Ban Jieyu (48 B.C.-A.D. 2) was born into a distinguished family in Loufan (present-day Shuocheng, Shanxi). Her father, Ban Kuang, was a renowned general who made significant contributions in battles against the Xiongnu during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. From a young age, Ban Jieyu displayed exceptional intelligence, literary talent, and graceful beauty. She excelled in poetry and prose, earning historical recognition for her skill and virtue.
In 32 B.C., during the first year of Emperor Cheng of Han’s reign, Ban Jieyu entered the palace as a junior attendant, the lowest rank among imperial consorts. However, her extensive knowledge of history and literature set her apart, and she quickly gained favor. Before long, she rose to the esteemed title of Jieyu (a rank just below the empress), becoming one of Emperor Cheng’s most beloved concubines.
A consort of wisdom and restraint
Emperor Cheng of Han, the twelfth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, was known for his scholarly background and early aspirations for good governance. He promoted Confucian scholars who had previously been sidelined, fostering the development of Han literature. Two women in his court stood out for their intelligence — Empress Xu and Ban Jieyu.
Ban Jieyu was more than just a favored concubine; she was a trusted confidante. She often advised the emperor, encouraging him to focus on state affairs rather than indulgence. Well-versed in history, she eloquently recounted ancient lessons, helping the emperor navigate his thoughts and emotions. Skilled in music, her delicate melodies soothed his mind. More than a companion, she was a guiding presence in his life.
Despite being deeply cherished for over a decade, Ban Jieyu never let her favor cloud her principles. She understood that a wise ruler should not be consumed by his affections, so she frequently urged Emperor Cheng to govern diligently. Even when her status surpassed that of Empress Xu, she did not seek to replace her, instead choosing to distance herself from palace rivalries. Her reputation for virtue and intellect made her widely respected among the imperial consorts.
Her steadfast principles became even more evident when Emperor Cheng wished to share his palanquin with her, a rare honor. However, Ban Jieyu firmly refused, citing historical lessons. She reminded the emperor that the downfall of past rulers — such as the infamous King Jie of Xia, King Zhou of Shang, and King You of Zhou — was linked to their excessive indulgence in favored consorts. She reasoned that if she accepted the emperor’s offer, she would be no different from those concubines who led kings to ruin.
Struck by her wisdom, Emperor Cheng relented. Ban Jieyu’s words left such a lasting impression that centuries later, the renowned Jin Dynasty painter Gu Kaizhi depicted this moment in his famous artwork Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies. This painting served as a moral guide for imperial women, emphasizing the importance of dignity and virtue.
Even the powerful Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun praised Ban Jieyu, likening her to Fan Ji, the virtuous wife of King Zhuang of Chu from the Spring and Autumn period. Fan Ji had successfully persuaded her husband to abandon his obsession with hunting, steering him back to governance. Ban Jieyu’s wisdom, it seemed, was equally capable of influencing an emperor for the better.
A dignified retreat amid palace intrigue
Despite her influence, Ban Jieyu could not change the tides of fate. In 18 B.C., Emperor Cheng encountered the mesmerizing Zhao Feiyan during a private visit to the residence of Princess Yang’a. Captivated by her beauty and grace, he brought Zhao Feiyan and her sister into the palace, where they quickly gained favor. Night after night, the sisters entertained the emperor with music and dance, overshadowing all other consorts.
As Zhao Feiyan’s influence grew, she spread malicious rumors to eliminate rivals. She accused Empress Xu of performing sorcery to curse the imperial family. Enraged, Emperor Cheng deposed the empress and executed her sister. Soon, Ban Jieyu became Zhao’s next target.
When summoned to defend herself against accusations of witchcraft, Ban Jieyu remained composed. She responded: “Life and death are predestined, and wealth and status are granted by heaven. If righteousness does not guarantee good fortune, how could deceitful acts bring blessings? If the divine truly exists, would it heed the words of slanderers?”
Her response was a testament to her unwavering belief in fate and integrity. Her poise and wisdom moved Emperor Cheng, who recalled her years of loyalty. Rather than punishing her, he rewarded her with a hundred catties of gold and allowed her to withdraw from court life unharmed.
Ban Jieyu chose to leave the imperial court entirely, retreating to Changxin Palace, where she devoted herself to serving the Empress Dowager. She refused to partake in palace rivalries, distancing herself from the extravagant and morally declining imperial court. Meanwhile, Emperor Cheng, increasingly enthralled by the Zhao sisters, made Zhao Feiyan his new empress and elevated Zhao Hede to the title of Zhaoyi, a rank even higher than Jieyu, making her one of the most powerful women in the palace. The sisters lived in the opulent Zhao Yang Palace, adorned with gold, jade, pearls, and emerald feathers — symbols of unchecked excess.
Ban Jieyu, witnessing the emperor’s descent into indulgence, grew disheartened. She once tried to guide him toward wise governance, but he ultimately chose a different path. Rather than remaining in a court where virtue no longer held sway, she embraced a life of quiet dignity.
Legacy of a noble heart
Ban Jieyu’s story is one of grace, intellect, and unshakable virtue. Though she lost imperial favor, she never lost herself. She rejected greed and power, choosing wisdom and restraint over fleeting pleasures. Her legacy endured not in grand palaces or royal decrees but in the annals of history, where she remains a paragon of wisdom, morality, and dignity.
Her life serves as a reminder that true greatness is not measured by power or status but by the principles one upholds — even in the face of adversity.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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