 The Qianlong Emperor's second empress consort, Hoifa-Nara, the Step Empress, died on 19 August 1766 and he did not designate any of his consorts as the new Empress.However, Lady Wei, who held the highest rank among all of the Qianlong Emperor's consorts, was placed in charge of the imperial harem and served as a "de facto" Empress (This is also possible that the title Empress was not granted as Qianlong intended to keep Yongyan's status as heir apparent a secret to prevent brawl among his sons until 1795).She accompanied the Qianlong Emperor on his excursions to Mount Tai, Jehol and the areas south of the Yangtze River.