Imperial harems have existed since ancient times and bore witness to the waxing and waning of dynasties. Life in imperial harems was imagined to be one of luxury and comfort. But what did really go on behind closed doors and beneath the glittery façade of the royal titles?
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Why do the lives of empresses and concubines in the imperial harems remain ever so intriguing to modern audiences? What are some of the tragic tales that most people have not even heard of? From Imperial Consort Yang in the Tang Dynasty (618–906) to Consort Zhen in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), we delve into the less-than-glamorous lives of women in China’s imperial harems.
Tang Imperial Harem: The Beloved Consort Who Was Forced to Die
Hailed as one of the Four Ancient Beauties of China, Yang Yuhuan – better known by her title Imperial Consort Yang or Yang Guifei – was Emperor Tang Xuanzong’s favorite. The emperor’s love story with Yang Guifei was often described as the start of the end of his empire. Apart from neglecting his official duties in order to spend time with her, the emperor’s favor also expanded Yang Guifei’s influence, leading to severe political complications later. It was said that the emperor first fell in love with Yang Guifei after seeing her emerge from the hot springs with her cheeks moist and flushed. The smitten emperor then proceeded to nullify Yang’s first marriage to his son, Li Mao, in order to make her his consort instead. Questionable as the emperor’s means were, his imperial harem nonetheless welcomed the 26-year-old beauty officially in 745, marking the start of a dramatic tale of decadence, power, and tragedy.
As the emperor’s most favored consort, Yang Guifei lived a life of luxury, often indulging in fine foods and leisurely pleasures with him in the Huaqing Palace. The emperor would even order fresh lychees, especially from faraway places in southern China just for her enjoyment. Often, this involved the use of the diplomatic courier system which was supposed to ensure that official state documents arrived on time. With Yang Guifei's ability to command the emperor's attention, her influence grew immensely. By connection, her family members were also given important court roles and deeper relations through marriage were created with the imperial family. In particular, her cousin Yang Guozhong became extremely powerful, replacing the Prime Minister eventually and establishing influence in the court.
In 747, An Lushan, a cunning young general from Turkey rose to prominence through Yang Guifei’s patronage. She had supposedly adopted him as a son, although there were accusations that their liaison was one of illicit romance. With Yang Guifei’s backing, An found an army of 200,000 men at his disposal. Both wielding significant political power, An and Yang Guozhong were soon embroiled in conflict, with An leading a rebellion that would tear the Tang empire apart.
Over the following eight years, the Tang empire was brought to its knees, with nationwide famines and mass slaughters, amid widespread socio-political hardship. As An’s troops closed in on the palace in Chang’an, Emperor Tang Xuanzong was forced to flee south to Chengdu with his entourage and the Yang family. Mid-journey, the disgruntled imperial guards killed Yang Guozhong and two other Yang sisters as they saw them as the root of all the chaos that ensued. The guards refused to continue the journey unless Yang Guifei, too, was put to death – a painful decision the emperor eventually had to undertake.