Empress Xiaochengren


Empress Xiaochengren, of the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner Hešeri clan, was a consort of the Kangxi Emperor.

Life

Family background

Empress Xiaochengren's personal name was not recorded in history.
Lady Hešeri's grandfather, Sonin, served as one of the Four Regents of the Kangxi Emperor, and held the title of first class duke. Her father, Gabula, served as a military general and also held a title of duke. One of her aunt married with the grandson of Nurhaci, Yolo, Prince of the first rank ; another aunt married with the grandson of Nurhaci, the son of Dodo, Cani, Prince of the third rank.

Shunzhi era

The future Empress Xiaochengren was born on the 17th day of the 12th lunar month in the tenth year of the reign of the Shunzhi Emperor, which translates to 3 February 1654 in the Gregorian calendar.

Kangxi era

In October or November 1665, Lady Hešeri married the Kangxi Emperor and became his Empress because her powerful family could help the emperor on his rules. Although it was a purely political marriage, the Kangxi Emperor was very fond of the Empress. On 4 January 1670, she gave birth to a son, Chenghu, who would die prematurely on 3 March 1672. The death of Prince Chenghu hit Lady Hešeri very much, and she became very sick. The Emperor who was staying in Chicheng heard that Lady Hešeri was seriously ill, and he set off for Beijing immediately to take care of Lady Hešeri. After Lady Hešeri recovered, she became pregnant again.
Lady Hešeri died on 6 June 1674 shortly after giving birth to the emperor's second son, Yunreng. The emperor was extremely sad about Lady Hešeri's death, so he made her son the Crown Prince. After her death, the Kangxi Emperor left the position of Empress vacant for about three years before instating one of his consorts, Lady Niohuru, as Empress, on 18 September 1677.

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