The Imperial Harem refers to all of the women that are part of the Inner Court within the Imperial Palace. The Emperor refers to it as his "flower garden".
Empress[]
- Main article: Empress
The Empress has the highest rank within the Imperial Harem as the one chosen by the Emperor to be the mother of the nation. This position is currently held by Gyokuyou and was formerly held by the Empress Dowager.
Consorts[]
- Main article: Consort
Following the Empress, the high-ranking consorts have the next highest rank within the Imperial Harem. They are followed by the middle-ranking consorts and the low-ranking consorts.
Ladies-in-Waiting[]
- Main article: Lady-in-waiting
Below the low-ranking consorts are the ladies-in-waiting of consorts. The head lady-in-waiting holds the highest position, followed by regular ladies-in-waiting. Ladies-in-waiting can be distinguished from maidservants by their more elaborate dress to complement their lady when they are seen together.
Notes[]
- The imperial harem system in The Apothecary Diaries is presumed to be based on the Imperial Chinese harem system.