Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang

Bumbutai (Mongolian: Бумбутай; Manchu: ᠪᡠᠮᠪᡠᡨᠠᡳ; Chinese: 布木布泰) was born on 28 March 1613 and died on 27 January 1688. She belonged to the Khorchin Mongol Borjigit clan. Her father was Zhaisang, who held the title of a first-rank prince (親王). Her paternal grandfather was Manggusi, also a first-rank prince, and her paternal aunt was Empress Xiaoduanwen (1599–1649). Her mother was Boli (died 1654). Bumbutai had four elder brothers and one elder sister. Her primary consort was Minhui (1609–1641).

Bumbutai was born during the Wanli era, specifically on the eighth day of the intercalary second lunar month of the 41st year of Wanli's reign, corresponding to 28 March 1613 in the Gregorian calendar.

In March or April 1625, she married Hong Taiji and became one of his multiple wives. Prior to her marriage, the Khorchin Mongols sent Hong Taiji another woman, Jerjer (the future Empress Xiaoduanwen), on 28 May 1614, to strengthen relations with the Qing dynasty. Bumbutai's elder sister, Harjol, also married Hong Taiji on 6 December 1634.

Bumbutai bore Hong Taiji several children, including princesses Princess Yongmu of the First Rank (born 31 January 1629), Princess Shuhui of the First Rank (born 2 March 1632), and Princess Shuzhe of the First Rank (born 16 December 1633). She also gave birth to Hong Taiji's ninth son, Fulin, on 15 March 1638.

During Hong Taiji's reign (1626–1643), Bumbutai was conferred the title "Consort Zhuang" of Yongfu Palace in August 1636. After her husband's death on 21 September 1643, her son Fulin ascended the throne as the Shunzhi Emperor. She was honored as "Empress Dowager Zhaosheng" during his reign.

Her aunt Jerjer, also honored as "Mother Empress, Empress Dowager," was the empress consort of the previous emperor. After the death of Dorgon, Hong Taiji’s younger half-brother and prince regent, some unsubstantiated claims suggest a secret marriage between Dorgon and Bumbutai, who is known to have been widely associated with political influence, although no definitive historical evidence supports this.

When her son became emperor, she held the title of "Empress Dowager Zhaosheng." Upon her grandson's accession as the Kangxi Emperor in 1661, she was elevated to "Grand Empress Dowager Zhaosheng." She was involved in advising her grandson and supported him in eliminating Oboi, one of the regents. She generally maintained a low profile during the Kangxi reign and refused to hold birthday celebrations to avoid costs.

In her later years, she fell ill in autumn 1687, and the Kangxi Emperor personally cared for her. She died on 27 January 1688. Posthumously, she was honored with the title Empress Xiaozhuangwen, although she had never held the rank of empress consort during her lifetime.

Her titles evolved through various reigns:

- During Wanli's reign: Lady Borjigit

- During Nurhaci’s rule: Secondary consort (from March/April 1625)

- During Hong Taiji’s reign: Consort Zhuang (from August 1636)

- During the Shunzhi Emperor's reign: Empress Dowager Zhaosheng (from 21 September 1643)

- During the Kangxi Emperor’s reign: Grand Empress Dowager Zhaosheng (from 5 February 1661), later honored as Empress Xiaozhuangwen in 1688.

Her issue included the princesses Princess Yongmu, Princess Shuhui, Princess Shuzhe, and the emperor Fulin (the Shunzhi Emperor).

Bumbutai has been depicted in various historical novels, television series, and cultural works, and she is also referenced in modern media including video games.