Imperial Court

The imperial court is divided into two areas: the Inner Court, where consorts reside, and the Outer Court, which serves for political and ceremonial activities.

Inner Court (Harem)

The Inner Court, located deep within the palace, is a private area for the emperor's personal life, where the emperor, his consorts, and close family members reside. Men are strictly forbidden from entering, and female officials and eunuchs manage the harem. The harem population includes approximately 2,000 consorts and female officials, with the addition of eunuchs bringing the total to around 3,000, making it comparable to a small city. The harem is surrounded by walls and a moat, with a double gate and tight security, making intrusion or escape impossible.

Consorts

The harem’s purpose is to maintain the imperial bloodline by providing heirs, and it is populated with numerous consorts of various backgrounds, from princesses of vassal states to daughters of wealthy families. The consorts are ranked according to lineage, beauty, intelligence, and the emperor's favor. Even a lowly palace maid could rise to the rank of consort if chosen by the emperor. Lower-ranked consorts are given a room, middle-ranked consorts a wing, and high-ranking consorts their own palace and personal attendants.

Empress

The empress is the emperor's primary wife and the "Mother of the Nation," overseeing the harem’s consorts, concubines, and maids. Currently, the emperor has no empress, and the high-ranking consorts Gyokuyou and Rifa receive the most favor.

Four Noble Consorts (First-Rank Consorts)

Among the high-ranking consorts, the four noble consorts are of the highest rank. Currently, they include Consort Gyokuyou (Noble Consort of Jade Palace), Consort Rifa (Virtuous Consort of Crystal Palace), Consort Riki (Consort of Virtue of Diamond Palace), and Consort Ata (Pure Consort of Pomegranate Palace).

Palace Maids

Women who serve in the Inner Court, handling chores like cleaning and laundry. Unlike court ladies, they do not have official qualifications and often lack literacy.

Court Ladies

Women who serve in the Outer Court. These ladies are usually of noble birth, educated, and have passed recruitment exams.

Eunuchs

The only male officials allowed in the Inner Court, eunuchs are castrated to prevent any indiscretions with the consorts. They assist in managing the harem. Eunuchs often develop physical traits like fuller bodies and higher-pitched voices.

Military and Civil Officials

Male officials in the Outer Court are divided into military officials, who manage defense, and civil officials, who oversee administration.

Imperial Offspring

Male officials in the Outer Court are divided into military officials, who manage defense, and civil officials, who oversee administration.

Food Tasters

The emperor and his consorts face the threat of poisoning from political enemies. Food tasters test their meals to ensure they are free of poison, often risking their own lives if a dish is indeed contaminated.

Garden Parties

Held twice a year, these events in the imperial gardens are attended by the emperor, his family, consorts, and high-ranking officials. Performances of martial arts, dance, poetry, and erhu music are featured.

The Three Beauties of Rokushoukan

The three most elite courtesans of the prestigious Rokushoukan brothel—Meimei, Bai Ling, and Nyoka—are known as the Three Beauties. It’s said that a single night with them costs as much as a year’s wages, making them unattainable even for high-ranking officials. Elite courtesans do not sell their bodies but are instead admired for their skills in poetry, erhu, and intellectual refinement.