Consort Lu

Consort Lu (Chinese: 璷妃; pinyin: Lú Fēi) was born on March 2, 1841, into the Manchu Yehe-Nara clan, which belonged to the Plain White Banner of the Eight Banners system. Her birth name was Lady Yehe-Nara. Her father was Quanwen, who held the position of sixth rank literary official (主事) in the imperial administration.

In 1855, during the reign of the Xianfeng Emperor, Lady Yehe-Nara entered the Forbidden City. She was granted the title "Noble Lady Lu" (璷贵人), with "lu" meaning "exquisite." During the Xianfeng era, she resided in Chuxiu Palace alongside the future Empress Dowager Cixi. She remained childless throughout the Xianfeng period. She was part of a social group known as the "Four Spring Ladies" (四春娘娘), which included Noble Lady Xi, Noble Lady Ji, and Noble Lady Qing.

In 1861, following her time as Noble Lady Lu, she was promoted to "Dowager Concubine Lu" (璷太嫔) in accordance with imperial tradition. This promotion reflected her continued standing within the imperial harem. Later, in 1874, she received further elevation to the rank of "Dowager Consort Lu" (璷太妃).

During the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, on March 2, 1891, Lady Yehe-Nara celebrated her 50th birthday, known as "Qianqiu" (one thousand autumns). For her birthday, she was presented with gifts that included five rolls each of lotus root xiaojuan silk thread, white moon xiaojuan silk thread, grey xiaojuan silk and satin, golden yellow xiaojuan silk and satin, and blue crepe. Additionally, she received brown gauze known as jiang soy sauce. At this time, she was expected to be promoted to the rank of dowager noble consort (貴太妃). However, she died from illness on May 15, 1895, before this promotion could occur.

Her titles throughout her life included:

- During the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1820–1850): Lady Yehe-Nara.

- During the Xianfeng Emperor's reign (1850–1861): Noble Lady Lu (璷贵人).

- During the Tongzhi Emperor's reign (1861–1875): Dowager Concubine Lu (璷太嫔), and later Dowager Consort Lu (璷太妃) from 1874.

Consort Lu's life was characterized by her service within the Qing imperial palace and her progression through the ranks of the imperial harem, reflecting her standing and the customs of Qing dynasty noble and imperial consort ranks.