Know all about the secrets of the harem

Chapter 23
Why are Dong Xiaowan and Concubine Dong E, who are irrelevant, brought together?It may be because both of them have the word "Dong" in their surnames, and both of them are stunning beauties.When writing unofficial histories, some literati resorted to embedding flowers and grafting trees to describe Dong Xiaowan as Dong E's concubine in order to make the plot bizarre and attractive, or to deliberately slander the Qing emperor.In fact, the "Dong" of Concubine Dong'e is a transliteration of Manchu, and "Dong'e" is also translated as "Dong'e", "Donggu", "Donggu" and "Dongguo".

Prince Xiang Fujin said.There are also many books and film and television dramas now, which believe that Concubine Dong E was originally the Fujin of Prince Xiang, and was later brought into the palace by Emperor Shunzhi and became a favorite concubine.Prince Xiang, Bomu Boguoer, the eleventh son of Emperor Taizong Huang Taiji of the Qing Dynasty, was born on December 1641th in the sixth year of Chongde (12). The imperial concubine Borzigit, was canonized as Prince Heshuoxiang on February 1655st, 16th year of Shunzhi ([-]), and died on the third day of July of the following year at the age of [-].

From the above analysis, it can be seen that the two statements about Concubine Dong E's life experience are difficult to stand because they do not have sufficient reasons.So, who is Concubine Dong E?Let's look at the analysis below.

Emperor Shunzhi ascended the throne when he was young, and his mother, Empress Xiaozhuang Wen, disciplined him very strictly. In addition, the power of the court was long-term controlled by his uncle Dorgon, which formed a violent and suspicious character.Empress Xiaozhuangwen made her niece, the daughter of Wu Keshan, Prince Zhuoliketu of the Horqin tribe of Mongolia, as the empress because of the consideration of the imperial edict of Emperor Shunzhi to appoint Empress Borzigit.The little queen was spoiled and spoiled since she was a child, bitter and mean, and could not understand the difficulties of Emperor Shunzhi, and often had quarrels with Emperor Shunzhi, and the relationship between the young couple was not harmonious.Therefore, Emperor Shunzhi felt that everything was not going his way, and he was very depressed.In the early Qing Dynasty, there was a system of ordering women to serve concubines in turn, and Dong E's family often went to the harem to serve as a servant, which provided an opportunity for Emperor Shunzhi and Dong E's acquaintance and love.Dong E's beauty and talent deeply attracted the heart of this amorous young emperor, and Dong E's husband went to war all the year round and was lonely in his boudoir, so he also developed a good impression of Emperor Shunzhi.Two like-minded people quickly fell in love. There is a memory of Tang Ruowang in "The Biography of Tang Ruowang":
Emperor Shunzhi had a passionate love for the wife of a Manchu soldier.When this soldier reprimanded his wife for this, he was slapped in a very strange way by the emperor himself who knew about his reprimand.

The soldier then died of grievance, perhaps suicide.The emperor then brought the soldier's widow into the palace and made him a noble concubine.The imperial concubine gave birth to a son in 1660, and the emperor wanted him to be the future crown prince.

But a few weeks later, the prince died, and his mother died shortly thereafter.The emperor was so sad for the statue of Empress Xiao Kangzhang (Kangxi's biological mother), that he searched for life and death, desperately.

Tang Ruowang didn't say clearly who the prince was and who his biological mother was.Fulin had a total of eight princes. Except for Xuanye, among the seven princes, the second son Fuquan, the fifth son Changning, the sixth son Qishou, the seventh son Longxi, and the eighth son Yonggan all died in the Kangxi Dynasty. No need to think about it.In this way, only the eldest son Niu Niu and the fourth son of the emperor remained.Niu Niu was born on the first day of November in the eighth year of Shunzhi (1651), died on the 1652th day of the first month in the ninth year of Shunzhi (89), and lived only 14 days. His biological mother was the concubine Bashi.Although this son died early, he did not die in the later years of Shunzhi, and his biological mother was the concubine Ba Shi, who had never been conferred a noble concubine, therefore, Niu Niu and Ba Shi could not be the prince and the noble concubine Tang Ruowang mentioned.Now only the fourth son of the emperor is left.The son was born on the seventh day of October in the 1657th year of Shunzhi (15) and died on the 1658th day of the first lunar month in the 17th year of Shunzhi (1660).Dong Eshi died on August 1657th in the 1660th year of Shunzhi ([-]).From this point of view, what Tang Ruowang was talking about could only be the fourth son of the emperor and the imperial concubine Dong E.But there are two discrepancies here. One is that the fourth son of the emperor was born in [-] AD, while Tang Ruowang said it was [-];

Be it legends or conjectures, the consensus in the end is that this Dong E family has a peerless beauty and outstanding talent, and won the exclusive love of Emperor Shunzhi in the harem of three thousand beauties.However, since ancient times, beauties have had many lives, and the love of Emperor Shunzhi failed to save Concubine Dong E's life.

Fragrance eliminates jade damage, and the passionate emperor wins the grudge
Since the death of her beloved son, Fulin's all kinds of comfort and love did not relieve Concubine Dong E's mental pain caused by the loss of her beloved son.His body, which was already very weak and sickly, became even worse.On August 17th in the 1660th year of Shunzhi (22), Concubine Dong E, a famous concubine of a generation and a peerless beauty, died of jade and incense, and died of illness at the age of [-] in Chengqian official, one of the East Six Palaces.According to Fulin, when Dong E died, he "did not move in words, sat upright and chanted the Buddha's name, and died of his breath. A few days after the collapse, his appearance was stable, just like usual."

The successive deaths of his beloved son and concubine almost caused Fulin's spirit to collapse.He was completely hopeless, disillusioned with the world of mortals, abandoned the country and society like a shoe, insisted on becoming a monk, and asked the monk Xisen to shave his hair for him.Later, because Xisen's master Yulinxiu threatened to burn Xisen to death, Fulin was forced to give up the idea of ​​becoming a monk.

Fulin was heartbroken, and he expressed his condolences to his concubine with an extraordinary funeral ceremony.

On the third day after Dong E's death, that is, on August [-]st, Fulin issued an order to the Ministry of Rites: "The imperial concubine Dong E died on August [-]th. According to the decree of the Queen Mother: 'The imperial concubine has been in charge of the internal affairs for a long time. Shude Zhangwen, the palace is stylized. I am deeply saddened by the sudden death. It is advisable to posthumously be named a queen to show my respect. Xianzhuang and Zhide Xuanren Wenhui respect the queen'. The ceremony should be performed, and Erbu will examine it in detail and discuss it quickly."

When the courtiers proposed posthumous titles, "first draft four characters, not allowed. When it comes to six characters, eight characters, and crosses, I still use the word "holy" as an apology."Why did Fulin apologize for not having the words "Heaven" and "Sage"?Because of the posthumous posthumous law of the Qing Dynasty, the last four characters of the queen's posthumous name are "×天×圣", "天" stands for the first emperor, and "圣" stands for the successor emperor, indicating the empress's relationship with the first emperor and the successor emperor.For example, when Empress Xiaozhuang Wen was in Taizong, she "sponsored the internal affairs, the more years she has", and later assisted Emperor Shun and Emperor Kang.So the last four characters of her posthumous title are "Yitian Qisheng".The last four characters of Dong E's posthumous name are "Shi Hui Duan Jing", which is obviously inferior to the queen with the characters "Heaven" and "Sage", so Fulin feels guilty.

Emperor Shunzhi ordered all the princes down to the fourth-rank officials, princesses, and wives to come together and cry, and those who did not mourn were discussed. Fortunately, the empress dowager "resolved it with all her strength."

Qingzhi wanted to kill all [-] eunuchs and court ladies, "so as not to lack servants for the imperial concubine in other worlds", but was dissuaded later.

On August 17th in the 1660th year of Shunzhi ([-]), Concubine Dong E’s Zigong was moved from the imperial palace to Guande Hall in Jingshan for a temporary rest.In the Qing Dynasty, it was unique not only in the funerals of imperial concubines, but also in the funerals of emperors and empresses.

After Dong E's Ziguan moved to Jingshan, Fulin held a large-scale water and land dojo for her, with 108 monks chanting scriptures.All day long, cymbals blared, paper was burned for food, cigarettes burned, ashes of paper flew, and the sound of scriptures continued.On the "March 21th" day (the [-]st day), the body of Concubine Dong E was cremated together with Ziguan, and Xisen held the torch to hold the fire.After cremation, the ashes are put into "baogong" (urn).

According to the Qing system, the emperor usually used a red pen to approve memorials, and changed to a blue pen when there was a national funeral, and then used a red pen after 27 days.As for the funeral of Concubine Dong E, Fulin wrote the memorial with a blue pen for four months from August to December.

The soul of the confidante who doted on the harem returned to the west, leaving endless sorrow and memories for the infatuated emperor Fulin who didn't love the country and the beauties.In order to highlight Dong E's virtuous virtues, good words, and good deeds, Fulin ordered Jin Zhijun, a scholar of Fulin University, to write a biography of Dong E's family, and also ordered Hu Zhaolong and Wang Xi, a cabinet scholar, to compile Dong E's quotations.Fulin personally wrote the "Character of Empress Xiaoxian" with great affection, showing Dong E's beautiful words, good deeds, and virtues with a large number of specific examples. The content is very rich in four thousand words.

Fragrant Concubine: Qianlong was deeply in love with her
The majestic temple is surrounded by water corridors, and female companions visit Xiangniang one after another.

Expressing sincerity and weeping and holding the golden toad lock, praying secretly for unfulfilled wishes.

Zhong Lin's "Xiangfei Grand Bazaar" describes the scene of people worshiping in front of Xiangfei's tomb, highlighting the status of Xiangfei in people's minds.

Xiangfei was the concubine of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty. Her real name was Maimure Aizim, and she was a descendant of Huojia.Because she had a strong floral fragrance since she was a child, she was called "Ipalhan" (meaning "fragrant girl" in Uighur).There are different versions of the story about Concubine Xiang. If it is different from other versions, please forgive me.

The news of a "fragrant girl" in Huibu spread like wildfire, and finally reached the ears of Emperor Qianlong.The miraculous legend and vivid description aroused his great interest.Emperor Qianlong was a romantic emperor, and there were many beauties in the harem.However, the magic of "Xiang Girl" still made him distracted.However, Huibu is far away from the Central Plains, so it is not easy to get a woman from a foreign race into the palace.Moreover, there were many conflicts between the Hui Ministry and the Central Plains at that time, and the relationship was not harmonious.According to reliable information, the upper echelons of the Ministry of Hui showed signs of launching another rebellion. If a woman gave the rebels an excuse, wouldn't the people all over the world laugh at them?Thinking of this, Emperor Qianlong suppressed his yearning for "Xiang Girl" and concentrated on his own government affairs.

As the saying goes, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind does not stop.Just when Emperor Qianlong turned his energy from "Xiang Girl" to the government, the upper echelons of the Hui Ministry finally couldn't hold back and launched a rebellion to split the central government.Wherever the rebels went, they murdered and set fire, and committed all kinds of evil.Fire is an order.In the 23rd year of Qianlong (1758), the imperial court sent General Zhaohui to lead the army into Xinjiang to suppress the rebellion.Before leaving, Emperor Qianlong specially saw General Zhaohui off. In addition to instructing the counter-insurgency strategy, he secretly told him to pay special attention to "Xiang Girl".

One of the leaders of the rebellion was named Huo Jizhan, and at that time he was the small Hezhuomu of Islam in southern Xinjiang (Hezhuomu is a holy descendant and one of the leaders of Islam).He and his brothers Dahe Zhuomu instigated an armed rebellion.The well-known "Xiang Girl" is a favored concubine in the Huoji Palace.General Zhaohui led the army to defeat the rebels after a hard fight.Huo Jizhan took his princess "Xiang Girl" to hide everywhere.However, no matter how concealed they were, the Qing army could always find them.It turned out that it was the fragrance of "Xiang Girl" that exposed their whereabouts. "Xiang Girl" fell into the hands of the Qing army.

Two Qing army generals decided to take in Miss Xiang as their concubine when they saw that Miss Xiang was born with enchanting eyebrows, charming figure and strange fragrance.Two men, arguing over a woman so much that you won't let me and I won't let you, finally find General Zhaohui, and are going to let Zhaohui decide her final destination.

General Zhaohui was also amazed when he saw it.After learning that she is the famous "Xiang Girl" in Huibu, the emperor's instructions before leaving echoed in his mind again.He suppressed his desire, and said to the two subordinates: "Don't argue, you two, this woman has a strange fragrance on her body, she doesn't seem to be an ordinary person, you and I are mortals, and we don't deserve to enjoy such a fairy fruit. Such a rich man Only our emperor has such a blessing, I think we should honor her to our emperor, when the emperor is happy, are we afraid that there will be no benefits for us?" The two generals thought of the benefits in the future, so they stopped arguing , to agree.So Zhaohui sent people to escort "Xiang Girl" to Beijing.All the states and counties passed along the way were greeted and sent off with the etiquette of receiving imperial concubines.When Emperor Qianlong saw the person he was thinking about day and night, he was very excited and immediately declared her his concubine, so people also called "Xiang Girl" "Xiangfei".

In the eyes of Emperor Qianlong, the concubine Xiang is a visitor from heaven and an exotic treasure.The unique fragrance on her body is even more a miracle in the world.As the saying goes, it is better to see once than hear a hundred times.When she stood in front of her, she couldn't help but be moved by the emperor who was used to the beauty of the world.With the beauty of Tianshan Mountain and exotic style, she is graceful and graceful, like the snow lotus blooming on Tianshan Mountain, or like wild flowers blooming on the grassland, dignified, noble and charming.The fragrance that floats from her body is like the ripples on the calm sea, delicate and gentle; it is also like the pastoral songs on the vast grassland, high-spirited and long.The charming fragrance is stirring the heartstrings, beating desires, swaying in people's hearts, and attracting people's attention.When approaching, there will be a kind of fragrance in the nose, which is intoxicating; if you look carefully, you can only feel that it is charming and indescribable.

When Concubine Xiang professed that the sinners had seen her, and wished the emperor a long life without bounds, there was a melodious voice, like a yellow warbler, which could be heard.Emperor Qianlong stared at the beauty in front of him without blinking, but he was searching for words to describe her beauty in his mind.Emperor Qianlong knew that the standards of beauty were different in different dynasties. In the Han Dynasty, thinness was regarded as beautiful, while in Tang Dynasty, plumpness was regarded as beautiful, so there was a saying "Yan thin ring fat".Although Song Yu outlined an ideal image of a beautiful woman in "Deng Tuzi's Lustful Fu": "An increase by one point is too long, and a decrease by one point is too short; if the pine is too white, Shi Zhu is too red, and the eyebrows are like Emerald feathers, skin like white snow, waist like beams, and teeth like shellfish." But none of them mentioned the beauty's fragrance, which is a bit of a pity.How should I describe the beauty in front of me?Emperor Qianlong couldn't find any good words or sentences for a while, so he was meditating on himself.

Seeing that Emperor Qianlong had been silent for a long time, Concubine Xiang couldn't help raising her head to look at Emperor Qianlong, then quickly bowed her head and remained silent.This unintentional glance was even more seductive, and made the already confused Emperor Qianlong even more distracted.Emperor Qianlong couldn't help feeling very fond of her, and wished he could accompany her day and night, singing and dancing all night long.

However, although Concubine Xiang was forced to accept the title of "Concubine", she refused to obey Emperor Qianlong's call.

This fragrant concubine, who is as beautiful as peaches and plums and as beautiful as snow lotus, was as cold as ice to Emperor Qianlong and refused for thousands of miles.Concubine Xiang wanted to die, but the people who watched her left and right were close at hand, and there was no gap to take advantage of, so she could only wash her face with tears.Emperor Qianlong felt incomprehensible and annoyed at Concubine Xiang's disobedience. This was a problem he had never encountered since becoming emperor.According to the prestige of being an emperor, he really wanted to punish her severely, and then use his authority to achieve his goal.However, thinking about emotional matters, authority cannot be used, only influence can be relied on, so he suppressed his anger again.He originally had the magnanimity to cherish the beauty, but also wanted to use his charm to conquer a woman, so as to show the charm other than imperial power.Therefore, Emperor Qianlong decided to use his own investment to awaken a woman's inner emotions, because only the purpose achieved in that way can have taste and dignity.

Emperor Qianlong was deeply in love
In order to please the concubine Xiang, Emperor Qianlong decreed that the concubine Xiang could wear her national costume in the palace.In order to respect her ethnic customs, the palace specially equipped Hui chefs for her.In order to prevent her from feeling lonely in the future, Emperor Qianlong built a Baoyue Tower in Xiwan for her to live in.Emperor Qianlong also personally inscribed the name of the building.The name "Baoyue Tower" is intended to praise Xiangfei, comparing her to the fairy in the moon palace and Chang'e in the world.Inside the building, there is a meticulous painting of Huibu scenery; outside the building, a Hui community is built across Chang'an Street, named "Huiziying".A Muslim chapel and folk houses are built in the community for the Muslims living inside, and the houses all follow the wind.The maids and eunuchs serving in the building and other places all dress up like Muslims.Concubine Xiang stood upstairs and could see the "Huiziying" on the opposite side.Emperor Qianlong's move was to let Concubine Xiang look far away when she was lonely, so as to relieve her homesickness.

Emperor Qianlong loved to go to Baoyue Tower when he was free.In Baoyue Tower, Emperor Qianlong listened to Xiangfei playing the piano and watched Xiangfei dance.Sometimes, Emperor Qianlong himself also showed his talents, and when he smiled at Bo Xiangfei, he wanted Xiangfei to admire him in his heart.In the summer of the 25th year of Qianlong (1760), Emperor Qianlong visited Baoyue Tower in person again.This time, Emperor Qianlong became very popular with poetry, and wrote a poem: "The light boat can cover the shore, and the clothes are dyed with lotus fragrance to sit for a while. Yeyu, flower terrace, clouds and brocade are wrong, and Guanghan is like a fairyland at first sight."

This poem compares Chang'e to the concubine Xiang to show her good appearance.I wonder if Concubine Xiang understands the artistic conception?Another time, it was the New Year in the 28th year of Qianlong (1763). Emperor Qianlong came again in person and wrote a poem: "Dong Bing overlooks the North Marsh, and Spring Pavilion comes out of the South City. The treasure moon is recorded in the past, and the young year is welcome today. The screen text is new. Lu, the mirror image is bright. The scales live in Huibu, and Anxi is far away." Emperor Qianlong noted: "The building is close to the south wall of the imperial city. Outside the wall, West Chang'an Street, which belongs to the Hui people's house inside, is called '' Huiziying'. The newly built mosque is opposite to the building." Baoyue Tower condenses Emperor Qianlong's feelings for Xiangfei, and at the same time hopes that the scenery and customs of the Western Regions created can eliminate Xiangfei's longing for her hometown and her old friends. Nostalgia, so as to finally achieve the purpose of making it obedient.

Emperor Qianlong knew that Concubine Xiang loved to be clean, so she had to take a bath every day.Therefore, a Turkish-style bathroom was specially built for Xiangfei.When bathing, the room is steaming and fragrant.The maids who served her were all amazed at the beauty of Concubine Xiang: the big eyes like deep pools, the eyelashes are dizzy, bright and dazzling, the nose is handsome, the outline is very beautiful; A small dimple makes people drunk before drinking; red lips are small and full; neck is white and long, shoulders are round and upright, back is thick and flat, body is as white as jade, without hemorrhoids, ulcers, or sunspots; Countless thin braids of black hair hang down on the shiny shoulders and body like a waterfall; the figure is plump and slim.It's a pity that Emperor Qianlong hasn't seen all this yet!

Will Xiangfei appreciate this hard work?Concubine Xiang, who came from a foreign land, with the fierceness and wildness of the Western Regions, has a strong personality and vows to die against Emperor Qianlong.Concubine Xiang always hides a sharp knife, expressing her unyielding determination.The neighing of horses outside the building often made her desolate; the local accent outside the building often made her cry.Once, Concubine Xiang took out a shining knife from her sleeve, and said to her followers: "The country is destroyed and the family is destroyed. I will die for a long time, but I will never die like my sons and daughters. I will repay the old master with one." Everyone was shocked.

(End of this chapter)