Pearl Consort

The future Imperial Noble Consort Keshun was born on the third day of the second lunar month in the second year of the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, which translates to 27 February 1876 in the Gregorian calendar.

Her older sister, the future Imperial Noble Consort Wenjing, entered the Forbidden City at the same time and was granted the title "Concubine Jin".

Initially, Empress Dowager Cixi appreciated Consort Zhen's talents, and she hired top artisans to teach her to paint and play musical instruments.

However, Consort Zhen urged the Guangxu Emperor to be "strong and independent", and encouraged his attempts to introduce political reforms and the teaching of foreign languages.

Apparently, Consort Zhen also antagonised Empress Dowager Cixi when it was discovered that she had abused her influence over the Guangxu Emperor by interfering in regular procedures for civil appointments.

Infuriated with her, Empress Dowager Cixi finally ordered Consort Zhen to be thrown into a well behind Ningxia Palace in the northeastern part of the Forbidden City.