Imperial Noble Consort Xianzhe

Imperial Noble Consort Xianzhe (2 July 1856 – 3 February 1932) was a member of the Manchu Bordered Blue Banner Hešeri clan and served as a consort to the Tongzhi Emperor of Qing China.

Family Background:

Her personal name has not been recorded in historical sources. Her father was Chongling, who held the position of Prefect of Chaozhou. Her paternal grandfather was Shuxingga, a general of Ili. She had at least one sister who was married to Zaiying, the second son of Prince Gong.

Birth and Early Life:

She was born on the first day of the sixth lunar month in the sixth year of the Xianfeng Emperor's reign, corresponding to 2 July 1856 in the Gregorian calendar. She was noted for her beauty and literary skills.

Entry into the Forbidden City and Titles:

In November 1872, she entered the Forbidden City and was granted the title "Concubine Yu" by the Tongzhi Emperor. She was favored by the emperor's mother, Empress Dowager Cixi. On 23 December 1874, she was promoted to "Consort Yu." Her skills and favor from Empress Dowager Cixi contributed to her prominence within the imperial harem. Her residence was Palace of Great Benevolence (景仁宮).

Career Progression:

Following the death of the Tongzhi Emperor on 12 January 1875, the throne was succeeded by his cousin Zaitian, who became the Guangxu Emperor. On 29 May 1895, she was elevated to "Noble Consort Yu." During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, when Empress Dowager Cixi and the Guangxu Emperor fled Beijing, Lady Hešeri remained behind, assuming responsibilities for the imperial palace due to the illness of Imperial Noble Consort Dunyi Rongqing, the most senior surviving consort of the Tongzhi Emperor.

Later Life and Titles:

After the Guangxu Emperor's death on 14 November 1908, her title was elevated to "Dowager Imperial Noble Consort Yu" on 18 November 1908. Following the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912, Puyi and other members of the imperial family retained their titles and residence in the Forbidden City. On 12 March 1913, Puyi conferred upon her the title "Dowager Imperial Noble Consort Jingyi." She was known for her assertiveness, which led to conflicts with Empress Dowager Longyu, the Guangxu Emperor's consort. After Longyu's death, she attempted to assume the role of Empress Dowager for her adopted son Puyi, but was denied by Yuan Shikai.

Final Years and Death:

After Puyi was compelled to leave the Forbidden City on 21 November 1924, she followed him. She died of illness on 3 February 1932. Her funeral on 23 February 1932 was attended by many, and security was maintained by police and military personnel. Posthumously, she was granted the title "Imperial Noble Consort Xianzhe." She was interred in the Hui Mausoleum of the Eastern Qing tombs on 14 March 1935.

Titles Overview:

- During Xianfeng reign: Lady Hešeri

- During Tongzhi reign: Concubine Yu; then Consort Yu

- During Guangxu reign: Noble Consort Yu

- During Xuantong reign: Imperial Noble Consort Yu

- During Republic era: Imperial Noble Consort Jingyi; then Imperial Noble Consort Xianzhe

Portrayals:

She has been depicted in popular culture, including in the 2006 television series "Princess Der Ling" and the 2016 series "The Last Healer in Forbidden City."

References:

Sources include "Forbidden City: The Great Within" by May Holdsworth and Caroline Courtauld (2008), as well as the "Draft History of Qing" (Qing Shi Gao) by Zhao Erxun (1928).