Empress Xiaoduanwen

Life

Jerjer was born on the eighth day of the intercalary fourth lunar month in the 27th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, which translates to 31 May 1599 in the Gregorian calendar. Her father, Manggusi, held the title of prince of the first rank; her grandfather, Namusai, was a beile; and her mother was named Gunbu. She had one elder brother, one younger brother, and two younger sisters. On 28 May 1614, Jerjer married Hong Taiji and became one of his multiple wives.

In 1623, Hong Taiji divorced his second primary consort and elevated Jerjer to that position. Her niece Bumbutai, the future Empress Dowager Zhaosheng, married Hong Taiji in March or April 1625. Jerjer gave birth to three daughters: Hong Taiji's second daughter, Princess Wenzhuang of the First Rank, in 1625; his third daughter, Princess Jingduan of the First Rank, on 2 August 1628; and his eighth daughter, Princess Yong'an of the First Rank, on 7 October 1634.

Another niece, Harjol, the future primary consort Minhui, married Hong Taiji on 6 December 1634. In August 1636, Hong Taiji conferred titles on five of his wives, instating Jerjer as consort of the central palace.

The system of honors and titles was quite chaotic during the early years of the Qing dynasty, and Jerjer was not elevated to the rank of empress dowager following Hong Taiji's death, though she held the status and power due to one. Jerjer died on 28 May 1649 and was interred in the Zhao Mausoleum. She was posthumously honored with the title 'Empress Xiaoduanwen'.