Imperial Noble Consort Shujia

Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (14 September 1713 – 17 December 1755) was a consort of the Qianlong Emperor during the Qing Dynasty. She was born into the Korean Gin (Jin) clan, which originated from Uiju in Joseon. Her family surrendered to the Qing Dynasty during the Qing invasion of Joseon in 1636 and relocated to China. The family was closely associated with Manchu culture and was incorporated into a Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner. Her original surname Jin was Manchufied to Gingiya. Her father was Sanbao, who served as a third rank military official in the Imperial Stables. She had three elder brothers: Jin Ding, Jin Hui, and Jin Jian.

Lady Jin was born on 14 September 1713 in Uiju, Joseon. There is limited information available regarding her life before her association with Hongli, the future Qianlong Emperor. It is not documented when she became a mistress to Hongli. She is believed to have married him prior to his marriage to his Primary Consort Fuca. It is suggested that she may have been close to Secondary Consort Gao, as their families had diplomatic ties.

During the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722), she was born and was known as Lady Jin. Her titles evolved through the successive reigns and her marriage to the future emperor. She was granted the title "Mistress" (格格) during Yongzheng's reign (1722–1735), although the exact date is unspecified.

In the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1735–1796), she received several titles reflecting her rising rank among imperial consorts. On 8 November 1735, she was titled Noble Lady (貴人), the sixth rank consort. On 23 January 1738, she was promoted to Imperial Concubine Jia (嘉嬪), the fifth rank. On 21 February 1739, she gave birth to her first son, Yongcheng. Around December 1741 or January 1742, she was promoted to Consort Jia (嘉妃), the fourth rank. She bore two additional sons: Yongxuan on 31 August 1746 and Yongyu on 2 August 1748; Yongyu died prematurely on 11 June 1749.

She was promoted to Noble Consort Jia (嘉貴妃) on 20 May 1749. Her final titles were accorded shortly after her death; she was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort on 18 December 1755. On 19 December 1755, she was given the posthumous title Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (淑嘉皇貴妃).

Her death occurred on 17 December 1755 at the age of 42. Following her death, she was posthumously elevated to Imperial Noble Consort Shujia, and the day after her death, her family was placed into the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner.

Her issue included:

- Yongcheng (1739–1777), her son with the title Prince Lü of the Second Rank and posthumous honors.

- Yongxuan (1746–1832), her eighth son, granted the titles Prince Yi of the Second Rank and later elevated.

- Yongyu (1748–1749), her ninth son, who died in infancy.

- Yongxing (1752–1823), her eleventh son, granted the title Prince Cheng of the First Rank and posthumously honored.

In popular culture, she has been portrayed by actors Pan Shiqi in the 2018 television series "Story of Yanxi Palace" and Xin Zhilei in "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" (2018).

Her life reflects her status progression within the Qing imperial court and her unique position as the only Qing imperial concubine of Korean ethnic heritage.