Jerjer (哲哲; translated as "lady"/"beauty"; 31 May 1599 – 28 May 1649), of the Khorchin Mongol Borjigit clan, was the consort of Hong Taiji. She was seven years his junior. Jerjer was empress consort of Qing from 1636 until her husband's death in 1643, after which she was known as Empress dowager. She was posthumously honoured with the title Empress Xiaoduanwen.

Life

Family background

Wanli era

Jerjer was born on the eighth day of the intercalary fourth lunar month in the 27th year of the reign of the Wanli Emperor, which translates to 31 May 1599 in the Gregorian calendar. On 28 May 1614, Jerjer married Hong Taiji and became one of his multiple wives.

Tianming era

In 1623, Hong Taiji divorced his second primary consort, and elevated Jerjer to the position. Lady Borjigit's niece, Bumbutai, the future Empress Dowager Zhaosheng, would marry Hong Taiji in March or April 1625. Jerjer gave birth in 1625 to Hong Taiji's second daughter, Princess Wenzhuang of the First Rank, on 2 August 1628 to his third daughter, Princess Jingduan of the First Rank, and on 7 October 1634 to his eighth daughter, Princess Yong'an of the First Rank. Another niece, Harjol, the future primary consort Minhui, would marry Hong Taiji on 6 December 1634.

Chongde era

When Hong Taiji conferred titles on his five primary spouses in August 1636, he instated Jerjer as his empress.

Shunzhi era

Following Hong Taiji's death on 21 September 1643, Jerjer was honoured as "Mother Empress, Empress Dowager" by the Shunzhi Emperor, Hong Taiji's ninth son and successor. The emperor's birth mother, Bumbutai, was similarly honoured as "Holy Mother, Empress Dowager". Jerjer died on 28 May 1649 and was interred in the Zhao Mausoleum. She was posthumously honoured with the title "Empress Xiaoduanwen".

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