China Archives - History of Royal Women

Empress Dowager Zheng Achun – The widow who became a respected Empress Dowager of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and whose name was tabooed

Thursday, 4 December 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Dowager Zheng Achun was the imperial concubine of Emperor Yuan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. She was the mother of Emperor Jianwen and the grandmother of Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Before Empress Dowager Zheng Achun met Emperor Yuan, she was a widow with a young son.[1] However, he could only make her [read more]

Empress Du Lingyang – The Empress of the Eastern Jin Dynasty whose name was tabooed

Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Du Lingyang was the empress consort of Emperor Cheng of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Her great-grandfather was the famous poet and general Du Yu.[1] Empress Du Lingyang did not have any children.[2] After her death, her name was tabooed.[3] In 321 C.E., Empress Du Lingyang was born.[4] She was from the prestigious Du family. Her personal [read more]

Yang Xianrong -The Empress of two Chinese kingdoms

Saturday, 29 November 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Yang Xianrong was the empress of two Chinese kingdoms. She was the second empress consort to Emperor Hui of the Western Jin Dynasty. After Emperor Hui’s death, Yang Xianrong became the Empress Dowager of the Western Jin Dynasty. Emperor Liu Yao burned her palace, kidnapped and married Empress Dowager Yang Xianrong. Therefore, Yan Xianrong [read more]

Empress Liang Lanbi – The last Empress of the Western Jin Dynasty who died a hostage under Emperor Liu Yao of the Han-Zhou Dynasty

Monday, 24 November 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Liang Lanbi was the last empress of the Western Jin Dynasty. She was the empress consort of Emperor Huai of the Western Jin Dynasty. Empress Liang Lanbi did not have any children. Later, she became a captive of Emperor Liu Yao of the Han-Zhao Dynasty.[1] Therefore, her life ended in tragedy. The birthdate of Empress [read more]

Empress Dowager Wang Xianyuan – The Empress Dowager of the Liu-Song Dynasty whose son did not visit her because he was afraid of ghosts

Saturday, 22 November 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Dowager Wang Xianyuan was the empress consort to Emperor Xiaowu of the Liu-Song Dynasty. She was also the mother of Emperor Qianfei of the Liu-Song Dynasty. Emperor Qianfei was very disobedient to his mother.[1] When Empress Dowager Wang Xianyuan became gravely ill, Emperor Qianfei refused to visit her because there were ghosts in her [read more]

Empress Dowager Yu Wenjun – Her short and tragic regency

Thursday, 20 November 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Dowager Yu Wenjun was the empress consort of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. She was also the mother of Emperor Cheng and Emperor Kang of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Empress Dowager Yu Wenjun became regent for her six-year-old son, Emperor Cheng.[1] However, she was regent for three years.[2] Empress Dowager Yu Wenjun’s short regency [read more]