ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Imperial consorts of Tang China

Imperial consorts of Tang China were women who were chosen to be the wives or concubines of the Emperor of China during the Tang Dynasty.

Think of the Emperor as the biggest boss in China, and his consorts as his special lady friends who helped him with his work and made him happy.

These women were chosen based on their beauty, intelligence, and usefulness to the Emperor. They had different titles based on their rank and relationship to the Emperor, such as Empress, Consort, or Concubine.

The Emperor could have many consorts, but only one Empress who held the highest rank. The Empress was chosen based on her family background and her ability to bear children, because it was very important for the Emperor to have an heir, or a son to become the next Emperor.

The consorts had different roles, such as managing the Emperor's personal affairs, attending ceremonies, and entertaining guests. They also had different living quarters based on their rank. For example, the Empress had her own palace, while the lower-ranked consorts lived in smaller rooms.

Being an imperial consort was not all fun and games. The women had to compete with each other for the Emperor's favor, and sometimes even engage in political intrigue to advance their own positions.

Overall, being an imperial consort of Tang China was a lot like being a special lady friend to a very important man. It had its perks, but also its challenges and pressures.