Many popular portrayals depict Emperor Qianlong, one of the most famous rulers of China’s Qing dynasty, as a frivolous and unfaithful monarch. In countless dramas and novels, he is shown surrounded by numerous concubines, indulging in fleeting romantic encounters without regard for lasting affection or respect. Such images paint him as a ruler who loved indiscriminately and abandoned relationships as quickly as he formed them. Yet, these popular portrayals do a grave injustice to the man behind the emperor’s robes.

In reality, Emperor Qianlong was a man of profound love and loyalty, especially when it came to his first and only true love — Empress Fucha, his first wife. This article seeks to peel back the layers of myth and popular fiction, exploring the historical realities of Emperor Qianlong’s love life, the cultural context of his reign, and the legacy of his devotion.

Historical Background: Emperor Qianlong and the Qing Dynasty

Born in 1711, Hongli ascended the throne in 1735 as the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty, reigning for 60 years until 1796. His reign is often remembered as one of the peaks of imperial China, marked by territorial expansion, cultural flourishing, and political stability. However, the Qing dynasty was also a period of tension between the ruling Manchu minority and the Han Chinese majority, with complex social and cultural dynamics influencing court life.

Qianlong was the son of Emperor Yongzheng and belonged to the Aisin Gioro clan of the Manchu people, who had conquered China in the mid-17th century. The Manchu rulers faced the challenge of maintaining their distinct cultural identity while governing a vast and diverse empire. This duality influenced many aspects of Qianlong’s reign, including his personal relationships.

Empress Fucha: The Sole Beloved of Qianlong

In 1727, at the age of 16, Hongli married Lady Fucha, who would later become Empress Fucha after his ascension. Although she came from a noble Manchu family, historical records portray her as modest and unpretentious. Unlike many imperial consorts who adorned themselves with precious jewels and elaborate garments, Empress Fucha preferred simplicity, often decorating herself with humble materials such as straw and wool flowers rather than pearls or gold.

This austere lifestyle was unusual for an empress, who traditionally enjoyed the luxuries befitting her rank. Empress Fucha’s simplicity was more than a personal preference; it reflected her deep connection to Manchu traditions and values. One notable custom she upheld was the making of pouches from animal pelts, a practice rooted in the early hardships of the Manchu ancestors. These pouches were not mere accessories but symbols of remembrance and reverence for the struggles of their forebears.

The Manchu Identity and Qianlong’s Cultural Policies

Qianlong’s marriage to Empress Fucha also represented a bond rooted in shared cultural identity. Despite their privileged status, many Manchu elites had begun to adopt a more sedentary and luxurious lifestyle after settling in Beijing. Some even neglected traditional skills such as horseback riding and archery, which were once central to Manchu identity as warriors.

Emperor Qianlong, however, was acutely aware of the danger in losing these martial and cultural traditions. He famously imposed strict penalties on Manchu bannermen who were unable to speak their native language or who failed to maintain their martial skills. His determination to preserve Manchu heritage was in harmony with Empress Fucha’s values of modesty, simplicity, and respect for ancestral customs.

The Emperor’s Admiration and Partnership with Empress Fucha

Historical records and imperial edicts reveal that Empress Fucha was more than just a ceremonial figure. She was entrusted with the management of palace affairs and served as a devoted attendant to the Empress Dowager, Qianlong’s mother. Her diligence earned her the respect and gratitude of the emperor himself.

In official documents, Qianlong credited Empress Fucha with enabling him to focus on governance, stating that her assistance in managing the inner court and caring for the Empress Dowager allowed him to dedicate himself fully to state affairs. This partnership was a rare example of mutual respect and collaboration within the often turbulent environment of the Qing imperial court.

Tragedy and Loss: The Death of Empress Fucha

Despite her importance, Empress Fucha’s life was tragically short. She died at the age of 36, leaving Qianlong devastated. The emperor’s grief was profound, and he expressed it through poetry, composing a lament known as the “Rhapsody on Grief” to commemorate her.

Qianlong was an avid poet throughout his life, composing more than 40,000 poems—a staggering output that surpasses even the combined works of the prolific poets of the Tang dynasty. While many of his verses are considered lacking in literary merit, the “Rhapsody on Grief” stands out for its emotional depth and sincerity.

A Rare Glimpse into Qianlong’s Emotional World: The “Rhapsody on Grief”

The poem begins with reflections on the foundational texts of Chinese philosophy and literature, such as the “Book of Changes” . Qianlong draws parallels between these works’ emphasis on cosmic balance and human relationships and his own feelings of loss.

He highlights the idea that the union of husband and wife is the beginning of human ethics, a viewpoint that diverges from traditional Confucian priorities where filial piety and the parent-child relationship are paramount. This perspective offers a rare glimpse into Qianlong’s personal values, emphasizing the primacy of marital love over rigid social hierarchies.

Qianlong’s lament also reflects the emotional toll of losing a beloved partner, revealing a vulnerability often hidden behind the image of the all-powerful emperor.

The Cultural Impact of Qianlong’s Love Story

The story of Emperor Qianlong and Empress Fucha challenges many stereotypes about imperial rulers, especially those from the Qing dynasty. It humanizes a figure often caricatured in popular culture and highlights the complex interplay between personal feelings and political responsibilities.

Moreover, their relationship underscores the enduring importance of cultural traditions and values in shaping intimate relationships, even at the highest levels of power. Empress Fucha’s modesty and adherence to Manchu customs serve as a reminder of the Qing dynasty’s cultural roots amid a period of great wealth and expansion.

Legacy: Beyond the Emperor’s Many Consorts

Though Qianlong had numerous consorts throughout his life, historical evidence suggests that Empress Fucha was the only woman he truly loved. His devotion to her set a standard of loyalty and respect that contrasted sharply with later depictions of him as a promiscuous ruler.

Qianlong’s profound grief and poetic tribute to his wife reveal a man capable of deep emotional connections, challenging the simplistic narratives of a ruler driven solely by power and pleasure.

In a broader sense, their story invites us to reconsider the personal lives of historical figures, recognizing the complexity and humanity behind their public personas.

Conclusion: Reassessing Emperor Qianlong’s Image Through His Love for Empress Fucha

The popular image of Emperor Qianlong as a playboy surrounded by a harem of fleeting loves is a distortion that overlooks his genuine emotional depth and fidelity. His lifelong love for Empress Fucha, marked by respect, cultural connection, and deep mourning, offers a richer and more nuanced understanding of his character.

By exploring the historical context of their relationship, the cultural values they embodied, and the emperor’s heartfelt expressions of grief, we gain insight into a dimension of Qianlong’s life that transcends his political achievements. It reminds us that even the most powerful rulers are shaped by love, loss, and the enduring bonds that define human experience.