orchid gets a chance to better her life when emperor hsien feng issues a decree stating that he is looking for "future mates". orchid is eligible because she is manchu and that her father was the rank of "blue bannerman". she is chosen as the imperial consort of the fourth rank. her official title is lady of the greatest virtue. there are a total of 7 imperial consorts, and over 3000 concubines within the forbidden city. nuharoo is pronounced empress, ranking her first out of the 7 imperial consorts.