The Palace of Gathering Excellence (储秀宫: Chu Xiu Gong) is located in the northeast of the six west palaces, initially named Shouchang Palace (寿昌宫: Longevity Palace) and changed to the Palace of Gathering Excellence in the reign of Emperor Jiajing during the Ming Dynasty.

Many concubines of the emperors once lived in this palace, but the most famous one is Empress Dowager Cixi, who had already given birth to Emperor Tongzhi when she was still an average concubine of the emperor living in Lijingxuan (丽景轩: which literally means a beautiful small and comfortable chamber to live in).

In 1884 (the 10th year of Emperor Guangxu reign), Empress Dowager Cixi reentered this palace at her 50th birthday celebration. That time the walls of the palace were carved the words that complimented her and wished her to have a long lifespan.

The last owner of the palace is the wife of the last emperor Puyi. It is said that when the Kuomintang General Feng Yuxiang arrived outside the Gate of Devine Might (神武门: Shen Wu Men), planning to drive out the emperor and his family out of the Forbidden City, the last emperor Puyi and his wife Wanrong were chatting and laughing.

Source: baike.baidu.com