#heinery

CENTRAL HALLS

➺ HALL OF SUPREME HARMONY (TAIHE DIAN; 太和殿, TÀIHÉDIÀN)Think of this as the “stage of ultimate power”—the largest and most important building in the Forbidden City. It was where emperors hosted grand ceremonies like enthronements, royal weddings, and state celebrations. Its golden throne and dragon carvings radiated authority, reminding everyone of the emperor’s divine rule.

➺ HALL OF CENTRAL HARMONY (ZHONGHE DIAN; 中和殿 ZHŌNGHÉDIÀN)This smaller hall acted as the “emperor’s green room”—a place for the emperor to prepare and rehearse before major ceremonies. It gave him a quiet space to rest, finalize rituals, and mentally prepare to face the grandeur of the court.

➺ HALL OF PRESERVING HARMONY (BAOHE DIAN; 保和殿 BǍOHÉDIÀN)Known as the “hall of final tests,” this space was where imperial banquets were held and the top-ranking scholars competed in the last stage of the civil service exams. It symbolized the bridge between talent and power, as successful candidates earned coveted roles in the empire.

RESIDENCES OF THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS

➺ PALACE OF HEAVENLY PURITY (QIANQING GONG; 乾清宫 QIÁNQĪNGGŌNG) – The Emperor’s ResidenceImagine this as the “emperor’s headquarters.” Early in the Qing Dynasty, this was the emperor’s living space, but later it became a formal area for state affairs and meetings. Its ornate design reflected the emperor’s central role in ruling the empire.

➺ HALL OF UNION AND PEACE (JIAOTAI DIAN; 交泰殿 JIĀOTÀIDIÀN)Acting as a “symbol of balance,” this hall linked the emperor’s and empress’s residences, representing harmony between yin and yang. It also housed the imperial seals, tools of state authority, symbolizing unity in governance.

➺ PALACE OF EARTHLY TRANQUILITY (KUNNING GONG; 坤宁宫 KŪNNÍNGGŌNG) – The Empress’s ResidenceKnown as the “empress’s haven,” this palace served as the residence for the empress and a site for significant ceremonies like imperial weddings. Its name reflects her role in maintaining harmony and fertility within the imperial household.➺ IMPERIAL GARDEN (御花园 YÙHUĀYUÁN)This lush garden was the “royal family’s retreat.” Pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees offered the emperor, empress, and consorts a serene escape from court life. It showcased traditional Chinese landscaping, blending art and nature into perfect harmony.

SIX WESTERN PALACES (西六宫, XĪLIÙGŌNG)

➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL LONGEVITY (YONGSHOU GONG; 永寿宫 YǑNGSHÒUGŌNG): This palace housed senior concubines or favored women, such as Imperial Noble Consorts or high-ranking Consorts. It is known for its richly decorated interiors, symbolizing the high rank of its inhabitants and reflecting the emperor’s wish for a long and prosperous life.

➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL SPRING (CHANGCHUN GONG;长春宫 CHÁNGCHŪNGŌNG): Home to Imperial Noble Consorts or highly ranked Noble Consorts, this palace is distinguished by its elegant and understated design, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. It represented the emperor’s favor and the well-being of the imperial family.

➺ PALACE OF GATHERING ELEGANCE (CHUXIU GONG;储秀宫 CHǓXIÙGŌNG): Once the residence of Empress Dowager Cixi, this palace is famous for its lavish decorations, including silk panels and intricate carvings. It was home to Imperial Noble Consorts and Noble Consorts, reflecting both opulence and historical significance.

➺ PALACE OF UNIVERSAL HAPPINESS (XIANFU GONG; 咸福宫 XIÁNFÚGŌNG): This tranquil residence was for Consorts and Imperial Concubines, offering serene gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. Its name symbolizes happiness and harmony within the imperial household, providing a retreat from the tensions of court life.

➺ PALACE OF MANIFEST BENEVOLENCE (YONGHE GONG; 咸福宫 XIÁNFÚGŌNG): A modestly decorated palace, it housed lower-ranking Concubines or Noble Consorts. It was less prominent than other western palaces but still offered a residence for women with less political influence in the imperial harem.➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL HARMONY (YONGHE GONG; 永和宫 YǑNGHÉGŌNG): Designed as a peaceful space for Concubines seeking quiet contemplation, this palace offered a retreat for reflection. It was a place for introspection and spiritual solace, away from the bustle of court politics.

SIX EASTERN PALACES (东六宫, DŌNGLIÙGŌNG)

➺ PALACE OF GREAT BENEVOLENCE (JINGREN GONG; 景仁宫 JǏNGRÉN​GŌNG): This palace housed the Empress Dowager or other influential women in the court, such as the emperor’s mother or heirs. Its decorations, symbolizing benevolence and virtue, emphasized the maternal authority and moral influence of its residents. ➺ PALACE OF CELESTIAL FAVOR (CHENGQIAN GONG; 承乾宫 CHÉNGQIÁNGŌNG): Reserved for Imperial Noble Consorts, Consorts, or Imperial Concubines who had borne the emperor’s children, this palace is known for its ornate design, reflecting the high status of its residents and the emperor’s favor toward them. ➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL HARMONY (YONGHE GONG; 永和宫 YǑNGHÉGŌNG): Similar to its western counterpart, this palace housed Noble Consorts or Concubines with a quieter role in the court. Featuring serene gardens and courtyards, it offered a peaceful retreat for personal reflection. ➺ PALACE OF PROLONGING HAPPINESS (YANXI GONG;  延禧宫 YÁNXǏGŌNG): Known for its European Baroque architectural style, this palace was a residence for Concubines and Noble Consorts. It was partly rebuilt during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign but later fell into disrepair, symbolizing Qing openness to foreign influences. ➺ PALACE OF PURITY AND TRANQUILITY (SUQING GONG;肃清宫 SÙQĪNGGŌNG): This simple and serene palace was designed as a retreat for lower-ranking Concubines or Noble Ladies, offering them a quiet space for reflection and solitude, away from the complexity of court life. ➺ PALACE OF LASTING BLESSINGS (YONGSHOU GONG; 永寿宫 YǑNGSHÒUGŌNG): Reserved for lower-ranking Consorts, Concubines, or retired women, this palace symbolized the emperor’s wish for enduring prosperity and blessings. It provided a peaceful residence for women no longer involved in the active imperial harem.

➺ THE COLD PALACE (冷宫, LĚNGGŌNG) was not a specific, singular palace but rather a general term used to refer to places where disfavored imperial concubines, consorts, or court members were sent. These women were effectively confined, losing the emperor’s favor and their political or social standing. The Cold Palace was often located in remote or less-maintained parts of the Forbidden City, far from the central Inner Court and main residential areas.

There is historical evidence suggesting that parts of the Six Western Palaces or other unused, deteriorating buildings within the Forbidden City were sometimes repurposed as Cold Palaces. One of the more commonly referenced Cold Palace locations is the Palace of Prolonged Happiness (Yanxi Gong) after it fell into disrepair following a fire during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign.

Empress Yǎ jìng Clan: Hada     Banner: Plain Yellow

Imperial Noble Consort Wenxian Clan: Niohuru     Banner: Plain Yellow

Noble Consort Rong Clan:       Yi              Banner: Plain White

Noble Consort Clan:                   Banner:

Consort Chún Clan:  Gūwalgiya           Banner: Bordered Yellow

Consort Yi Clan:        Irgen Gioro           Banner: Plain Red

Concubine Wei Clan:      Fuca             Banner: Plain Yellow

Concubine Lan Clan:        Gogiya                 Banner: Bordered Yellow

Concubine Zhen Clan:       Ula Nara                     Banner: Plain Red

Concubine Qin Clan:         Yehe Nara             Banner: Plain Red

Concubine Qinglian Clan: unknown   Banner: unknown

Concubine Shu Clan:       Sartu                    Banner:  Plain Blue

Concubine Fei Clan:         Zhen                  Banner: Bordered White Noble Lady Ru Clan:        Giyamuhun           Banner: Bordered Blue

Noble Lady Shui Clan:        E'fu        Banner: Bordered Blue

Noble Lady Cui Clan:       Oroqen              Banner: Plain Blue

Noble Lady Li Clan:        Khorchin               Banner: Plain Red

First Class Attendant Mei Clan:         -             Banner: -

First Class Attendant Yumei Clan:        -                 Banner: -

First Class Attendant Lian Clan:              -            Banner: -

First Class Attendant Yue Clan:            -                Banner: -

First Class Attendant Xin Clan:    -                          Banner: -

Second Class Attendant Lingzi Clan:            -                  Banner: -

Second Class Attendant Huanxi Clan:          -                     Banner:            -

Second Class Attendant Min Clan:    -                            Banner:  -

Second Class Attendant Hui Clan:         -                     Banner:         -

Summary of Banners and Their Associated Women

Plain Yellow Banner

Empress: Belonging to the prestigious Hada clan, the Empress holds the highest rank in the harem and is a symbol of supreme authority. The Plain Yellow Banner was the most elite and reserved for imperial consorts and close relatives of the emperor.

Imperial Noble Consort Wenxian: From the influential Niohuru clan, Wenxian's place under the Plain Yellow Banner signifies her immense status within the imperial harem. The Niohuru clan was known for its strong political influence in Qing court politics.

Concubine Wei: As a member of the Fuca clan, she is aligned with the Plain Yellow Banner. The Fuca clan was a highly regarded Manchu family with strong connections to imperial consorts and empresses throughout Qing history.

Bordered Yellow Banner

Consort Chún: Hailing from the powerful Gūwalgiya clan, Consort Chún's position in the Bordered Yellow Banner places her in a position of significant influence. The Gūwalgiya clan was one of the most prominent families within the Qing aristocracy.

Concubine Lan: A member of the Gogiya clan, Concubine Lan's presence in the Bordered Yellow Banner reflects her noble lineage, though with slightly less prestige than those in the Plain Yellow Banner.

Plain White Banner

Noble Consort Rong: As a woman of Korean descent, Noble Consort Rong is linked to the Plain White Banner, which was often used for consorts of foreign or non-Manchu ethnic backgrounds. Her clan is listed as Yi, reflecting her Korean heritage.

Plain Red Banner

Consort Yi: Belonging to the Irgen Gioro clan, her position in the Plain Red Banner signifies her noble Manchu heritage. The Irgen Gioro clan was a prominent family with connections to Manchu aristocracy.

Concubine Zhen: As a member of the Ula Nara clan, she shares her lineage with one of the most notable Manchu families. The Ula Nara clan was often linked to high-ranking consorts and empresses.

Concubine Qin: Hailing from the Yehe Nara clan, Concubine Qin is connected to a prestigious family line. The Yehe Nara clan was one of the most influential Manchu clans, with multiple empresses and consorts from its lineage.

Noble Lady Li: Associated with the Khorchin clan, she is part of the Plain Red Banner. The Khorchin were one of the most important Mongolian tribes allied with the Qing court.

Bordered White Banner

Concubine Fei: From the Zhen clan, Concubine Fei is part of the Bordered White Banner. The Bordered White Banner represented a distinction below the Plain White Banner, often reflecting a lower status within the court's structure.

Plain Blue Banner

Concubine Shu: Linked to the Sartu clan, Concubine Shu is part of the Plain Blue Banner, one of the standard banners in the Qing system.

Noble Lady Cui: Belonging to the Oroqen clan, she is aligned with the Plain Blue Banner. The Oroqen were a northern indigenous people under Qing rule, and women from such backgrounds often became part of the imperial harem.

Bordered Blue Banner

Noble Lady Ru: As a member of the Giyamuhun clan, she is positioned in the Bordered Blue Banner, signifying a rank below those in the Plain Blue Banner. Her family origins are likely connected to local or minor noble lineages.

SYNOPSIS: In the heart of the Empire of Longyin, Empress Navier stands as a paragon of grace and power, guiding the realm alongside her husband, Emperor Sovieshu. But beneath the splendor of the imperial court lies a web of secrets, ambitions, and betrayals that threaten to unravel everything.

When a mysterious concubine enters the palace, the delicate balance Navier has carefully upheld begins to shift. Whispers of scandal ripple through the court, alliances fracture, and the empire teeters on the brink of chaos. As enemies close in from all sides, Navier must navigate a treacherous path of loyalty and love, where every choice could determine the fate of the empire-and her own. Amid the intrigue, a foreign crown prince arrives, offering an unexpected alliance and stirring questions of destiny. Will Navier reclaim her place beneath the throne, or will she rise beyond its reach? In a world steeped in ancient traditions and shadowed by ambition, THREADS OF FATE is a tale of resilience, power, and the enigmatic forces that shape history.