The selection process for imperial concubines and palace maids in feudal Chinese dynasties was a complex and tightly organized system designed to ensure the continuation of the imperial lineage and maintain order within the imperial harem. While there were minor differences across dynasties, the overall process generally involved the following key steps:
1. Preliminary Selection (Sơ tuyển tú nữ)
This was the initial and most crucial step. Officials were tasked with traveling to various regions to find young women within a specified age range (usually 13-17 years old, though this could vary depending on the dynasty and specific regulations). The initial criteria included:
- Background: Priority was given to young women from official families or commoner families with good standing, avoiding those with complicated backgrounds or family members with criminal records.
- Appearance: This was the foremost criterion. The girls had to possess a dignified and well-proportioned appearance, smooth skin, lustrous black hair, and a gentle voice. Those with minor physical flaws such as scars, large moles, or undignified gaits were disqualified.
- Temperament: Officials would also conduct a preliminary inquiry into the girls' character and virtues through accounts from family and neighbors. Preference was given to those who were gentle, well-behaved, and polite.
- Health: Although there were no in-depth medical examinations at this stage, girls showing obvious signs of illness or a weak physique would be eliminated.
Those who passed the preliminary selection would be brought to the capital or a designated gathering point for subsequent selection rounds.
2. Further Selection (Phục tuyển tú nữ)
At this stage, the number of candidates had been significantly narrowed down. Higher-ranking officials, or even experienced eunuchs and imperial concubines, would directly participate in the assessment.
- Thorough Physical Examination: In addition to assessing overall appearance, examiners paid attention to minute details such as teeth, eyes, ears, nose, hair, fingernails, gait, and gestures. In particular, body odor checks were also emphasized.
- Assessment of Cultural Knowledge and Etiquette: Candidates might be asked to demonstrate basic skills such as writing, reciting poetry, embroidery, or simply show their understanding of court etiquette and behavior.
- Voice and Demeanor Check: Voices had to be clear and gentle, not coarse. Demeanor had to be dignified and graceful.
- In-depth Inquiry into Family and Background: Information about the candidates' families and social connections would be thoroughly verified to ensure there were no issues that could affect the imperial family.
- Full Body Skin Examination:
- Candidates would be asked to remove some or all of their clothing (usually only thin undergarments or nothing at all, depending on the strictness of the dynasty).
- The purpose was to check for scars, large moles, significant birthmarks, or any other deformities or imperfections on the skin. Special attention was paid to sensitive and easily visible areas such as the neck, shoulders, arms, and legs.
- The skin had to be smooth, blemish-free, and free of any unusual or foul body odor.
3. Final Selection (Chung tuyển tú nữ)
This was the decisive round, often directly supervised by the Empress, Empress Dowager, or even the Emperor himself. The number of candidates reaching this round was very small, and each one was "one in a thousand."
- Direct Inspection by the Emperor or Empress: This was an opportunity for the Emperor or Empress to directly observe and assess the appearance and aura of each candidate. They might engage in direct conversation to gauge intelligence and personality.
- Demonstration of Special Talents (if any): If a candidate possessed special talents such as singing, dancing, painting, or playing musical instruments, this was an opportunity for them to showcase them. However, talent was only a supplementary factor, not a primary decisive one.
- Ranking and Appointment: Based on the results of the final selection, candidates would be assigned to different ranks:
- Imperial Concubines: The most outstanding candidates, favored by the Emperor, would be granted titles such as Guiren, Cairen, Meiren, Pin, Fei, Guifei, Huang Guifei, etc., depending on their rank and imperial favor.
- Palace Maids: Candidates not chosen as imperial concubines but still deemed suitable to remain in the palace would become palace maids, serving in various roles such as attending to concubines, cleaning, cooking, embroidery, etc. Palace maids also had various ranks.
- Dismissal: Candidates who did not meet the requirements would be sent back to their families.
4. Entering the Palace and Training
After being selected, whether as imperial concubines or palace maids, they all had to undergo rigorous training and education in court rules, etiquette, speech, gait, and other service skills within the palace.
- Imperial Concubines: Would be instructed on how to attend to the Emperor, how to interact with other concubines, and the rules of the imperial harem.
- Palace Maids: Would receive specialized training for their specific assigned duties, from arduous tasks to those requiring dexterity and meticulousness.
Please note:
- The selection process could vary slightly depending on the dynasty, specific regulations of the Emperor, and the political and social situation at the time.
- The primary purpose of selecting imperial concubines was to ensure the continuation of the imperial lineage and consolidate power. For palace maids, it was to maintain the operation and order of the imperial harem.
- Life within the palace for both imperial concubines and palace maids was fraught with competition, pressure, and strict rules, regardless of whether they received imperial favor.
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