The Biography of Imperial Noble Consort Dunsu

On the thirteenth day of the eighth month of the thirteenth year of the Yongzheng reign, as Yongzheng lay on his deathbed, he told Hongli, "There are a few things I need you to take care of..."

In the ninth year of the Qianlong reign, Prince Yong's residence was converted into Yonghe Temple, and five golden pagodas were installed in Suicheng Hall.

In the first year of the Tongzhi reign, a fire broke out at Yonghe Temple. Some of the stored items were rescued, including a copy of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra and a statue of Emperor Yongzheng from the central pagoda, as well as the Twelve Beauties painting album.

There are many theories about the identities of the women in the album.

A eunuch from Long'en Hall glanced at it and said, "Isn't this a portrait of Imperial Noble Consort Dunsu?"

Love after marriage

Unlike the familiar impression people have of the Yongzheng Dynasty, everything began with an arranged marriage made by Emperor Kangxi. In the forty-eighth year of the Kangxi reign, the third daughter of Nian Xialing was appointed as a secondary consort to Prince Yong.

Throughout the Kangxi reign, Yinzhen kept a low profile and bided his time. Having never experienced a succession struggle himself, Kangxi underestimated how fiercely his sons would compete for the throne. He allowed them to build up their own factions, while also expecting them to obey him and refrain from vying for the position of heir. Because Kangxi held an overly naive belief in family affection, even when his sons were fighting to the death, each carrying poison, they still had to pretend to be loving brothers. In such circumstances, a confidante with a deep appreciation for literature and shared interests was a rare treasure. Yinzhen's understanding flower was Nian Shi.

Intention: Emperors, too, have the ordinary human emotions and desires.