Empress Xiaoduanwen (31 May 1599 â 28 May 1649), of the Khorchin Borjigin clan, personal name Jerjer, was a wife of Hong Taiji. She was seven years his junior.
Jerjer was born on the eighth day of the intercalary fourth lunar month in the 27th year of the reign of the Wanli Emperor, which translates to 31 May 1599 in the Gregorian calendar.
On 28 May 1614, Jerjer married Hong Taiji and became one of his multiple wives.
In 1623, Hong Taiji divorced his second primary consort, and elevated Jerjer to the position.
Lady Borjigit's niece, Bumbutai, the future Empress Dowager Zhaosheng, would marry Hong Taiji in March or April 1625.
Jerjer gave birth in 1625 to Hong Taiji's second daughter, Princess Wenzhuang of the First Rank, on 2 August 1628 to his third daughter, Princess Jingduan of the First Rank, and on 7 October 1634 to his eighth daughter, Princess Yong'an of the First Rank.
Another niece, Harjol, the future primary consort Minhui, would marry Hong Taiji on 6 December 1634.
When Hong Taiji conferred titles on five of his wives in August 1636, he instated Jerjer as consort of the central palace.
The system of honors and titles was quite chaotic during the early years of the Qing dynasty and Jerjer wasn't elevated to the rank of empress dowager following Hong Taiji's death, she held the status and power due to one.
Jerjer died on 28 May 1649 and was interred in the Zhao Mausoleum. She was posthumously honoured with the title "Empress Xiaoduanwen".