Consort Han (Yongle)

Consort Kanghuizhuangshuli (康惠莊淑麗妃; 1398–1424), of the Cheongju Han clan, was a secondary consort of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Born in 1398, she was a member of the Cheongju Han clan, a prominent Korean family that produced six queens during the Joseon Dynasty. Her father was Han Yeong-jeong (韓永矴), born in 1375, and her mother was Lady Kim of the Uiseong Kim clan (1375–1423). She had three younger brothers, including Han Hwak (韓確; 1400–1456), who served as Left State Councillor and Right State Councillor during Joseon rule. Her niece, Han Yu-san (Princess Consort Jeongseon), was the daughter of her brother Han Hwak and was married to a member of the royal family, while her other niece, Han Do-san, known as Queen Sohye of the Cheongju Han clan, was the mother of King Seongjong. Her younger sister was Han Gye-ran (한계란; 1410–1483), who became Consort Gongshen to the Xuande Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Joseon sent a total of 114 women as tribute to the Ming Dynasty, including 16 virgin girls, among whom Lady Han was selected as an imperial concubine due to her notable beauty. In 1421, she was implicated in an alleged conspiracy that led to a mass execution within the emperor's harem, where many of the emperor's concubines, their maids, and eunuchs were killed on accusations of participating in a murder plot against the emperor. She survived the purge but was imprisoned. When Emperor Yongle died in 1424, she was among thirty individuals ordered to be executed to accompany the emperor in death.

Following the succession of the Hongxi Emperor, Consort Li (as she was posthumously known) requested to be allowed to return to Joseon to care for her elderly mother. However, the new emperor denied her request and ordered her to be hanged and buried with the late Yongle Emperor. Posthumously, she was granted the title Consort Kanghuizhuangshuli (康惠莊淑麗妃).

During the reign of the Hongwu Emperor (1368–1398), she was known as Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan. Her titles changed with her status, and during Yongle's reign, she was recognized as Consort Li and later as Consort Kanghuizhuangshuli.

This biographical overview includes her familial background, her role as a tribute woman sent to the Ming Dynasty, her involvement in significant political misadventures, and her posthumous recognition.