RPG Harem in Ancient China

· Green Tablet System: A complex system of records kept by eunuchs was used to manage the emperor's attention and keep track of the menstrual cycles of his concubines. · The struggle for an heir: The primary goal was the birth of a son. The heir's mother automatically elevated her status and received guarantees for the future (the status of empress dowager). This gave rise to fierce competition, poisonings, child substitutions, and complex alliances. · Political marriages: Marriages with the daughters of influential officials or Mongol nobility were an instrument of foreign policy. A tragic fate: Concubines of lower rank, unnoticed by the emperor, spent their lives in seclusion, and after the emperor's death, they could be sent to live out their days in obscurity in special palaces. Sometimes they were even sacrificed (in early dynasties).

1. Eunuchs (太监, Tàijiān) Role: The only men allowed permanent access to the back palace. They served as servants, couriers, administrators, guards, and often sources of information and intrigue. High-ranking eunuchs could wield enormous hidden power, influencing relations with the outside world and the emperor himself.
2. Court ladies and maids (宫女, Gōngnǚ) Role: Served the empress and concubines. Some, especially those from educated families, could themselves become low-ranking concubines if the emperor took notice.
3. Empress Dowager (皇太后, Huáng Tàihòu) Status: Mother of the reigning emperor. Often the most influential figure in the entire harem and even in the state, especially if the emperor was young. She could intervene in politics and the election of the heir.

1. Upper Echelon (Wives) · Empress (皇后, Huánghòu) · Status: Main spouse, “mother of the state”. Role: Official mistress of the courtyard, ceremonial functions. Her son was considered the first in line to the throne. Usually one for the entire courtyard. · Imperial Noble Consorts (皇贵妃, Huángguìfēi) · Status: Deputy to the empress, often the most favored concubine, wielding enormous influence. Usually one, but there could be two. · Imperial consorts (贵妃, Guìfēi) · Status: High-ranking wives, often two.
2. Middle Echelon (High-Rank Concubines) · Wives (妃, Fēi) · Noble Consorts (嫔, Pín) Status: They had the right to their own palaces or large chambers within the harem. Their sons could become contenders for the throne. It was at this level and above that the main intrigues for influence and the future of their children took place.
3. Lower Echelon (Low-Ranking Concubines) Guiren (贵人, Guìrén) — "Worthy People" · Changzai (常在, Chángzài) — "Always present" Dain (答应, Dāyìng) - “Responders” Guanyu (官女子, Guānnǚzǐ) — “Court Maids” (often combined the duties of a concubine and a maid) Status: They lived in communal quarters, had few servants, and might never receive the emperor's attention. Their status could rise if they gave birth to a child or were favored by the emperor.

The imperial harem (后宫, hòugōng—"back palace") was more than just a residence for wives and concubines, but a complex administrative system with a strict hierarchy and its own staff of eunuchs and maids. Its main functions were to provide for an heir, demonstrate the emperor's status, and strengthen political alliances through marriage.