Palace of Assisting the Earth in the Forbidden City

In this Palace built in the Ming dynasty Emperor Wanli (r.1573-1620) and his favorite concubine Zheng were in deep love with each other over 40 year Zheng was an ordin1nalmperial maid. Emperor Wanli fell in love with her as soon as he saw her and conferred the title ”honorable concubine” upon her. In order to designate Zheng’s son as crown prince Wanli ignored the existence of his old son and argued with his ministers for several decades. Due the strong resistance of the ministers emperor only conferred the title of Prince Happiness upon his beloved son, who died tragically: when the Ming fell down, he was captured and eaten by peasant insurgents.

The imperial concubine of the last emperor Wenxiu also lived in this Palace. In 1931, this self-respected concubine strived for her rights of equality and freedom by divorcing Puyi and earned her own living via teaching.

Relevant attractions in the Forbidden City

Palace of Concentrated Beauty
Hall of Manifesting Harmony
Palace of Assisting the Earth
Palace of Everlasting Spring
Hall of Ultimate Supremacy
Palace of Eternal Longevity
Palace of Universal Happiness