The warrior emperor and the five phoenixes

Below from left: Huang Taiji Aisin-gioro; Jerjer Borjigit; Bumbutai Borjigit; Harjol Borjigit.

Back in Shenyang, Bumbutai's palace, Yongfu Palace, is second on the right-hand side of Empress Jerjer's abode, indicating her ranking to be the lowest among the five. Yet she survived and triumphed. Age had not only weathered her heart, but also given her wisdom. (No serious Qing history writer has ever suggested there was a political struggle between the three Borjigit women, but at the very least the arrangement must have put all of them under heavy pressure.)

Throughout his life, Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) returned to Shenyang three times, in 1671, 1682 and 1698. Whether Bumbutai, also known as Empress Xiaozhuang, followed his grandson during one of those trips remains unknown. However, before her death at the age of 75 she made it clear that she wanted to be buried in Beijing rather than with her husband in Shenyang, a wish his grandson granted.

This also means that in death she is forever separated from her sister and aunt. The latter is often described as a determined woman and an able harem manager who earned more respect than love from her husband.

But in Shenyang, behind the Phoenix Tower, the empty palaces still stand together facing one another. They are sore reminders of the proud phoenixes who once lived there. Most of them never got a chance to fly.