Ancient Women's Advancement Order

Answer 1

The order of promotion for ancient women in different dynasties was different. Take the Han Dynasty and Sui and Tang Dynasties as an example:

** 1. Han Dynasty **
1. ** From a lowly concubine to a beauty **
- The imperial concubines of the Western Han Dynasty were divided into 14 ranks, of which there were 11 ranks of Ji, and the 14th rank was Wujuan, Gonghe, Liangshi, etc. The status of these low-ranking Ji was similar to that of the palace maids, or even lower. The highest level of Ji was Hua. If she was not favored by the emperor, the highest level of a woman who was born as a palace maid could be promoted to Hua. When she reached a certain age, she might be sent to serve as a female official.
2. ** Upgraded to Madam Series (equivalent to Concubine of the Descendants)**
- If the emperor favored her, the palace maid could be promoted to the madam series. Madam had three levels, and it was extremely difficult to advance.
3. ** Promotion from a beautiful woman to a beautiful woman **
- A 'E' was the lowest rank with the title of 'Furen.' At this rank, one could obtain the management rights of a palace in the rear palace and be served by palace maids and eunuchs. The unfavored Heng'e could only be promoted to Jieyu if she was pregnant with a dragon fetus. If she was not loved by the emperor, her final position might be Jieyu, and she could not be promoted any further. Furthermore, there was a limit to the number of Jie Yu. An Emperor could only have a few Jie Yu. Promotion required the discussion of the officials and the joint decision of the Emperor, Empress, and others.
4. ** Promotion from Jie Yu to Zhaoyi **
- It was very difficult for Jie Yu to advance to Zhaoyi. In the ancient Han Dynasty, the most favored wife of the emperor was at most Jieyu. An emperor could only set up three Zhaoyi at most. Zhaoyi had to be born in a famous family and be unanimously approved by the ministers in the court before they could take up the post. It was not possible for the emperor to be promoted with a word. Only the descendants of famous families who had the support of courtiers, good looks and conduct, or the emperor and empress who could make the empress feel at ease could be promoted to Zhaoyi. Moreover, many descendants of famous families could be promoted to Zhaoyi, and very few Jieyu could be promoted to Zhaoyi through their own efforts. Once the Empress died of illness, one of the Zhaoyi would be promoted to Empress.

** II. Sui and Tang Dynasties **
1. ** Promoted from an ordinary beauty to a fourth-grade concubine (imperial wife)**
- The imperial concubines of the Sui Dynasty were divided into four levels, with a total of less than 120 people. Among the many beauties in the imperial harem, only 100 or so could be ranked as imperial concubines. During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the fourth-class concubines were collectively known as imperial wives. Their titles were divided into Baolin, Yunu, and Cainu. There were a total of 81 concubines, with 27 each. Becoming a fourth-grade concubine could enjoy the management of a small courtyard-like palace.
2. ** Promoted from a fourth rank concubine to a third rank concubine **
- The third-class concubines were divided into three ranks, with a total of 27 people. The highest level of Jieyu could manage the third-class and fourth-class concubines. Jieyu accounted for nearly half, and beauties and talents accounted for the other half. It was a very lucky thing for an unfavored concubine to reach the status of a Jie Yu.
3. ** Promotion from a concubine to a concubine **
- There were nine concubines, namely Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, Xiuyuan, Chongyi, Chongrong, and Chongyuan. These seats were mostly prepared for the daughters of the aristocratic families. Although the position of concubine was high, sometimes the actual power was not as high as that of a noble woman.
4. ** Promoted from Concubine to Four Concubines (Concubine, Concubine Shu, Concubine De, Concubine Xian of the Tang Dynasty)**
- It was extremely difficult. Either the family was very powerful or the emperor liked them very much. The women who could become the fourth imperial concubine were one of the most powerful women in the world. Among them, the imperial concubine had the highest status, second only to the empress. Sometimes, the imperial concubine's status was even higher than the empress.

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