Consort Xi

Consort Xi (Chinese: 禧妃; pinyin: Xī Fēi) was a consort of the Xianfeng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. She was born on October 4, 1842, and died on June 26, 1877. She belonged to the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner Cahala clan.

Family Background:

Consort Xi's father was Changshun, who served as a cook in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She was classified as a booi aha, a term used for bondservants or hereditary servants associated with Manchu banners.

Early Life:

Born during the Daoguang era, her birthdate is documented as October 4, 1842.

Career and Life in the Palace:

Haitangchun, an alternative name associated with her, was one of the palace maids in the Forbidden City, serving Empress Dowager Cixi in Changchun Palace. In 1855, she was promoted to "Noble Lady Xi" (禧贵人), a rank of sixth rank consort, with "Xi" meaning "auspicious." She became part of a social group called the "Four Spring Ladies" (四春娘娘), which included Noble Lady Lu, Noble Lady Ji, and Noble Lady Qing. The group's name referenced the characters "chun" (spring) in their personal names.

In 1861, she received a promotion to "Concubine Xi" (禧嫔), a fifth-rank consort, although the official ceremony was held during the Tongzhi era.

Later Life and Title:

In 1874, during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor, she was promoted to "Consort Xi" (禧妃), a fourth-rank consort.

Death and Burial:

Consort Xi died on June 26, 1877. Her remains were interred at the Ding Mausoleum in the Eastern Qing tombs.

Titles and Ranks:

- From October 4, 1842: Lady Cahala

- From 1855: Noble Lady Xi (禧贵人), sixth rank consort

- From 1861: Concubine Xi (禧嫔), fifth rank consort

- From 1874: Consort Xi (禧妃), fourth rank consort

Her progression through the ranks reflects her status within the imperial harem during her lifetime.

See Also:

- Ranks of imperial consorts in China (Qing dynasty)

- Royal and noble ranks of the Qing dynasty

References:

Details about her titles and life events are documented in historical records concerning Qing dynasty imperial consorts.