Consort Yi Zhao (Emperor Shizong Of Ming)

Consort Zhao Yi, courtesy name Shikao, her birth and death years are unknown, and her place of origin is Jixian County, Weihui Prefecture. She was the daughter of Zhao Rucheng, a commander in the Ming Dynasty's Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard). Her father Zhao Rucheng was a tribute student who was awarded the title Rongpin (Noble Consort) in September of the 15th year of the Jiajing reign (1536), and was formally ennobled in the same month.

In the 16th year of Jiajing (1537), on the 28th day of the 8th lunar month, Lady Zhao gave birth to the sixth son of the Emperor, Zhu Zai, who was later posthumously honored as the Qiuhui King but died young the following year.

On the intercalary July 10th of the 18th year of Jiajing (1539), Lady Zhao gave birth to the eighth son of the Emperor, named Zhu Zai, the Junsi King, who also died prematurely on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month of the 19th year of Jiajing (1540). It is believed that the mother of this child was Concubine Rong.

According to historical records, on the sixth day of the first lunar month of Jiajing 19th year (1540), Emperor Jiajing revoked his favor, and Lady Zhao was granted the title of Yi Fei (Virtuous Consort). Her father, Zhao Rucheng, was promoted to the position of Commander and Deputy Supervisor. On the same day, Zhao Rucheng was officially appointed to his office.

Consort Zhao Yi died on September 9th of the 3rd year of Longqing (1569). According to the "Continuing Records of the Celestial Ancestors" (Ta Chang Xu Kao), she was buried together with Courtiers Song Li Pin, Du Zhuang Fei, Ren He Pin, Wang Kang Fei, Gao Chang Pin, and Wang Chang Pin at Jinshan (Xishan Hongshikou).

In terms of family background, Zhao Rucheng was born a tribute student and was granted the title of Commander in the 16th year of Jiajing, receiving national approval for multiple religious rites and burial arrangements.