If you were to ask who had the best fortune in the harem, most people would immediately think of Consort Hao.
She was, after all, only the daughter of a County Magistrate from some poor, remote village, raised by her stepmother. Her father wasn't particularly accomplished either; even after he was promoted to the Capital City and given ample resources and opportunities, he spent his entire life doing nothing more than editing books.
Her maternal family was no help, and she entered the palace as a low-ranking Daying, living in the most remote corner of the harem. Despite all this, she managed to win the Emperor's favor, and that favor never waned. She had both a son and a daughter, enjoyed the Emperor's exclusive affection, and her son even became the Crown Prince. Doted on by the Emperor, respected by the Crown Prince, and frequently visited by Princess Yongping who came to bring her joy—it was the ultimate dream for any woman of the harem...
