Chapter 8: Status [Section One] (Part 1)

Translator: Tygris
English proofreader: 247Reader

On this day, everyone went to the Empress’s Chang’chun Palace to pay their respects. Née Fucha ordered [the servants] to bring a basket of red tangerines ^[1]The red mandarins/tangerines/oranges mentioned here are a type that is native to China and produced mainly in Sichuan and Fujian. The peels of these oranges are used in traditional Chinese medicine, known as chengpi. Here are some images of these red tangerines. as a reward. With a smile, she said, “The Emperor has been thinking of us in the harem. The moment the tribute of red tangerines from Jiangnan arrived, he picked out the first basket to be sent over. This is a good opportunity to allow us to taste these together.”

Everyone stood up to give their thanks. “Many thanks for the Empress Niangniang’s bestowment.”

The Empress instructed everyone to return to their seats. Seeing that Lian’xin and Su’xin had passed out the red tangerines, she slowly continued, “We sisters have been serving the Emperor together since we were back at qiandi. We all understand each other’s temperaments. Now that we have entered the Forbidden City to become the Emperor’s women, first, the rules must be followed; second, do not let the sisterly bonds of the past wither away – it is best to interact harmoniously.”

[Xi]yue was the first to stand up. With a face full of respect, she said, “Empress Niangniang previously was the Elder Sister and Mistress of us concubines. Now, [she] is additionally the Mother of the World. We concubines do not dare to hold disrespect in our hearts.”

The Empress gave a faint smile. “Younger Sister [Xi]yue’s words are too serious. Bengong ^[2]Used to refer to oneself but only if one is the mistress/master of a palace. is but a few years older than you all. Naturally, in addition to providing guidance and setting rules, [bengong] will look after and consider you all.”

[Xi]yue led everyone to rise. “Many thanks for Empress Niangniang’s grace.”

Ruyi, seeing that the Empress and [Xi]yue were performing in tandem, ^[3]一唱一和 (yī chàng yī hè) means one person sings first and the other responds. It originally described two people with a close relationship; now it also refers to two people cooperating and responding to each other. only lowered her head and busied her hands with slowly peeling a red tangerine. Her face revealed a thin smile, indifferent and silent.

The Empress was very pleased with [Xi]yue’s responses. She nodded with a smile. “You all sit and converse while eating some tangerines. Bengong is somewhat fatigued, and will retire to the sleeping chamber first.”

She paused, looking around at everyone. “The Emperor has already made a preliminary determination of each of your positions and has also decided where you will be residing. The Empress Dowager has now moved into Ci’ning Palace. When the decree is announced at noon, [you all] should just go ahead and move into your residences. These past few days have all been spent crying and mourning for the late Emperor. You all have been troubled to live in those crowded conditions.”

Everyone who heard [those words] shuddered, no longer having the peace of mind to remain sitting. One after another, they paid their farewells and left.

Indeed, at noon, the Emperor’s decree announcing their ranks and titles was spread throughout the six palaces. ^[4]For some details on each position, please read through our Ancient Chinese Ranks and Titles page for general information and the Qing Dynasty Imperial Harem Rankings for Qing Dynasty specific information. Ruyi, standing under the eaves of the corridor playing with a pair of blue-feathered parrots, heard A’Ruo mumbling while counting on her fingers. “After the Empress’s Coronation ceremony, the Empress already chose Chang’chun Palace to reside in – this name has such a good meaning, implying hopes that the Emperor will visit every spring and every visit will be a long visit. 

“Su gege recently gave birth to the Third Prince and was created Concubine Chun, ^[5]纯 means pure/purity. residing in Zhong’cui Palace. 

“Huang gege was created Noble Lady Yi, ^[6]怡 means happy/joyful. residing in Jing’yang Palace, which she is quite pleased about. This makes sense – the Emperor does not favor her, so giving her the position of a Noble Lady is already pretty good. ^[7]A position with a title is higher than that without one, i.e. Noble Lady Yi is of higher rank than any other Noble Lady without a title/using only their family name in place of a title. 

“Jin gege was only created Noble Lady Jia, ^[8]嘉 has the meaning of beautiful and splendid. residing in Tai’ji Palace; though she is unhappy, she dares not express it, only daring to complain that Tai’ji Palace is too far away from the Emperor’s Yang’xin Hall. Jin gege has always felt that as a member of the Korean Imperial Clan, she is more noble than others. Now that she is but a Noble Lady, let us see how she continues to express her prowess.”

Ruyi took some bird feed and scattered it in front of the parrots. “If you are going to account [the positions] then do so. Why are you discussing people behind their backs?”

A’Ruo stuck out her tongue. “This servant understands. Other than the above is Hailan gege. The Emperor only gave her the position of a First Class Attendant ^[9]Position of Changzai. and did not specify which palace she would reside in. Likely, as her position is not high, she will be randomly assigned to live with any mistress of a palace. ^[10]During the Qing Dynasty, those who attained the position of Concubine/嫔 were allowed to live in the main section of one of the palaces in the inner court of the Forbidden City and become its mistress. The main section refers to the front or main hall of each palace. The term used here is 主位 (zhǔ wèi) which means ‘the main seat’ or ‘the main position’. A mistress of a palace is sometimes referred to by the name of her palace suffixed by ‘Niangniang’. For example, earlier in the story, Ruyi’s Paternal Aunt was referred to as Jing’ren Palace Niangniang. 

“It is just us and Secondary Consort Gao who do not yet know what decree will be given.” Speaking thus, A’Ruo took a few glances out the window, seeming somewhat anxious. “The sun has almost set. The other Little Mistresses have already moved into their new residences. Why, when it comes to us, has the decree not even arrived?”

Though Ruyi was somewhat panicked in her heart, it was not convenient for her to reveal anything in front of A’Ruo. She picked up the scoop used for the parrots’ feed to ladle some water.

 A’Ruo hurriedly said, “Little Mistress, our parrots like to be clean. If you use the feed scoop to retrieve water, they will refuse to drink that water.”

Ruyi was just about to lose her patience when she saw [Suo]xin leading in the decree-proclaiming eunuch Wang Qin, along with two other officials. 

Wang Qin gave a qian’er ^[11]Greeting etiquette usually performed by men, consisting of bending the left knee forward, bending the right leg backward, leaning the upper body slightly forward, and dropping the right fist to the floor. This greeting is considered a midpoint between bowing and kneeling. greeting, saying, “Reporting to Little Mistress, the decree has arrived. Grand Secretary ^[12]大学士 is the highest civil appointment in the Qing Dynasty but during the Qing Dynasty the Grand Secretariat was more like an imperial chancery and Minister of Rites ^[13]礼部尚书 is the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, which is one of the Six Ministries of the government in late Imperial China. San’tai as Chief Envoy and Cabinet Scholar ^[14]内阁学士 is subordinate to the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet. Dai’qi as Deputy Envoy will conduct the canonization ceremony.”

Ruyi hurriedly lowered her head and knelt on her knees. The other people in the surrounding area followed suit, kneeling behind her.

Wang Qin picked up the Imperial Edict and read out loud, “Zhen has always regarded the teachings of the inner palace, emphasizing the noble and virtuous conduct of women, as foundational. With virtue as luminous as ornamental jade, you have contributed to the orderly governance of the court. Thus, this decree is bestowed to illuminate this honorable occasion.

“Concubine née Nara possesses a refined and prudent demeanor, and is endowed with a gentle and harmonious nature. From early on, you have exemplified admirable conduct, always diligent in fulfilling your duties and observing the principles of domestic virtue with reverence and care. You have consistently displayed humility and obedience in your heart.

“Now, in deference to the compassionate edict of the Empress Dowager, you have been conferred the title of ‘Consort Xian’ ^[15]娴 means to be refined or elegant or skilled. with the accompanying seals. May you respectfully accept this appointment, embracing the blessings of prosperity to come. Assist in upholding the virtues of the imperial consorts and contribute to the enduring harmony of the dynasty. Qinzai.” ^[16]钦哉 (qīn zāi) has the word 钦 which refers to royalty, and the word 哉 which expresses an exclamation. So this is just a giant royal exclamation point signaling the end of the edict.

Ruyi used both hands to receive the Imperial Edict. “This concubine thanks the Emperor for his imperial grace.”

Ruyi flicked her eyes, and [Suo]xin hurriedly retrieved three red sachets from her sleeve, handing one to each of the three persons.

Wang Qin’s smile filled his entire face. “Many thanks for Consort Xian Niangniang’s reward. The Emperor has said, Yan’xi Palace will be bestowed as Niangniang’s residence. Niangniang is invited to quickly move into Yan’xi Palace.”

Ruyi’s heart sank. She mustered a smile and said, “Many thanks to gong’gong. ^[17]In this context, 公公 (gong gong) is a polite term for eunuchs. A’Ruo, carefully see gong’gong and the two officials out.”

A’Ruo responded affirmatively. 

Wang Qin cupped his hands, saying, “This servant still needs to return to the Emperor to report the completion of these duties. Niangniang, do not forget to change into ceremonial attire ^[18]吉服 (jí fú) is the clothing worn by the ancient Han people during auspicious ceremonies. before going to Chang’chun Palace to give thanks to the Emperor and Empress first thing tomorrow morning.”

Ruyi nodded. “Thanking gong’gong for the reminder.”

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