From the etymological point of view, Houzi was created by historians in Xia Qi in 2000 BC according to the existing Chinese characters. The last word is to reverse the word si and give it a new pronunciation.
Because the word "heir" has the meaning of inheriting his father's business, it also has the same meaning later, which is in line with Xia Houshi's ruling philosophy of "home is in the world". Moreover, the word "Hou" contains the meaning of monarch, and there is a written record of "Hou, Jun also" in ancient books. For example, Qi, the son of Dayu, is called "",and the legendary Houyi who shot at the sun.
Xu Shen said in "Shuo Wen Jie Zi": "Those who follow the wind of the monarch are like people's shapes, and those who sue the four sides and issue their numbers are also monarchs." In ancient tribes, women generally gave orders as authorities, so the word "Hou" had the meaning of authoritative women. Extending to the royal family, because the position of the emperor's wife is above the Sixth Courtyard, it is the master of all concubines, the authority of the harem and the authority of women all over the country. "Zhou Li Tianguan Zai" records: "The queen is handsome in the Sixth Hospital." Therefore, the emperor's wife is called "Hou".
What are three palaces and six hospitals?
The "Three Palaces", also known as the Last Three Palaces, refer to the Gan Qing Palace where the emperor lived, the Kunning Palace where the queen lived, and the Jiaotai Hall between Gan Qing Palace and Kunning Palace. The Sixth Hospital is actually the Twelfth Hospital.
There are six palaces in the three palaces: Ren Jing Palace, Chenggan Palace, Zhongcui Palace, Jingyang Palace, Yonghe Palace and Yan Xi Palace. The "Six Palaces on West Road" are Yongshou Palace, Yikun Palace, Palace of Gathered Elegance, Xianfu Palace, Changchun Palace and Taiji Hall. Because all palaces are quadrangular buildings, they are called "East Sixth Courtyard" and "West Sixth Courtyard".
The Forbidden City is the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties. Judging from the architectural layout, it is in accordance with the ancient regulations of "front yard and rear bedroom", with the outer courtyard as the official residence and the inner palace as the so-called "three palaces and six courtyards".