Imperial Concubine Yi From The Huang Clan

Concubine Yi was a member of the Han Chinese Plain Yellow Banner, born in Suzhou. Her family background included her father, Daimin, who held the position of a seventh-rank military official in the Imperial Gardens. Her paternal grandfather, Fogongbao, was a fifth-rank literary official, and her paternal uncle, Alin, served as a third-rank military official.

In 1727, during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor, Lady Huang entered the residence of Hongli, who was then Prince Bao, as a mistress. She was skilled in embroidery, weaving, and Confucian texts, particularly "Rules of a Woman" and "The Principles of Self-Discipline."

Following Hongli's accession to the throne as the Qianlong Emperor in 1735, Lady Huang was elevated in status to become a concubine (嫔). Her family's social standing was also raised from xinzheku (辛者庫) to booi aha, a designation for bonded servants in the Qing imperial hierarchy.

In October 1735, she became ill while visiting the Tiancun Funeral Palace along with Empress Fuca, Noble Consort Gao, and other imperial consorts. She passed away on 1 November 1736. After her death, she was posthumously bestowed the title "Concubine Yi" (仪嫔). The character "Yi" (仪) signifies righteousness.

Throughout her life, her titles evolved as follows: during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor, she was known simply as Lady Huang. During the Yongzheng era, starting in 1727, she was recognized as a Mistress (格格). Upon her elevation during the Qianlong era, she was titled Concubine (嫔), the fifth rank of imperial consorts, and subsequently received the posthumous title Concubine Yi (仪嫔) in 1736.

Her portrayal in popular culture includes roles played by Xu Baihui in the television series "Story Of Yanxi Palace" (2017) and Han Dantong in "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" (2018).