Concubine Xiang


Concubine Xiang, personal name Gao Zaiyi, was an imperial concubine of Emperor Kangxi of the Manchu-ruled Qing dynasty.

Life

Family background

Concubine Xiang's personal name was Zaiyi and her family, the Gao clan, belonged to the Plain [Blue Banner]. Her father was Gao Tingxiu, a calligrapher and painter.

Kangxi era

It is unknown when Lady Gao was born or when she entered the Forbidden City to become one of Emperor Kangxi wives.
At that times, the rules of the harem system were not established and many women didn't receive an imperial title even though they had children. Lady Gao was one of them. However, women who have given birth to sons for the emperor enjoyed a higher treatment than others. On 25 October 1702, Lady Gao gave birth to the 29th son of emperor, Yinji , who would died prematurely in March 1704. Again, on 30 March 1703, she gave birth to the 19th daughter who would also died young, at almost age of 2. Lastly, in 1706 on 1 September, she gave birth to Yunyi, the only of her children who survived to adulthood and was made a prince. Only Yunyi out of her children was honoured as a prince, ''Prince Jianjing of the Third Rank.''

Yongzheng era

died 20 December 1722 and succeed by his fourth son, Yinzhen, enthroned as Yongzheng Emperor. After becoming emperor, Yongzheng started to promote some of his father concubines who have given birth to sons. Lady Gao was honoured as Noble Lady. When Lady Gao was still a noble lady, she was called by others as The Beautiful Concubine.

Qianlong era

In 1736, Qianlong promoted fourth of his grandfather living consorts, who were staying in Ningshou Palace. Noble lady Gao was promoted to Concubine. In 1746, on 24 August, Concubine Gao passed away at Ningshou Palace. She was posthumously honoured by Qianlong as ''Concubine Xiang.''

Titles

As a Mistress :
  • Yinji , 29th son
  • 19th daughter 
  • Yunyi , Prince Jianjing of the Third Rank, 30th