Empire of Nine Heavens (Evolution of the Chinese Imperial Harem System)

Author: Zhu Ziyan
Publisher:
Publishing 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 few scholars have conducted systematic studies on the court, which occupies a very important position in the feudal society. The purpose of my research on this topic is to make up for this lack and to further deepen the understanding of feudal monarchy through research. Correspondingly, it aims to summarize the impact of palace politics on the rise and fall of feudal dynasties and to draw relevant historical lessons. Additionally, since the Xinhai Revolution, there have been many erroneous rumors, novels, films, dramas, and TV programs 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, it is hoped that it can play a role in supplementing and filling gaps in the study of ancient Chinese court political systems. — 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 emperors' marriages, the titles, ranks, and salaries of concubines, the establishment of female officials, and the functions of palace management institutions. It also includes the daily life rituals of the palace, such as transportation, ceremonial vehicles, and dietary customs, as well as rituals related to marriage, enthronement, funerals, 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 emperors' palaces.
The author recognizes and grasps the essence and development patterns of the palace system from the perspective of the history of ancient Chinese political systems and the characteristics of imperial power politics. It closely links the palace system with the monarchical autocratic regime of integrating the family and the state for analysis, hoping to summarize the impact of palace politics on the rise and fall of feudal dynasties. Thus, it aims to inspire readers to make more rational considerations when engaging with "court culture."