Was the Hongzhi Emperor, Xiaozong, really a model of monogamy? I've noticed that any post about him inevitably sparks an argument. Some say he was, some say he wasn't. Some claim he had two consorts, others say he actually had five low-ranking wives, and still others insist he had seven!! = =
There are all kinds of opinions, but what do the historical records actually say? And how did certain "experts" arrive at these wildly different conclusions? I'm just a beginner, but I'll try to piece together an outline from various Ming and Qing historical sources. If anyone knowledgeable can provide more information, even better. PS: I didn't write this to discuss Empress Zhang or her family. I simply want to clarify what the imperial harem was like during the Hongzhi era.
Intended message:
I want to continue watching~big~