the Forbidden City and was granted the title "Noble Lady Ji" (吉贵人), which corresponded to the sixth rank of imperial consort. During her tenure, she was under the supervision of Empress Xiaozhenxian in Zhongcui Palace. She was part of a social group known as the "Four Spring Ladies" (四春娘娘), which included Noble Lady Lu, Noble Lady Xi, and Noble Lady Qing.

According to historical accounts such as the "Early Years of Cixi," Noble Lady Ji and Consort Yi were involved in managing the health and well-being of the Xianfeng Emperor. There is a record of her experiencing a miscarriage caused by an incident in the Imperial Garden, where Lady Yehe Nara accidentally kicked her while she was pregnant.

Promotions:

In 1861, during the Tongzhi era, she was promoted to "Concubine Ji" (吉嫔), which was the fifth rank of consort. Later, during the Guangxu era, her rank was elevated to "Consort Ji" (吉妃) in 1875, the fourth rank. She maintained her position until her death.

Death and burial:

Consort Ji died on 12 November 1905. She was interred at the Ding Mausoleum in the Eastern Qing tombs in 1907.

Titles over time:

- During Daoguang's reign (1820–1850): Lady Wang

- During Xianfeng's reign (1850–1861): Noble Lady Ji

- During Tongzhi's reign (1861–1875): Concubine Ji

- During Guangxu's reign (1875–1908): Consort Ji

Issue:

As Noble Lady, she experienced a male miscarriage around 1859 or 1860.

References:

Details about her titles and life are recorded in historical sources concerning the ranks of Qing imperial consorts and the structure of imperial nobility.