Queen Zhuang Fanji lived during the Spring and Autumn period, an era in which the states of Jin, Qin, Qi, and Chu were breaking away from the ruling Zhou dynasty and forming their own dynasties.[1] She was known to be a virtuous and capable stateswoman.[2] Many historians attributed Fanji with turning her weak kingdom of Chu into [read more]
Queen Dowager Zhao’s life was full of turbulence and scandal. She lived during the Warring States period. The Warring States period was a time when the seven states of China–Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi–declared independence from the ruling Zhou dynasty and warred with each other.[1] Zhao Ji was a dancer and singer [read more]
Princess Liji was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in ancient China. However, she used her beauty for ruthless actions. She is best known for turning “the Jin succession from a worthy heir-apparent to her own son.”[1] The disruption of the succession led to the suicide of her step-son Prince Shensheng, who [read more]
In the sixth century, there lived a general named Dugu Xin. He came from a non-Chinese clan that was said to have a vast network of connections and influences throughout the various kingdoms of China.[1] Dugu Xin was a military general who had served both the Northern Wei and Western Wei dynasties.[2] He eventually became Duke of [read more]
Empress Ulanara was one of Emperor Qianlong’s three empresses. She was originally a concubine and was eventually promoted to empress. She initially maintained a respectful relationship with the emperor. However, she suddenly fell out of favour. Many historians believe that the reason for this unexpected breach is because she cut her hair. It was forbidden [read more]
Empress Ki’s rise to power is truly astonishing. She was forced to leave her homeland of Goryeo (Korea) to become a female tribute to the Yuan dynasty. She became a palace servant and eventually climbed the ranks to be empress. She still remains largely unpopular. When the popular Korean drama, Empress Ki, aired on television, historians [read more]
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