For fans of Chinese palace drama films, the Forbidden City (now known as the Palace Museum) is a familiar name. Among the numerous palaces within this colossal architectural complex, one stands out as the most infamous, known as the “dark place” of the Palace Museum: the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Kôn Ninh Cung).
This palace is historically linked to the deaths of 28 empresses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. By the time of the Yongzheng Emperor, no one resided in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility anymore. What is the truth behind this?
The Palace of Compassion and Tranquility was originally designated as the living quarters for empresses. However, it was occasionally used for sacrificial ceremonies. The offerings for each ceremony typically included two pig heads. Due to these religious practices, the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility gradually became regarded as an “unclean” place by many in the palace.
View of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. (Photo: Baidu)
The most well-known rumor about the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility is that it is the “death ground” of many empresses. Without discussing those who died of illness here, if we only consider the empresses who “chose” the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility to end their lives, we can mention: one empress of the Chongzhen Emperor (Ming dynasty), two empresses of Nurhaci (the founder of the Qing dynasty), and two empresses of the Kangxi Emperor (Qing dynasty).
By the time of Yongzheng, the palace officially became uninhabited. However, the reason for this was not that the palace residents feared the misfortune associated with this palace, but rather due to another reason.
The Real Reason
The true reason the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility became deserted is related to the Summer Palace (a complex of palaces and gardens belonging to the Qing dynasty, located about 8 km from the Forbidden City in Beijing).
When Yongzheng ascended the throne, he ordered the concubines in the imperial harem to move to the Summer Palace to provide them with better and more comfortable living conditions. Following this decision, the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, along with the palaces of other concubines, became empty.
Inside the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. (Photo: Baidu)
Thus, the abandonment of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility was not due to fears among the palace residents about the rumors that it was the “death ground” of empresses. The real reason lies in the decisions made during the Yongzheng era.
The Palace of Compassion and Tranquility has witnessed two dynasties, the Ming and Qing, and countless historical events. Therefore, when any strange or inexplicable phenomena occur regarding this place or any palace within the Forbidden City, it is inevitable that future generations will seek answers through some mysterious rumors to satisfy their curiosity.
