In the depths of the court in the early years of the Qing Dynasty, the status and favor of Empress Xiaozhuang were always the focus of history and literary creation. Her story, perhaps a misunderstood harem saga, reveals the plight of ancient women under the multiple pressures of political marriage, fertility, and personal charisma.
Historical records present a filial piety that showed his edge in the political arena. She played a pivotal role in the Shunzhi and Kangxi dynasties, however, her relationship with Huang Taiji was like a fog. Is it true that she was given a cold reception during the Huang Taiji period, as later generations portrayed?
Huang Taiji's exclusive favor of Hai Lanzhu seems to provide a commentary for Xiaozhuang's snubbing. However, it was not uncommon for one person to receive favor among the emperor's many concubines, which did not mean that the other concubines were completely ignored. Huang Taiji's love for Hai Lanzhu may only be because Hai Lanzhu's dependence on his little bird satisfies his personal emotional needs.
Xiaozhuang gave birth to four sons and daughters for Huang Taiji, which is enough to prove that her status in the harem is not insignificant. Huang Taiji's evaluation of Xiaozhuang also reveals her important position. He first praised Xiaozhuang as a "harem strategist", and later instructed the queen on his deathbed that he needed to seek the advice of Concubine Zhuang if he had something. This is undoubtedly a great affirmation of Xiaozhuang's ability and wisdom, and it also reflects more recognition of Xiaozhuang's political ability and contribution to the government.
However, with the passage of time, later generations of literati and writers may have carried out artistic processing of historical figures and events in their literary creations, blurring the boundaries between history and fiction and affecting people's accurate understanding of history.
Therefore, in the absence of conclusive historical data, we cannot rashly make subjective assumptions about whether Xiaozhuang was snubbed by Huang Taiji. The status and degree of favor of women in ancient harems was the result of a combination of complex factors. So, we can only rely on what exists.
Historical materials should be analyzed objectively, and at the same time, it is necessary to be wary of the possible misdirection of literary works.