Princess Fukang’s death is one of China’s most tragic and unresolved mysteries. While Princess Fukang officially died of unknown causes, Emperor Shenzong accused Princess Fukang’s husband named Li Wei of abusing her to death. While we may never know if Princess Fukang died at the hands of her husband, we do know that she suffered [read more]
In my previous article, I chronicled Empress Dowager Liu E’s humble origins as an orphan who entertained people on the streets and rose to become the regent of Northern Song China. Empress Liu E was said to be one of the greatest empresses of China, but she was not evil.[1] She was known to be fair, [read more]
Empress Dowager Liu E of Northern Song is known as one of China’s three greatest empresses.[1] She played an important role in the history of the Song Dynasty. She was the first regent of the Northern Song Dynasty and created a new model of female regency that her successors would follow.[2] Empress Dowager Liu E was [read more]
Empress Xiao Chuo’s story proves that there is an extraordinary woman behind a great man. Empress Xiao Chuo’s son, Emperor Shengzong, was one of the Liao Dynasty’s greatest rulers. However, it was his mother who paved the way to his greatness. Empress Xiao Chuo would make many reforms that greatly benefitted her country and her [read more]
Empress Xuanmu Huiwen has often been portrayed in a negative light. She has been known to bring about the downfall of her rival and former sister-in-law, Empress Yeli. She was the favourite of Li Yuanhao, the founder of the Western Xia dynasty. She ruled as regent for her one-year-old son, Emperor Yizong. Yet, her greatest [read more]
In the early days of the Liao Dynasty, there was a custom that when a husband died, his widow must be buried alive with her late husband at his funeral. However, one widow did not want to sacrifice herself. To keep herself alive, she cut off her right hand as a substitute for her death. [read more]
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