There was no market in the palace for buying and selling, yet the consorts of the Qing Dynasty spent a significant amount of money each month. Where did they spend it?
The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in Chinese history, lasting nearly 300 years and reaching its peak during the “Kang – Qian Prosperity” under the reign of three great emperors: Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. In fact, many period dramas have been made about this dynasty.
The emperors of the Qing Dynasty had numerous consorts in their harem. During this period, the hierarchy within the harem was clearly defined, with specific numbers allotted for empresses, consorts, and other ranks.
Accordingly, in the Qing harem, there could only be one empress, one imperial noble consort, two noble consorts, four consorts, and six lower-ranking concubines. When a consort died or made a mistake that led to demotion, others could be promoted to replace them. Additionally, lower ranks such as noble persons, regular attendants, and maids typically did not have specific limits on their numbers.
The Qing harem had regulations allowing only one empress.
During the Qing era, consorts were categorized into different ranks, and there were also standards for promotion within the palace. If a consort bore a prince, this could be a significant “achievement” that the emperor would consider for promotion. Moreover, the status of the consort’s family also influenced their prospects for advancement in the harem.
The beauties in the Qing harem were mostly selected from the descendants of the Eight Banners Manchu, aged 13 to 17. Additionally, Han and Mongolian girls were also chosen to enter the palace. Being selected for the palace was challenging, but advancing in a place filled with beautiful women from significant families was even more difficult.
Consorts in the palace were carefully chosen. They were all beautiful and mostly came from prominent families.
The different ranks of consorts in the Qing harem also determined their income levels, dietary standards, number of servants, and living conditions, which varied greatly.
For instance, regarding basic income, the empress received about 1,000 taels of silver each year, while the imperial noble consort received 800 taels. Each noble consort received 600 taels, the consorts received 300 taels, and the lower concubines received 200 taels. Noble persons received 100 taels, regular attendants received 50 taels, and finally, the maids received 30 taels annually.
Of course, the above amounts are just the basic income for the consorts. Their income was not fixed. During major festivals, birthdays of the consorts, or when a consort gave birth to a prince, the emperor would grant additional bonuses to these beauties. The amount of the bonus depended on the emperor’s mood.
With this money, along with bonuses and stipends, the consorts’ incomes seemed substantial, but they had to spend a lot. In reality, there were no markets in the palace. So, where did the consorts spend their money if they were not allowed to leave the palace?
Where did the consorts in the palace spend their money?
According to historical records, the stipends and money granted by the emperor were used by the consorts for their daily needs.
First, investing in clothing and beauty.
Investing in clothing is a way for consorts to impress the emperor.
The most important aspect of daily life for the consorts was waiting for the emperor’s favor. Naturally, to catch the emperor’s attention, these beauties always had to dress beautifully and pay attention to their appearance.
In practice, even though they were provided with clothing and jewelry according to their ranks, not every consort was satisfied with these items. To impress the emperor, the consorts would choose or commission themselves extravagant and eye-catching outfits.
At that time, although there were not many major fashion brands or cosmetic companies, there were still high-quality goods available. Consorts could spend money to have garments made from the finest fabrics given by the emperor. Additionally, they could also spend money hiring artisans to craft their jewelry or create cosmetics from rare ingredients. Clearly, from purchasing materials to hiring people to make them, money was essential.
Second, spending money on eunuchs and palace maids for information.
The power struggle in the harem is not easy. Therefore, consorts often had to spend a lot to bribe servants and gather information.
Besides investing in beauty and lavish clothing, the consorts in the Qing harem also had to spend considerable amounts on bribing palace maids and eunuchs.
These beauties frequently sent eunuchs or palace maids to inquire about the emperor’s news to find ways to get closer to him. Particularly, they had to “spend” a lot to bribe the emperor’s close eunuchs to increase their chances of gaining favor. These eunuchs might say good things about that consort in front of the emperor at the right moment.
Consorts also tried to spend substantial amounts to win over high-ranking officials in the court to establish a solid backing in the competition for power in the harem and assist their families in solidifying their status.
Third, spending money to buy items not available in the palace.
Consorts purchasing items from outside is also a way to attract the emperor’s attention.
Some consorts in the harem even spent money monthly on eunuchs and palace maids to acquire items not available in the palace for entertainment purposes. Although items were periodically allocated to consorts according to their rank, not everything was available.
Life in the palace could also be quite monotonous with many rules, so some beauties sought new objects from the outside world to relieve their stress. At the same time, these items could also attract the attention of the emperor.
Finally, spending a lot to reward eunuchs and palace maids.
The life of consorts in the Qing harem was not as simple and easy as often portrayed in films. In reality, the costs they incurred each month were quite high.
For example, rewarding eunuchs and palace maids during festivals and holidays was very expensive. If the consorts awarded too little money, they would be seen as stingy, leading those servants to work less diligently and faithfully. Conversely, if they rewarded too much, it would leave the beauties struggling since living in the palace required significant expenditures.
Moreover, during festivals, holidays, or the birthdays of key figures in the harem such as the empress dowager, empress, and especially the emperor, consorts also had to spend a lot to prepare luxurious gifts to increase their chances of advancement.
