Empire of Nine Heavens - Evolution of the Chinese Imperial Harem System

Author: Zhu Ziyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The entire feudal society is a complex unity. Contemporary historians have conducted in-depth research on the entire large system and its subsystems, but there has been relatively little systematic study on the court, which occupies a very important position in the feudal society. The purpose of my research on this topic is to address this gap, hoping to further deepen the understanding of feudal monarchy and accordingly summarize the impact of palace politics on the rise and fall of feudal dynasties, as well as relevant historical lessons. Additionally, since the Xinhai Revolution, there have been many erroneous rumors, novels, films, dramas, and TV shows about court etiquette, concubines, and the titles of palace personnel. It is also necessary to correct the record through the study of the palace system and provide people with accurate historical knowledge. Through the publication of this book, I hope to contribute to the research on ancient Chinese court political systems by filling in the gaps and enriching the existing knowledge. – Zhu Ziyan
This book follows the principle of focusing on the recent and being brief about the distant, using abundant and detailed materials and fluent, vivid language to discuss the operation and evolution of the Chinese palace system. It systematically examines and analyzes the palace system from the Three Dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties, spanning over four thousand years. The content covers the selection and establishment of empresses in each dynasty, the criteria for the emperor's marriage, the titles, ranks, and salaries of concubines, the establishment of female officials, and the functions of palace management institutions. It also includes the daily rituals of the palace, such as transportation, ceremonial processions, and dietary customs, as well as the rituals of marriage, enthronement, funeral, and posthumous titles. Furthermore, it provides a thorough discussion of the origins and fates of concubines and palace maids, the mysterious and intricate behind-the-scenes politics within the palace, and the struggles for favor and power among them. The content nearly covers all major issues in the emperor's palace.
The author recognizes and grasps the essence and development patterns of the palace system from the perspective of the history of ancient Chinese political institutions and the characteristics of imperial power politics. By closely linking the palace system with the monarchical autocratic regime of family and state integration, the author hopes to summarize the impact of palace politics on the rise and fall of feudal dynasties, thereby inspiring readers to approach "court culture" with more rational consideration.