Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong

Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong (12 August 1724 – 21 August 1774), of the Han Chinese Bordered Yellow Banner Lu clan, was a consort of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty. Her personal name has not been recorded in history. She was born in the second year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, which corresponds to 1724, specifically on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, or 12 August in the Gregorian calendar. Her father was Shilong, and she had four brothers. Although her family was not particularly prominent, she attained the rank of Noble Consort during her lifetime and was known for her service within the imperial court.

During the Yongzheng era (1722–1735), she was referred to simply by her family name, Lu. It is not documented when she entered the Forbidden City or was granted her initial title, "First Attendant." Her rank was elevated several times during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735–1796). On 8 May 1748, she was promoted to "Noble Lady," followed by her promotion to "Concubine Qing" on 30 July 1751. She advanced further to "Consort Qing" on 4 February 1760, and later to "Noble Consort Qing" on 14 November 1768.

In 1765, she joined the Qianlong Emperor and his other consorts on an inspection tour to the southern Yangtze delta region. She died on 21 August 1774 and was interred in the Yu Mausoleum of the Eastern Qing tombs.

Although she did not have children of her own, she played a significant role in the upbringing of Prince Yongyan, who later became the Jiaqing Emperor. After the Qianlong Emperor's abdication on 9 February 1796, Yongyan became emperor and was grateful to Lady Lu for her influence during his childhood. Following the death of the Qianlong Emperor on 7 February 1799, the Jiaqing Emperor posthumously elevated her to the title of "Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong" on 8 February 1799.

Throughout her life, she held various titles corresponding to her rank during different periods: from "Lady Lu" during Yongzheng's reign, to "First Attendant Lu," "Noble Lady Lu," "Concubine Qing," "Consort Qing," and "Noble Consort Qing" during Qianlong’s reign, and finally to "Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong" during Jiaqing’s rule.

In popular culture, she has been portrayed in various television series, including "The Rise and Fall of Qing Dynasty" (1988) by Au Oi-ling, "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" (2018) by Yu Yang, and "Story of Yanxi Palace" (2018) by Li Ruoning, where her maiden name is given as Lu Muping or Lu Wanwan.

Her life illustrates her progression through the ranks of imperial consorts, her familial background, and her influence within the Qing imperial court.