In the history of the Qing dynasty’s imperial harem, many concubines faced demotions, but very few were reduced to the status of a maid. One notable exception was Mân Quý phi, a concubine of Emperor Hàm Phong. Remarkably, after her demotion, Mân Quý phi managed to turn her fortunes around and was later re-elevated, becoming a unique figure in the Qing court.

Born into a humble family in the 18th year of the Đạo Quang reign, Từ Giai thị, originally a member of the Bao clan from the Chính Hoàng kỳ, had a father named Thành Ý, who held a minor official position.

The favored concubine who lived through four Qing emperors. Illustration.

Từ Giai thị’s background was rather ordinary, which diminished her chances of rising to a higher status. However, her beauty became her greatest asset, allowing her to change her fate.

Thanks to the emperor’s favor, she was promoted to Mân Quý nhân in the fourth year of Hàm Phong’s reign. Unfortunately, in the fifth year, she was demoted to Thường tại for reasons unknown. Less than a month later, the emperor ordered her to be further demoted to Quan nữ tử.

The edict stated that Từ Giai thị had mistreated the maids and had inappropriate relations with a eunuch, both serious offenses in the imperial court. Perhaps out of frustration from her demotion, Từ Giai thị vented her anger on the palace maids, committing a grave sin.

Within a few months, Từ Giai thị went from a high-ranking concubine to a servant, feeling immense humiliation and crying day after day. She understood that the chance of regaining the emperor’s favor was slim, yet despite the odds, she sought every opportunity.

Illustration.

In the sixth year of Hàm Phong’s reign, she was restored to the position of Thường tại. By the eighth year, she gave birth to a son for the emperor, but sadly, the child died young. To comfort her, the emperor promoted her to the rank of Mân phi.

After Emperor Hàm Phong’s death in the eleventh year, Emperor Đồng Trị took over the reins of the court. That same year, Từ Giai thị was further promoted to Hoàng khảo Mân phi and later became Hoàng khảo Mân Quý phi in the thirteenth year of Đồng Trị. She passed away in the sixteenth year of Quang Tự, at the age of 56.

This journey shows that after two demotions, Từ Giai thị became more adept at navigating court life, ultimately regaining favor and giving birth to a prince.

Following Emperor Hàm Phong’s death, Từ Giai thị lived peacefully in the harem until the reign of Emperor Quang Tự, even attaining the title of Quý phi. This is indeed a rare occurrence in the Qing dynasty.