China

Empress Hesi – Emperor Zhongzong’s first wife who was starved to death by Empress Wu of the Zhou Dynasty

Empress Hesi was one of Tang Dynasty’s most mysterious and tragic empresses.[1] She was the first wife of Emperor Zhongzong before he became crown prince.[2] However, Empress Wu Zetian was jealous of her mother and took her displeasure out on Empress Hesi.[3] Empress Hesi was brutally murdered by Empress Wu Zetian.[4] Empress Hesi was eventually made a [read more]
Book News

Book News Week 18

  *contains affiliate links* Book News Week 18 – 27 April – 3 May 2026 The Throne: 1,000 Years of British Coronations  Paperback – 30 April 2026 (UK) Women, Wealth and the State in Early Colonial India: The Begams of Awadh (States Before Modernity)  Paperback – 30 April 2026 (UK & US) The Hunt for [read more]
China

Empress Zhaocheng – The mother of Emperor Xuanzong who was murdered by Empress Wu Zetian of the Zhou Dynasty

Empress Zhaocheng was one of the Tang Dynasty’s most mysterious and tragic empresses.[1] She was originally an imperial consort to Emperor Ruizong. She was the mother of Emperor Xuanzong. However, she was falsely accused of witchcraft.[2] She was murdered by Empress Wu, and her body was never found.[3] However, Emperor Ruizong and Emperor Xuanzong tried to make up [read more]
China

Empress Suming – Emperor Ruizong’s Empress who was murdered by Empress Wu Zetian of the Zhou Dynasty

Empress Suming was one of the Tang Dynasty’s most mysterious and tragic empresses.[1] She was the empress consort to Emperor Ruizong. She was the daughter-in-law of Empress Wu. She was said to be very gentle.[2] However, she was killed on Empress Wu’s orders on false charges of witchcraft.[3] Her body has never been found.[4] The birthdate [read more]