In the long history of Chinese feudal society, the supremacy of imperial power and the noble status of members of the imperial family have always been an important part of the social structure. However, not all members of the royal family enjoy the same honor and treatment, especially after their death, and the choice of burial site often reflects their status during their lifetime and the degree of respect they have after death. Among the many royal burial grounds, the burial place of the concubine of Emperor Yongzheng is particularly special, she was buried in the Su Mala Gu Garden near the Eastern Mausoleum of the Qing Dynasty, this phenomenon has attracted wide attention and discussion in the academic circles.
Emperor Yongzheng, as the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, ruled the Qing Dynasty under his rule with strong national power and clear politics, and his harem was equally complex. As the concubine of Emperor Yongzheng, the old nobleman's identity and burial place are obviously different from other concubines. According to the burial system of the Qing Dynasty, the emperor's concubines were generally buried near the emperor's mausoleum as a sign of respect. However, the old nobleman was buried in the Su Mala Gu Garden, which is inconsistent with the conventional burial system, and the reasons and meanings behind it are worth in-depth discussion.
In feudal Chinese society, the identity and status of members of the imperial family were often closely related to their burial place. As a special person in the period of Emperor Yongzheng, the identity and burial place of the old nobleman have become the focus of research and discussion among later scholars. There are three different theories about the identity of the old nobleman, each of which has its historical basis and academic value.
First of all, there is an opinion that the old nobleman was actually the concubine of Emperor Kangxi. In Emperor Kangxi's later years, she may not have been favored by Emperor Kangxi for some reason, so after Emperor Kangxi's death, her status was not significantly improved. However, after Emperor Yongzheng succeeded to the throne, out of respect for the concubines of the previous dynasty, he honored her as an old nobleman. One point of support for this statement is that during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, there was indeed a precedent of honoring the concubines of the previous dynasty, which reflects Emperor Yongzheng's care and respect for members of the imperial family.
Secondly, another view is that the old nobleman was Emperor Yongzheng's own concubine. According to historical records, the old nobleman did not serve Emperor Yongzheng, so her status was relatively low and she failed to meet the qualifications for burial in the imperial tomb. In feudal society, the status of harem concubines was often closely related to whether they were favored by the emperor. Because the old nobleman did not have a bed, she was not particularly favored by Emperor Yongzheng, which may be the direct reason why she was not buried in the imperial tomb.
Finally, the edict of the Yongzheng period provides us with a basis for the unserved concubines not to be buried in the imperial tomb. In an edict in the sixth year of Yongzheng, Emperor Yongzheng clearly pointed out that only nobles who had served the emperor were eligible to be buried in the imperial tomb, and those nobles who were only sealed with the seal and did not have a bed could not enjoy this honor. This edict not only reflects Emperor Yongzheng's strict requirements for the burial system, but also provides an important clue for us to understand the choice of burial place for the old noble.
Each of these three claims has its own plausibility, but there is also some controversy. For example, if the old nobleman was the concubine of Emperor Kangxi, then why was she honored during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng? Does the title of Emperor Yongzheng mean that she has other special contributions or backgrounds? On the other hand, if the old nobleman is the concubine of Emperor Yongzheng, then what is the reason why she did not go to bed? Is it related to her personal qualities or Emperor Yongzheng's personal preferences?
In addition, although Emperor Yongzheng's edict provides us with important information about the burial system, whether it is applicable to the situation of the old nobles still needs to be comprehensively analyzed in combination with other historical materials. For example, is the choice of burial place for the old nobleman also influenced by other factors, such as her family background, personal experience, etc.?
In short, the mystery of the identity of the old nobleman involves many aspects such as the burial system of the Qing Dynasty, the culture of imperial power, and the politics of the harem. Through the in-depth study of these complex factors, we can more comprehensively understand the identity and burial site choice of the old nobles, and then reveal the changes and characteristics of the status of the Qing royal family. This study not only helps us understand the history of the Qing Dynasty, but also provides a valuable perspective for us to understand the burial system and imperial culture of Chinese feudal society.
In the harem of the Qing Dynasty, the status and role of court maids were multifaceted, and they were not only participants in the daily life of the harem, but also part of the imperial culture. Among the many palace maids, the palace maids related to the old nobles are particularly eye-catching. According to the "Meat-eating Bottom Account in the Mother of the Woman in the Palace"14, in the seventh year of Yongzheng, there were five official women under the old nobleman, and this detail reveals her special status in the harem.
First of all, the number of official women directly reflects the status of concubines in the palace. In the harem system of the Qing Dynasty, the higher the status of the concubine, the greater the number of palace maids under them. There were five official women under the old nobleman, which was a relatively high number in the harem at that time, indicating that she enjoyed a certain status and influence in the harem. This status may be derived from her qualifications, background, or the special responsibilities she undertakes.
Secondly, the relationship between the old nobleman and the palace maid may go beyond the ordinary master-servant relationship. In feudal society, palace maids were not only attendants of concubines, but also their cronies and assistants. There were five ladies under the old nobleman, indicating that she probably had more court affairs to attend to, or that she needed the ladies to assist her in some special task. These women may have played an important role under her guidance and influence.
Moreover, the special status of the old nobleman may be related to her personal experience. According to historical records, the old nobleman was the nurse of Emperor Yongzheng, and this identity gave her a special meaning in the harem. Nurses often have a special status in the royal family, because they raised the prince and have a deep affection for the prince. As a nursing mother, the old nobleman may have received special care and respect from Emperor Yongzheng, which may also be one of the reasons why she can have more official women.
In addition, the relationship between the old nobleman and the court maid may also reflect the power structure and interpersonal relationships in the harem. In such a closed and complex environment as the harem, concubines need to consolidate their status and influence through various means. By establishing a good relationship with the palace maids, the old nobles may have formed their own forces and networks in the harem. This network of relationships not only helps her with her day-to-day affairs, but may also play a role in the power struggle in the harem.
Finally, the relationship between the old nobleman and the palace maid also reflects the culture and values of the harem of the Qing Dynasty. In feudal society, loyalty and obedience were important values. The old nobleman was able to have five official women, which showed that she was loyal and respected by the palace ladies. This loyalty and respect is based not only on her status and power, but also on her personal qualities and persona.
To sum up, the relationship between the old nobles and the palace maids is a complex and multidimensional issue, which involves many aspects such as the hierarchy, power structure, interpersonal relationships, and cultural values of the Qing Dynasty's harem. Through in-depth research on this issue, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of the social structure and cultural characteristics of the Qing Dynasty's harem, and then reveal the status and role of women in feudal society. This research not only helps us understand history, but also provides us with a valuable perspective on traditional culture.
In feudal Chinese society, there were various female roles in the harem, among which Mama was a special and important existence. Not only were they nurses who cared for the children of the royal family, but they were sometimes appreciated and rewarded by the emperor for their special contributions. The story of the old nobleman is a typical representative of this phenomenon.
The twists and turns of Jiaqing's twenty-five years and the "Daoguang Dynasty Record" 2221 unveiled the mystery of the identity of the old nobleman for us. According to these historical records, the old nobleman was not born in a prominent aristocratic family, nor was she favored by Emperor Yongzheng, but she was specially named a nobleman by Emperor Yongzheng because of her meritorious service in taking care of and Prince Hongday. This title is not only a recognition of her work, but also an affirmation of her personal character. In the harem of the time, such an honor was extremely rare.
However, the choice of the burial place of the old nobleman raises questions. She was eventually buried in Aunt Sumala's Garden, which does not seem to match her identity. Su Malagu is a famous palace maid in the Qing Dynasty, although her status is special, but after all, she is a palace maid. And the old nobleman, as a nobleman who was personally enshrined by Emperor Yongzheng, deserves to enjoy higher honor. But in fact, the size and name of her tomb show signs of being more noble than that of Su Malagu, which is not clearly explained in historical materials and has become a historical doubt.
The mystery of the old nobleman's burial place may be related to her special identity and contributions. As the nurse of Prince Hongday, she has a place in the heart of Emperor Yongzheng. As the son of Emperor Yongzheng, Hongday's companionship and care of the old nobles are undoubtedly indispensable in his growth. Therefore, Emperor Yongzheng may have given her the title of nobleman out of love for his son and gratitude for the old nobleman's hard work for many years, and gave her a certain honor on the burial ground.
In addition, the choice of burial place for the old nobles may also be related to the political environment and social atmosphere at the time. In feudal society, the imperial power was supreme, and the emperor's will was the supreme law. Emperor Yongzheng's decision may have been influenced by the political struggles of the time, or out of consideration for the stability of the harem. The arrangement of the burial place of the old nobleman may have been a decision made by Emperor Yongzheng after weighing various factors.
However, whatever the reasons behind the old nobleman's choice of burial site, her story provides us with a window into the culture of the Qing Dynasty's harem. Her experience teaches us that even in a hierarchical harem, an individual's contributions and virtues can be recognized and respected. The story of the old nobleman is a reflection on the status and role of women in feudal society, and it is also a challenge to traditional values.
Through the in-depth study of the identity and burial place of the old nobles, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of the burial system, imperial culture, and harem politics of the Qing Dynasty. This study not only helps us understand the history of the Qing Dynasty, but also provides a valuable perspective for us to understand the burial system and imperial culture of Chinese feudal society. With the excavation of more historical materials and the innovation of research methods, it is believed that the mystery of the identity of the old nobleman will eventually be solved.