Consort Xian

Consort Xian, whose birth and death dates are unknown. She was a concubine of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty and the mother of his twenty-third son, Tang Dingwang Zhu Gai. The exact time she entered the palace has not been determined, but she was born on September 18, 1386, during the 19th year of Hongwu. On the first day of the first month of the 26th year of Hongwu (1393), she was conferred the title of Consort Xian and was awarded the rank alongside Ge’s family, both serving as imperial concubines. According to historical records, she held important duties within the palace, served the emperor with respect and propriety, and managed palace affairs. In the 31st year of Hongwu (1398), when she was critically ill, the emperor instructed her to support the succession of the crown prince. Upon learning of the emperor’s intent, Consort Xian chose to hang herself and die. After her death, she was buried near Niushou Mountain in Nanjing, though the exact location of her tomb is unknown. Regarding her life and cause of death, historical accounts are often contradictory—for instance, the "Zui Wei Lu" states that she was executed for a crime, but later, Emperor Taizu repented and reburied her. Her family background and specific details of her birth are not recorded, and historical sources also mention her relationships with other consorts. Her temple mausoleum and associated memorial facilities were maintained during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with records describing her burial site.