Borjigit, Demoted Empress

Who is Borjigit, Demoted Empress?

The Shunzhi Emperor's first Empress was from the Borjigit clan, a Khorchin Mongol clan that claimed descent from Chinggis Khan's younger brother Jochi Khasar. She was chosen as Empress by her aunt Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, who was Shunzhi's mother. She became Empress in 1651 soon after Shunzhi started his personal rule, but for unclear reasons the emperor disliked her so much that he vehemently demanded her demotion. She is said to be extremely beautiful and also intelligent, but spoiled, wasteful and arrogant. This marriage was also encouraged by the powerful Prince Dorgun, whom Shunzhi detested. He finally succeeded in 1653, when the Empress was demoted to the rank of Consort Jing (靜妃). Her dates of birth and death are unknown.