Photo series 'exposing' the Qing Dynasty's mandarin family: Many children and grandchildren, young concubine's beauty attracts attention

Although he did not take many concubines, this great minister of the Qing Dynasty (China) had many children and grandchildren. And until now, his descendants have lived gloriously for many generations.

Witnessing the "dramatic" details in Chinese historical films, many viewers will surely be curious about the real life of people living under the Qing Dynasty. Are they like in the movies, beautifully dressed, living a lavish life and always having to follow all the strict feudal etiquette?

Li Hongzhang was a famous mandarin at the end of the Qing Dynasty.

The family photos of a late Qing Dynasty official - Li Hongzhang - may partly reflect the real life of ancient Chinese people.

Li Hongzhang (1823-1901), courtesy name Shaoquan, was a high-ranking official of the Qing Dynasty in Chinese history. He was from Heshi County, Anhui Province, and came from a wealthy official family.

He was born into a wealthy family of mandarins.

He passed the imperial examination under the Daoguang Dynasty, was appointed as a Daotai in Fujian Province, and was later recommended to the imperial court by Zeng Guofan. During his official career, Li Hongzhang established the Huai Army and joined Zeng Guofan and Zuo Zongtang in suppressing the Taiping Rebellion. Because of his great contributions, he was appointed as Governor-General of Huguang, Governor-General of Zhili, and Grand Minister of Beiyang, Governor-General of Liangguang, and First-class Duke of Suyi.

As a high-ranking official, Li Hongzhang experienced many important events and had a certain influence in the history of feudal China. The portrait of the brave mandarin and his family has been preserved in quite realistic and vivid photos.

Dong Mai is not only beautiful but also very intelligent and modest.

When he was young, Li Hongzhang and his first wife, Lady Zhou, had a deep affection for each other, so he did not take many concubines like other officials of the time. When Lady Zhou died of a serious illness, Li Hongzhang married his second wife, Lady Mo, to have someone to take care of the children. Later, Lady Mo also suffered from a serious illness and passed away. Lord Li took the prestigious daughter Zhao Xiaolian as his first wife and took the young girl Dong Mai as his concubine.

According to some sources, Dong Mai was a girl from a brothel who was bought back by Li Hongzhang. Not only beautiful and modest, Dong Mai was also good at playing musical instruments, playing chess, writing, and painting, so she was greatly favored by Lord Li.

Li Hongzhang and his descendants

Li Hongzhang's sons and daughters were said to be all good-looking. Although he did not have many concubines, he had many children and grandchildren. He had many successful descendants, including three famous and wealthy people: Li Jiaxu, Li Jiajing, and Li Jiashu.

Some of Mr. Ly's descendants are currently living abroad, some have even become owners of large businesses, living a rich and prosperous life for generations.

His descendants have many talented people.

Li Hongzhang and his brother Li Hanzhang

Li Hongzhang's biological mother was a noble lady. She lived to be 83 years old and was given the title of First-Rank Lady by the imperial court, and later promoted to First-Rank Countess.

In his last years, Li Hongzhang always had someone to closely follow and serve him.