Empress Xiaoliewu

Empress Xiaoliewu (1590 – 1 October 1626), born Lady Ula Nara of the Manchu Plain White Banner Ula Nara clan, was a consort of Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Her personal name was Abahai. She was approximately 31 years younger than Nurhaci. In historical records, she was previously misidentified as Hong Taiji, Nurhaci’s eighth son and successor.

Family Background:

Her father was Mantai, who held the title of a third rank prince (貝勒), and he died in 1596. Her paternal grandfather was Bugan, also titled as a third rank prince. Her paternal uncle was Bujantai (1575–1618), who likewise held the title of a third rank prince.

Marriage and Titles:

Lady Ula Nara married Nurhaci in late 1601, during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. Following the death of Nurhaci's Empress Xiaocigao on 31 October 1603, Lady Ula Nara was elevated to the position of primary consort. She bore Nurhaci three sons: Ajige, born on 28 August 1605; Dorgon, born on 17 November 1612; and Dodo, born on 2 April 1614.

In early 1620, she was observed visiting Daišan, Nurhaci's eldest son, and preparing dishes for him. Nurhaci was reportedly angered by these visits and was also informed of her stealing gold and jewels, leading to her banishment from the palace and her deposition as consort.

Restoration and Later Life:

By late 1622 or early 1623, Nurhaci restored Abahai to the palace and reinstated her as empress, returning her to her duties. When Nurhaci died on 30 September 1626, Lady Ula Nara was compelled to commit suicide on the order of her stepson, Hong Taiji. According to legend, she was either buried alive beside Nurhaci to demonstrate her love or was strangled by servants, both accounts signifying her death under coercion. She was approximately 36 years old at her death.

Posthumous Recognition:

During the early reign of the Shunzhi Emperor, her posthumous title was elevated to Empress Xiaoliewu in 1650. However, this posthumous title was revoked by the emperor in 1653.

Titles Held:

- During Wanli era (1572–1620): Lady Ula Nara, and from late 1601, Secondary Consort (側福晉), and from 1603, Primary Consort (大福晉).

- During Shunzhi era (1643–1661): Empress Xiaoliewu (孝烈武皇后) from 1650 to 1653.

Issue:

As primary consort, she was the mother of:

- Ajige (1605–1651), her 12th son, who was granted the title Prince Wuying of the Second Rank in 1636 and elevated to Prince Ying of the First Rank in 1644.

- Dorgon (1612–1650), her 14th son, who was granted the title Prince Rui of the First Rank in 1636 and posthumously honored as Prince Ruizhong of the First Rank.

- Dodo (1614–1649), her 15th son, who was granted the title Prince Yu of the First Rank in 1636 and posthumously honored as Prince Yutong of the First Rank.

In popular culture, she has been portrayed by various actresses in multiple television dramas, including Eva Lai in "The Rise and Fall of Qing Dynasty" (1987), Siqin Gaowa in "Xiaozhuang Mishi" (2003), and others.

See also:

- Imperial Chinese Harem system

- Royal and noble ranks of the Qing dynasty