1. Huánghòu (皇后) – Empress (Sole Position)
The Empress is the only legitimate wife of the emperor.
2. Huáng Guìfēi (皇贵妃) – Imperial Noble Consort (Primary First Rank)
The highest-ranking consort below the Empress.
3. Guìfēi (贵妃) – Noble Consort (Secondary First Rank)
Second only to Huáng Guìfēi, but still extremely powerful.
Usually one or two women hold this title at a time.
4. Fēi (妃) – Consort (Primary Third Rank)
The most common title among high-ranking concubines.
Shūfēi (淑妃) – Consort of virtue.
Défēi (德妃) – Consort of morality.
Xiánfēi (贤妃) – Consort of wisdom.
5. Zhāoyí (昭仪) – Imperial Consort of Bright Righteousness (Primary Second Rank)
A high-ranking title, but with less power than Guìfēi.
Typically two to four women hold this rank at a time.
6. Chonghua (充华) – Sixth Rank Concubine
A mid-ranking consort below Zhaoyi, but above Pin.
7. Pín (嫔) – Imperial Concubine (Mid-Ranking Consort)
A respectable title, but with less influence than Fēi.
Typically six to ten women hold this rank.
8. Càirén (才人) – Talented Person (Lower-to-Middle Rank)
A common rank for newly selected concubines.
9. Wényuán (文媛) – Literary Origin (Middle Rank)
This title is given to women who are educated and skilled in literature.
10. Yírén (仪人) – Noble Lady (Middle Rank)
A step above Zhaoyuan, often held by daughters of noble families.
11. Zhàoyuán (昭媛) – Imperial Consort of Bright and Beautiful (Mid-Rank)
A lower consort title granted based on beauty and charm.