#mckenna writes

[send-me-a-puffalope]

just watched the new ghostbusters movie with my friend and truly, awkward teenage lesbians will both end and save the world.

[remembertheplunge]

I'm 60! How fucking odd

12/1/2015

Enjoyed Stockton. Wrote in Espresso’s Coffee House on Pacific Ave,. Read my new “age 40 pre World War Two” book. Age 40 was the entry to old age then. (Pre 1941). 

Per Terrance McKenna, at age 50, his Doctor told him, that  people his age in the 19th Century (1800-1899) were dead. I googled it. Age 49 and a few months was the average age of death in 1900.

I think 60 is the magic transition point.

40 is too much like 30. Kinda shallow. 50 is a bitch. I mean, the 50’s.

60 equals resolution.

I’v lived long enough to know.

12/5/2015

I hit the Mid Night Sun where I read at the bar about GrAY’s…of which I am one: Senior Gays over age 60.

This morning, here where I write at night in my bedroom, I thought “God, I’m 60! really? How fucking odd!"

End of entry

Notes 1/11/2025

I wrote the above blog when I was about 5 months into age 60. Now, I'm about 5 months from age 70. And, 60 seems young! And, I feel young! I'm looking forward to my 70's. I think it will be an expansive plain. The 60s have been a wild ride that deepened and broadened my soul. What dies now in the 40's and 50s is the assumptions of "of course" and of "I deserve". The being is freed and the body can bloom.

Terence McKenna, who died in 2000, was an author, lecturer and a mystic who "advocated for the responsible use of naturally occurring psychedelic plants". per Wikipedia. I've listened to some of his You Tube talks. He's a kick! Well with a try.

Please see photo of Empress's Cafe in the following blog.

[brokentvs]

Who wants an AU where Phoebe is trying to cling onto the memory of Melody but can’t because when she took her soul out of her body she quite literally lost a piece of herself??

[thepursuitofunderstanding]

If you're a true believer; if you have some pre-packaged philosophy then you're going to miss a great deal because you're pre-programmed to ignore what doesn't fit into your model. And it doesn't matter what your model is.

Terrence McKenna

[thornsinmycrown]

PRAYING HANDS

YANDERE!PATRICK MCKENNA x READER

warnings: [ MDNI +18 ] religious themes, yandere themes, stalking, obsession, constantly fantasizing about kidnapping (father mckenna). word count: 639

summary: you're in his mind, day and night, like a holy prayer.

Every day, he watches you pray from afar, how you come and go seldomly like the tiny flowers that grow outside the window of his room on spring, floating around the cathedral the same way the wind carries a lonely dry leaf that falls from a tree, he can't help but stutter a bit every time he looks your way when giving the sermon.

He can't decipher your glances, yours seem magnetic to him, like a deer's peering his lashes tenderly to tempt him, and the temperature of the room changes to a cozy hell whenever you close your eyes and fold your hands in front of you to pray, they look delicate — oh so soft.

Everything of you looks so soft for him to grasp, from the shiny threads that form your hair and frame your face, to the texture of your skin shimmering with the painted glass of the windows, the gracefulness in which your lips move to mumble the morning prayers and how your hands trace across your body the holy cross, he swears he can see the halo in your head once you walk in, but then why —oh God, why?— does he feel that churning inside when he sees you?

If your angelic presence's holiness is not questioned, why does he feel like he is comforted by the vision of the sweetest of all angels in hell?

Are his eyes sinning every time they admire you? Is it unholy to hold his breath when he passes so tortuously behind you through the aisles when the church closes its doors? Why are his thoughts so insistent on betraying his faith?

He can't find his resolve any sooner.

You're a God's creature and he is a servant of God, isn't it his duty to unconditionally love his every creation?

He knows he is in the wrong longing everything of you, he is aware he shouldn't be so eager to send all to the damn just to meet a caress in his cheek of the softness of your praying hands, within his soul he knows these are not God trials, these are the Devil's work to lure him. He knew well Satan was once an angel and so were you — then why couldn't he deny you?

You weren't more than a human, but that didn't make you any less than an enchantress. He imagines you in inappropriate scenarios, eyes rolled back and knuckles turning white, writhing and yearning, flesh to flesh flushed hellfire red late at night. He was never a romantic, and would never be, nevertheless, would whisper all of this nonsense like a chant into the void of his room make you come to him?

Patrick is not dumb, he can see the clear confusion in your face, your sweet features wonder what invade his mind while looking at you, and he wishes you could understand he only wants the best for you, that the pureness of his intentions should not be questioned — and how much he wants to keep you.

He grows white roses in his room, thinking they would give a bit of life to it, making it more appealing for you, he even got blankets with the colorful tones of the clothes he has seen you wear to make it seem comfortable. He hopes you like them so you can stay with him, Patrick dreams of the day when you can finally become a part of him, when you'll arrive to stay at his humble whereabouts and stay forever, he wouldn't mind if you want to or not, he would be glad to make you stay.

He prays with you in mind, prays and prays for God to let him see you again with desperation, on his knees in his praying sessions begging to his holy father to give you to him.

Author's note: I was watching angels & demons the other day and remembered Father McKenna exists so, this is a bit more of a drabble than anything else, I don't think I will do a follow-up of it unless it is well received or I get more inspiration to do another different reader.

[incorrect-play-it-by-ear]

Let us make this the week where everyone who has toyed with the idea of writing or posting pibe fic goes through with it 😌

[finalgirlgretchen]

[loycspotting]

Which Ewan character should I make a headcanon alphabet for next? I want to write and I'm not feeling inspired.

[princeloww]

I FINALLY FINISHED A TAKIN OVER THE ASYLUM FIC THING !!!!!

this was super fun to write :O

[alittleannihilati0n]

Final TOTA Takeover Drabble: The Dinner

Laughter:

Francine’s, quiet but open when Campbell picked up Terry and made noises at him like Terry was an infant instead of a kitten. Rosalie’s, brief but gracious, when Eddie brought a ruined charcoal lump into her house claiming it was meatloaf. Eddie’s, habitually self-effacing but making an effort to be less so, telling the table about his failed interaction with the lady with the cat bag in the market that afternoon. Campbell’s, energetic and open, retelling his best radio joke of the week. 

Fear:

Eddie’s, for a moment upon coming home, scared he would find Francine hurting in a way he couldn’t help her with. Campbell’s, brief but acute, worried as he pulled up that Eddie and Francine might’ve not waited for him because he was only doing his ‘silly’ job. Francine’s, as they left the flat, repetitively reminding herself that Terry would be safe by himself for a few hours. Rosalie’s, frequent but manageable, as her guests came in the door and set things down before sanitizing their hands. 

Hope:

Eddie’s, determined, as he shared his inches gained towards getting the loan. Rosalie’s, proud, describing the gradual softening of her community towards her and the other Hillcrest residents that she and the others were so ardently fueling. Francine’s, cautious, listing the jobs she’d applied for. Campbell’s, sure, telling his plans to get Spike Mulligan to come on for his show some time, then to keep bringing other loonies on from time to time. 

Sadness:

Everyone’s, for a moment, when Campbell brought up his flat’s faulty wiring and suddenly there was a hole in the room the size of the man in the photo on the windowsill.

People:

The ones they had lost, the ones they were making of themselves, the ones who made life so unfairly hard for people like them, the lovely ones they chanced to meet in neighbors or supermarket customers, the ones in that room.

Family:

Their old ones — Rosalie’s, happy then fragile then broken. Francine’s, awful then not one at all. Campbell’s, average but stiff and cold. Eddie’s, loving and heavy and lonely and idealistic then leaving. Their new ones — Rosalie’s, rebuilding and growing. Francine’s, new and safe. Campbell’s, supportive and understanding. Eddie’s, both near and far, new and old, knowing him as who he is. 

Dinner. Each other. Their Lives.

389 words, sorry this one's a day late! I was so fuckin busy yesterday I didn't sit down long enough to flesh out the idea fully, much less write it properly. Hope y'all enjoyed!

[angelwiththeblue-box]

Jenny is seventeen minutes and two seconds older than her brother, but she feels much older. He was the baby of the family, which is insane, since they’re literally twins.

.

behold!!! more improvised musical shenanigans!!!

pairings: the lake crew, jenny & tyler, background polypalooza

word count: 2,645

rated: t

@starstruckodysseys @wheelsupin-azarathmetrionzinthos @incorrect-play-it-by-ear @socialtomcat @thedragonemperess @depressedtransguy @genuine-possum @dapper-nahrwhale @starchaserbaby

[awarnin]

hii could you write a declan mckenna imagine??

literally anything you want lmao

(maybe friends to lovers?)

Take It Slow | DECLAN MCKENNA X FEM! READER

warning: they never kiss???? lmao does that count??? help

author's note: my longest one shot yet!! I hope you like it, it took me a long time to make this request because I didn't have enough inspiration to do it at the time, but POOF! it arrived. Thank you for your request, sweetheart, lmk your opinion:)

wordcount: 5.4k

.

Declan let out a long sigh as he tossed his keys onto the small table by the front door. It had been a long day at the studio, and he was more than ready to unwind. As he shuffled toward the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge, he noticed a note stuck to the freezer door, written in the messy handwriting of his housemate:

"Out with some friends tonight. Don't wait up! :)"

Declan smiled to himself, glad that you were out enjoying yourself. Not that he minded the quiet; after the chaos of the studio, the calm was a welcome change of pace.

Popping open the beer, Declan grabbed his phone and wallet from the counter and headed to the back porch. The spring night was mild, with a soft breeze stirring the new leaves on the trees. He scrolled aimlessly through social media as he drank, letting the peacefulness of the neighborhood seep into his bones.

It was in that moment of peace that Declan's mind inevitably drifted to thoughts of you, as it had been lately. His housemate and best friend for five years. In recent months, Declan had begun to see you in a new light, noticing little details that had never caught his attention before: the way you nose crinkled when you laughed or the gestures you made with your hands while explaining something.

He knew these thoughts were dangerous territory; your friendship was too important to risk over uncontrolled feelings. Still, Declan found himself daydreaming more and more about what could happen if you took that next step beyond friendship. He wondered if her smile would be just as soft and bright pressed against his lips as it was when you smiled at him from across the room.

Shaking his head with a resigned chuckle, Declan took another long sip of beer. Fantasizing about his housemate and friend was a road best left untraveled. Any fleeting attraction he felt would fade over time, as crushes do, and their easy comfort would remain.

At least, that's what he told himself. But the truth was, in the past few months, that warmth in his chest every time you walked into a room had only grown more persistent instead of fading. He was playing a dangerous game, ignoring these feelings for the sake of keeping things simple between you. And he wondered if maybe, just maybe, you felt it too beneath the surface of their familiar routines.

Finishing his beer with a sigh, Declan stood up to head back inside for the night. As he passed by the living room window, a movement in the side yard caught his eye. Squinting through the dimming twilight, he spotted a lone figure tossing something for a small, excited bundle of fur.

"Speak of the devil" Declan thought with a private smile. Grabbing his keys once again, he slipped outside and casually walked toward the old tree where you were playing with the neighbor's dog.

"Hey," he greeted softly as he approached. Her bright smile in response warmed him inside.

"Hey. Just keeping Max entertained while Claudia finishes her shift." You tossed the tennis ball once more as the dog eagerly chased after it. Straightening up from where you had been crouching, your smile turned questioning. "Want some company? I could use a break."

Declan smiled back easily, gesturing toward the house. "The door's open. I'll put the kettle on."

Later, as you sat together on the porch swing, cups of tea in hand, Declan found himself relaxing into their familiar rhythm. Your presence beside him was as comforting as ever. You chatted about nothing in particular as the spring night deepened around you, and the neighbor's dog had long since been called home.

And yet, there was something different in the air between you, a subtle shift that made Declan newly aware of every accidental brush of your arms or knees. He glanced over at you and found you gazing at the darkening lawn, your profile softly illuminated by the porch light, and once again, he wondered if you felt it too. That nagging suggestion that your comfortable familiarity could blossom into something deeper.

Before he realized what he was doing, Declan broke the serene silence. "Have you ever wondered..." He trailed off as you turned your inquisitive eyes toward him. How to continue without ruining this delicate thing growing between you?

Taking a deep breath, Declan pressed on gently. "If we took that next step, what it would be like. You and me." Your silence was thoughtful rather than surprised, as if you too had considered this inevitable question. You smiled sadly. "I know it's complicated. Our friendship means everything. I just had to ask, I guess."

For a long moment, you said nothing, once again looking out at the shadowy garden. Then, hesitantly, you said, "I've wondered too. What we have... it's important. But I think..." You turned then, meeting his eyes meaningfully. "What if we tried? Just to see."

Declan's heart swelled at the sight of the shy hope in your smile, in the longing that mirrored his own. Slowly, giving you time to change you mind, he reached for your hand that rested on the swing between you. Your fingers intertwined, warm and certain.

"We take it slow," Declan murmured. "See where this goes before making any big decisions. If it feels right, we'll keep going. And if not..."

"We stay as we are. Best friends, always." You gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "No matter what."

Declan mirrored your soft smile, feeling lighter than he had in a long time, just holding your hand in the quiet of the porch. Whatever happened, he knew that as long as you stayed by his side, he would be okay.

.

[aeolianblues]

pop stars aren't born in the 70s anymore like they used to be. These days they're born in a year uncomfortably close to my own which makes me clutch my chest and cry out

[shrimptacodaniels]

all i know is you make sense (pt. 4)

something something birds of a feather blah blah blah the tree is poetic (imma let you read 🫶)

“Well hey there, adult man lurking in a tree,” Katrina says cordially, as if she frequently sees adult men lurking in trees.

And really, Josh shouldn’t be surprised. 

(He is.)

Because, well, he hasn’t seen Katrina in days. It’s no fault of hers, they’re just busy. Actuarial work is a lot to manage. 

Okay, that’s not what it is. 

Josh has been hiding. It’s something he does exceptionally well - slipping through shadows and gates and loopholes. Usually, this is a point of pride for him. Hiding is a useful knack to have. Getting away from the chaos for a moment helps with perspective. With strategy. 

But the fact that he may have just destroyed his professional life hasn’t given him a lick of perspective. And he doesn’t know his next steps. 

So he’s been sitting in a tree until he does. 

“Alright,” Katrina grunts with the effort of hoisting herself up. “Let’s hope this branch holds the both of us.” 

“I guess we’ll see once you’re up here, hm?” he calls to her. 

But she’s faster than he realizes. 

“We’ll see-“ one more push, and she’s up to the branch he’s on, “-now.” She brushes her hands off on her leggings and settles in. 

He takes a second to look at her. She’s tied her hair back and is sporting her ancient New Balances.

She’s dressed like she knew she’d have to climb a tree today. 

She looks like she’s going to give him hell. 

And despite all the turmoil drilling into his brain, he’s so glad to see her. 

“How’d you find me?” he asks. She opens her mouth to answer, but freezes right as she’s going to. Something passes over her, some revelation Josh can’t quite place. 

“Hear me out on this one, okay?” 

“Take it away.” 

“You still stick your tongue out when you’re concentrating. It’s a habit you sometimes try to stop yourself from doing, especially when we’re working on something with the hackers, but it hasn’t gone away even still. 

You count on your fingers. You have a tapping system for multiplication and do it normally for addition, but you refuse to divide mentally. You work best when you can write out your thoughts. And when you feel like no one is watching you. 

You hate scrambled eggs but you eat them anyway because that’s how Rachel likes them. You’re a bit of a hoarder. You still have clothes from high school in your closet, but you don’t wear them. I think it’s because you don’t want to forget the kid you were. You like him, still. 

You can’t text someone back without reading your response aloud. ‘S just how you think. Which is why you keep your phone on silent during social gatherings in case something of sensitive nature comes up. But you’re sure to check every 25 minutes to see if anyone’s called because you feel like 30 minutes leaves too much room for error and 10 minutes is rude to the people at the gathering. 

Your favorite color is purple. Being inside for too long drives you crazy.

You light up when you’re watching someone do what they love. You’re the kind of person who just lets people talk about their passions because you find the most joy in their joy. And yet you don’t give yourself that luxury.” She fixes him with a hard stare at that. “I’ll come back to that point.

Rachel calls you honeypot not just because it’s a sweet pet name, but also a defense  system for computers. She loves you and she loves that you make her feel protected. You’re so important to her. 

Janice doesn’t cross her arms as much when she’s around you, because she feels as though she doesn’t have to keep up any “tough” image when you’re around. She treats you more bluntly than anyone because she knows that you see things how they are and she respects that. She trusts you to be someone who wants her at face value. 

You are the bravest person I’ve ever met in my life. Because you are the most supportive guy I know. You go out on a limb to challenge the people you love, to make them better. And that’s vulnerable. You’re flexible and creative and quick and charming and brilliant.

Of all the people on the planet, you are the easiest for me to read. And I know how miserable you are as a paralegal - it drains you. And I know how afraid you are of switching up your career. But look at me.” 

She takes his hand in hers. Squeezes twice. 

“I found you because you were made to be found. Because I have the privilege of waking up excited to see you. People spend their whole lives looking for refuge like you. They have to know where to look. And it sure as hell won’t be in a dingy office under heaps of legal teachings from the 1800s. You belong where you’re happy.“ 

She’s crying a bit now. He is too. 

“You weren’t meant to hide,” she whispers shakily. “So don’t. You’re too loved.” 

“I love you,” he leans their heads together, “more than you know.”

“This one’s about you, kid.” She tilts her head to nudge at his. “I know it’s a lot to process. But doesn’t it feel right? Like this is exactly what you’re made for?” 

Josh pauses at that. Looks out at the sunset. Hears the rushing wind and cars zooming past. Knows he’s going home to his girlfriend later. Knows he’s the most loved he’s ever been in his life. 

Knows that starting a board game café has been his dream for the better part of ten years. Feels the thrill of finally being free - not having to carry people’s problems anymore. 

Just give them a soft place to land. 

“You know what?” Josh looks over at her. “It’s starting to.” 

[seaside-writings]

I hope this prompt list brings you inspiration wherever it is needed, and like always if you do use these prompts please tag me so I can see what you’ve made!

I hope you all stay blessed and safe throughout your day.

Lots of Love & Wishes: Celia 💙🎵

🎵 “You walk out the door, then you want back in the second that it's cold outside,”

🎵 “We were living then, but we die now,”

🎵 “So glad that I can hear my sound,”

🎵 “I think we're on our final scene,”

🎵 “The silence used to be so loud,”

🎵 “I know it's not healthy, it doesn't help me, but I do it, anyways,”

🎵 “Even after all the white lies, empty goodbyes,”

🎵 “Hopin' you're right where you wanna be, even if it's not with me,”

🎵 “Lookin' at photos, readin' the letters, that you gave me, I could never throw them out,”

🎵 “Almost glad I miss it ‘cause it's better than not feelin' a single thing,”

🎵 “Keep us good in all our memories so, I don't have to throw them out,”

🎵 “I get reminiscent when somebody says your name,”

🎵 “All the tears and all the times you weren't there when I needed you to be,”

🎵 “Keep us good in all our memories,”

🎵 “A ghost never leaves a haunted house,”

[kilenavictwrites]

HAREM LAYOUT

CENTRAL HALLS

➺ HALL OF SUPREME HARMONY (TAIHE DIAN; 太和殿, TÀIHÉDIÀN)Think of this as the “stage of ultimate power”—the largest and most important building in the Forbidden City. It was where emperors hosted grand ceremonies like enthronements, royal weddings, and state celebrations. Its golden throne and dragon carvings radiated authority, reminding everyone of the emperor’s divine rule.

➺ HALL OF CENTRAL HARMONY (ZHONGHE DIAN; 中和殿 ZHŌNGHÉDIÀN)This smaller hall acted as the “emperor’s green room”—a place for the emperor to prepare and rehearse before major ceremonies. It gave him a quiet space to rest, finalize rituals, and mentally prepare to face the grandeur of the court.

➺ HALL OF PRESERVING HARMONY (BAOHE DIAN; 保和殿 BǍOHÉDIÀN)Known as the “hall of final tests,” this space was where imperial banquets were held and the top-ranking scholars competed in the last stage of the civil service exams. It symbolized the bridge between talent and power, as successful candidates earned coveted roles in the empire.

RESIDENCES OF THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS

➺ PALACE OF HEAVENLY PURITY (QIANQING GONG; 乾清宫 QIÁNQĪNGGŌNG) – The Emperor’s ResidenceImagine this as the “emperor’s headquarters.” Early in the Qing Dynasty, this was the emperor’s living space, but later it became a formal area for state affairs and meetings. Its ornate design reflected the emperor’s central role in ruling the empire.

➺ HALL OF UNION AND PEACE (JIAOTAI DIAN; 交泰殿 JIĀOTÀIDIÀN)Acting as a “symbol of balance,” this hall linked the emperor’s and empress’s residences, representing harmony between yin and yang. It also housed the imperial seals, tools of state authority, symbolizing unity in governance.

➺ PALACE OF EARTHLY TRANQUILITY (KUNNING GONG; 坤宁宫 KŪNNÍNGGŌNG) – The Empress’s ResidenceKnown as the “empress’s haven,” this palace served as the residence for the empress and a site for significant ceremonies like imperial weddings. Its name reflects her role in maintaining harmony and fertility within the imperial household.➺ IMPERIAL GARDEN (御花园 YÙHUĀYUÁN)This lush garden was the “royal family’s retreat.” Pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees offered the emperor, empress, and consorts a serene escape from court life. It showcased traditional Chinese landscaping, blending art and nature into perfect harmony.

SIX WESTERN PALACES (西六宫, XĪLIÙGŌNG)

➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL LONGEVITY (YONGSHOU GONG; 永寿宫 YǑNGSHÒUGŌNG): This palace housed senior concubines or favored women, such as Imperial Noble Consorts or high-ranking Consorts. It is known for its richly decorated interiors, symbolizing the high rank of its inhabitants and reflecting the emperor’s wish for a long and prosperous life.

➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL SPRING (CHANGCHUN GONG;��春宫 CHÁNGCHŪNGŌNG): Home to Imperial Noble Consorts or highly ranked Noble Consorts, this palace is distinguished by its elegant and understated design, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. It represented the emperor’s favor and the well-being of the imperial family.

➺ PALACE OF GATHERING ELEGANCE (CHUXIU GONG;储秀宫 CHǓXIÙGŌNG): Once the residence of Empress Dowager Cixi, this palace is famous for its lavish decorations, including silk panels and intricate carvings. It was home to Imperial Noble Consorts and Noble Consorts, reflecting both opulence and historical significance.

➺ PALACE OF UNIVERSAL HAPPINESS (XIANFU GONG; 咸福宫 XIÁNFÚGŌNG): This tranquil residence was for Consorts and Imperial Concubines, offering serene gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. Its name symbolizes happiness and harmony within the imperial household, providing a retreat from the tensions of court life.

➺ PALACE OF MANIFEST BENEVOLENCE (YONGHE GONG; 咸福宫 XIÁNFÚGŌNG): A modestly decorated palace, it housed lower-ranking Concubines or Noble Consorts. It was less prominent than other western palaces but still offered a residence for women with less political influence in the imperial harem.➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL HARMONY (YONGHE GONG; 永和宫 YǑNGHÉGŌNG): Designed as a peaceful space for Concubines seeking quiet contemplation, this palace offered a retreat for reflection. It was a place for introspection and spiritual solace, away from the bustle of court politics.

SIX EASTERN PALACES (东六宫, DŌNGLIÙGŌNG)

➺ PALACE OF GREAT BENEVOLENCE (JINGREN GONG; 景仁宫 JǏNGRÉN​GŌNG): This palace housed the Empress Dowager or other influential women in the court, such as the emperor’s mother or heirs. Its decorations, symbolizing benevolence and virtue, emphasized the maternal authority and moral influence of its residents. ➺ PALACE OF CELESTIAL FAVOR (CHENGQIAN GONG; 承乾宫 CHÉNGQIÁNGŌNG): Reserved for Imperial Noble Consorts, Consorts, or Imperial Concubines who had borne the emperor’s children, this palace is known for its ornate design, reflecting the high status of its residents and the emperor’s favor toward them. ➺ PALACE OF ETERNAL HARMONY (YONGHE GONG; 永和宫 YǑNGHÉGŌNG): Similar to its western counterpart, this palace housed Noble Consorts or Concubines with a quieter role in the court. Featuring serene gardens and courtyards, it offered a peaceful retreat for personal reflection. ➺ PALACE OF PROLONGING HAPPINESS (YANXI GONG;  延禧宫 YÁNXǏGŌNG): Known for its European Baroque architectural style, this palace was a residence for Concubines and Noble Consorts. It was partly rebuilt during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign but later fell into disrepair, symbolizing Qing openness to foreign influences. ➺ PALACE OF PURITY AND TRANQUILITY (SUQING GONG;肃清宫 SÙQĪNGGŌNG): This simple and serene palace was designed as a retreat for lower-ranking Concubines or Noble Ladies, offering them a quiet space for reflection and solitude, away from the complexity of court life. ➺ PALACE OF LASTING BLESSINGS (YONGSHOU GONG; 永寿宫 YǑNGSHÒUGŌNG): Reserved for lower-ranking Consorts, Concubines, or retired women, this palace symbolized the emperor’s wish for enduring prosperity and blessings. It provided a peaceful residence for women no longer involved in the active imperial harem.

➺ THE COLD PALACE (冷宫, LĚNGGŌNG) was not a specific, singular palace but rather a general term used to refer to places where disfavored imperial concubines, consorts, or court members were sent. These women were effectively confined, losing the emperor’s favor and their political or social standing. The Cold Palace was often located in remote or less-maintained parts of the Forbidden City, far from the central Inner Court and main residential areas.

There is historical evidence suggesting that parts of the Six Western Palaces or other unused, deteriorating buildings within the Forbidden City were sometimes repurposed as Cold Palaces. One of the more commonly referenced Cold Palace locations is the Palace of Prolonged Happiness (Yanxi Gong) after it fell into disrepair following a fire during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign.

These spaces were intentionally isolated, with simple or dilapidated conditions, reflecting the loss of favor of those confined there.