Imperial Consort Niu – The unofficial ruler of the Tang Dynasty

Imperial Consort Niu was an imperial consort to Emperor Shunzong of the Tang Dynasty empire.^[1] She was his favourite.^[2] However, she did not bear him any children.^[3] Imperial Consort Niu was a remarkable figure.^[4] This was because she was the unofficial ruler of the Tang empire during Emperor Shunzong’s reign.^[5]

The birthdate of Imperial Consort Niu is unknown.^[6] She was from the Niu family.^[7] Her parents are unknown.^[8] Her early life is also unknown.^[9] Lady Niu eventually became an imperial consort to Crown Prince Li Song (the future Emperor Shunzong).^[10] Imperial Consort Niu quickly became his favourite consort.^[11] However, she did not produce any children with him.^[12]

^{In 804, Crown Prince Li Song suffered a stroke, which left him mute and paralysed.[13]} His health did not improve. Crown Prince Li Song’s father, Emperor Dezong, was greatly saddened by his son’s health.^[14] He fell ill and died on 25 February 805. The Tang officials wondered if Crown Prince Li Song should be the next emperor.^[15] They considered replacing him with another of Emperor Dezong’s princes.^[16] However, Crown Prince Li Song proved that he was not completely incapacitated because he stood up and made his way to Taiji Hall.^[17]

On 28 February 805, Li Song ascended the throne as Emperor Shunzong of the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Shunzong reformed the tax system and did not levy excessive taxes on the people.^[18] However, Emperor Shunzong was still very ill.^[19] He gave his powers to Imperial Consort Niu and his eunuch, Li Zhongyan.^[20]

Imperial Consort Niu and Li Zhongyan together ruled the Tang empire and made the decisions on Emperor Shenzong’s behalf.^[21] They worked together with Tang officials, Wang Shuwen, Wei Zhiyi and Wang Pi.^[22] Imperial Consort Niu greatly disliked Li Chun (the Prince of Guangling and Emperor Shunzong’s eldest son, whom he had with Imperial Consort Wang and who would later be known as Emperor Xianzong) because he was very intelligent.^[23] She initially refused to make him the Crown Prince.^[24] However, the imperial scholar Zheng Yin wrote a formal memorial requesting that Li Chun be made the Crown Prince.^[25] After Emperor Shunzong listened to the memorial, he gave a mere nod.^[26] Therefore, Li Chun was appointed as the Crown Prince.^[27] 

In the summer of 805, Wang Shuwen was greatly disliked by the regional military governors because he frequently had disputes with them.^[28] The regional military governors frequently submitted petitions requesting that Emperor Shunzong take power away from Wang Shuwen, Wei Zhiyi, Wang Pi, and Li Zhongyan.^[29] It also meant that Emperor Shunzong should take away Imperial Consort Niu’s power because she was a member of Wang Shuwen’s faction.^[30] They also petitioned for Crown Prince Li Chun to be made regent.^[31] Under immense pressure, Emperor Shunzong issued an edict for Crown Prince Li Chun to be made regent.^[32] Crown Prince Li Chun ordered that all officials report directly to him.^[33] Therefore, Imperial Consort Niu, Li Zhongyan, Wang Shuwen, Wang Pi, and Wei Zhiyi lost their power.^[34]

On 28 August 805, Emperor Shunzong abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Li Chun. On 5 September 805, Li Chun ascended the throne as Emperor Xianzong. Emperor Shunzong became known as the Retired Emperor.^[35] On 11 February 806, Emperor Shunzong died. Imperial Consort Niu’s life after Crown Prince Li Chun became regent is unknown.^[36] It is not known when or how Imperial Consort Niu died.^[37]

There is very little information known about Imperial Consort Niu.^[38] However, it is clear that she was a very powerful figure.^[39] While Emperor Shunzong was incapacitated during his short reign, she reigned in his stead until his son became regent.^[40] Imperial Consort Niu has been a forgotten royal figure.^[41] Because Imperial Consort Niu ruled the Tang Empire under Emperor Shunzong’s name, hopefully, there will be studies on her in the future. Imperial Consort Niu deserves greater recognition and acknowledgement in history.

Sources:

iNews. (n.d.). “Emperor Shunzong of Tang, Li Song: After serving as crown prince for 26 years, he became paralyzed and bedridden. Upon his father’s death, he immediately stood up and ascended the throne”. Retrieved on March 19, 2026 from https://inf.news/en/history/2501ce45656015af1d295ae80d968eb2.html/2.

iNews. (n.d.). “The “Voiceless” Mute Emperor Shunzong of the Tang Dynasty and the “Two Kings and Eight Ministers” Incident (Part 4)”. Retrieved on April 19, 2026 from https://inf.news/en/news/729878e97ef61a708283f1564da08ba2.html.

McMahon, K. (2013). Women Shall Not Rule: Imperial Wives and Concubines in China from Han to Liao. NY: Rowman and Littlefield.