[Qing Dynasty Culture] The Hierarchy of the Qing Dynasty's Inner Palace
The three palaces and six courtyards of the Qing Dynasty were also divided by rank, with the Empress at the top and palace maids at the bottom. Specifically:
- Empress (Principal Wife) x 1 (can be allocated 10 palace maids)
- Imperial Noble Consort (Senior Concubine) x 1 (can be allocated 8 palace maids)
- Noble Consort (Second Concubine) x 2 (can be allocated 8 palace maids each)
- Consort (Third Concubine) x 4 (can be allocated 6 palace maids each)
- Junior Consort (Fourth Concubine) x 6 (can be allocated 6 palace maids each)
- Honored Lady (Fifth Concubine) x Unlimited (can be allocated 4 palace maids each)
- Regular Lady (Sixth Concubine) x Unlimited (can be allocated 3 palace maids each)
- Selected Lady (Seventh Concubine) x Unlimited (can be allocated 2 palace maids each)
- Palace Maid (Maid Servant) x Fewer than 2000 people
Palace maids who catch the Emperor’s eye can gradually rise from a Selected Lady to a Regular Lady and beyond. Chosen beauties (selected during the imperial selection process) could start as an Honored Lady or higher. Empress Dowager Cixi was initially chosen as a beauty and titled Noble Consort Yi, then Consort Yi. After giving birth to a prince, she was promoted to Noble Consort Yi and Noble Consort Yi, and finally became Empress Dowager after her son ascended the throne.
In terms of living arrangements, those ranked as Junior Consort and above were assigned to the twelve eastern and western palaces, each having their own quarters. Those ranked below Honored Lady lived together.