Whispers of Imperial Intrigue

China was a monarchy from prehistoric times up to 1912 CE, when the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty in favor of the Republic of China. The succession of legendary monarchs of China was non-hereditary. Dynastic rule began in circa 2070 BCE when Yu the Great established the Xia dynasty, and lasted until 1912 CE when dynastic rule collapsed together with the monarchical government. Various attempts at preserving and restoring the Chinese monarchy occurred during and following the Xinhai Revolution, but these regimes were short-lived and lacked widespread recognition. The monarchy of China took the form of an absolute monarchy during most of its existence, even though the actual power of the ruler varied depending on his/her ability to consolidate rule and various other factors. On 3 November 1911, the Qing dynasty issued the constitutional Nineteen Creeds, which limited the power of the emperor, marking the official transition to a constitutional monarchy. However, after only 3 months, the monarchy was abolished. During periods of political disunity, China was divided among competing dynasties that often claimed exclusive Chinese politico-cultural orthodoxy; in such cases, more than one Chinese monarchy existed simultaneously. Throughout Chinese history, there were monarchs of both ethnic Han and non-Han origins, including many who were of mixed heritage. In China, noble titles were set up very differently, but still vital to get right. Highest in the hierarchy was the Emperor. He was male, with only one exception: One Empress, Wu Zetian, rules on her own. The Empress was in a secondary role, and underneath her was a whole other minor hierarchy. First, there were three consorts, then nine concubines, 27 shifus, and then 81 imperial wives. They produced the Taizi, or crowned prince. Underneath that giant family was this ranking of nobility, in this order: Dì or Wáng (Regional King) Gōng (Duke, Court-dweller, or Relative of the Emperor) Hóu (Marquee) Bó (Count) Zĭ (Viscount, Philosopher, or Teacher) Nán (Baron) Names for royalty changed depending on the dynasty.