What can we learn from Chinese Historical dramas on the Imperial Harem culture?

 

Both historical dramas are from Liu Lianzi (Photo not mine)

There are two Chinese Historical Dramas that I got hooked to watch. First is the Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace and the second one is the Empresses in the Palace and these dramas are based from the novel created by Liu Lianzi. Although these dramas have different characters or some of them may appear on the sequel for example Zhen Huan, she is the main protagonist on the Empresses in the Palace as a Consort but on Ruyi's Royal Love, she is the Empress Dowager however both novels speaks for only one thing the condition of the ladies inside the harem.

Living in the harem may seem to be a good prospect in a way that it help elevate the status of your family clan or even a chance for you to become an empress or a consort of a higher rank or your son to be a prince or the next emperor but not everyone have received a good blessings because if you are the person who is unfavored or loss favour by the emperor you will be degraded by everyone around you.

In ancient China, to preserve the ruling Imperial dynasty, the palace opens its doors to welcome the ladies with a good family background to enter the Imperial harem and their purpose is to produce an heir for the emperor however doing it is not easy because you have to gain favour from the emperor and keep him happy and also you need to consider getting favours from the empress & empress dowager for you to survive in the harem.

The empress is considered as the mother of the nation and she also maintains the peace and harmony in the harem however despite of her efforts, there are still consorts and concubines that are envious and scheming. The empress and others can be your friend or foe, this makes the Forbidden city/Imperial palace a not so good place to live.

Eventhough with these kind of living conditions, it is not impossible to live in peace and quiet life in the harem. The issues going on in the harem, it is not that much different to the current issues that we are dealing with the workplace or on other aspects of our modern lives so with that, what can we learn from watching or even reading about the life of women in the harem?

Upon watching these dramas there are things that we need to look at. Imagine that you are inside the harem, how do you do things differently?

Before we even enter the harem, know the pros and cons of it and if this is something that aligns with your values and your priorities, study what are the good behaviors & understand the rules and from there you will get the proper mindset and readiness to face challenges or pleasant things in. There are some concubines and consorts who only cares for money, power and prestige but that would backfire them in the future. So, if you don't want any trouble in the harem, it would be good to let your intentions known that you are only seeking peace, you only act what is necessary and you wish no ill or competition to others but rather put love and compassion as your purpose.

The next point we need to consider is always humble even if you are promoted in a higher rank. there are some ladies in the harem once being favored by the emperor and received promotion, they become arrogant and belittle those people who serve them or other ladies from the lower or even higher rank. Use your rank to help others in a positive way and help them make a difference and not to cause trouble to yourself and others.

Gossips/rumors can be entertaining but always try your best not to listen nor get involved in any of it. We may get important information by it however we have to investigate it if this is being true, find the facts and where this person coming from. Go to people in the harem that has a pure, simple and have positive outlook. Better see people on a deeper level and look for the big picture of things for a better understanding of the situation.

There are times that there are people who will misunderstand you for whatever you are doing. To deal with it you simply let them be, always be kind to them whatever they treat you, be objective and have good intentions especially when gaining favors with the Emperor, Empress & the Empress dowager & those people from your level and lower rank. There are always circumstances that would flesh out the real truth and if you have good intentions, you will be cleared on any accusations and scheming because you have a pure heart and people whom you get close and acquainted will tell.