The Biography of Imperial Noble Consort Wenxi

She was the only imperial consort in the Qing dynasty to receive a posthumous title twice. After her, Emperor Kangxi decreed that no imperial consort could be granted a posthumous title. Her full sister entered the palace and rose to become empress. Kangxi praised her as “a capable aide within the inner court.” When her sister died, she was already past the age for the palace selection, but an exception was made for her: “The younger sisters of high-ranking consorts may be exempted from the selection.” She bore a son and a daughter, and foreign envoys addressed her as empress. After her death, she was honored further. Even Emperor Yongzheng broke off wearing mourning for her. She was buried in the consorts' mausoleum, where grave robbers came to prey on her tomb. Among Kangxi's many consorts, she remains little known. If you'd like to learn about her, tap to open this story.