china Archives - Page 5 of 40 - History of Royal Women

Princess Sun Luyu – The Princess who was murdered by her own sister

Thursday, 5 February 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Princess Sun Luyu has often been overshadowed by her more famous and ruthless sister, Grand Princess Sun Luban.[1] She lived during the Three Kingdoms era. Princess Sun Luyu was the daughter of Emperor Sun Quan of the Wu Dynasty. Princess Sun Luyu was very influential.[2] However, she supported a prince, whom her sister strongly disliked, [read more]

Princess Xian – The tribal Chieftain who made a peaceful relationship with the Sui Dynasty

Saturday, 31 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Princess Xian was a tribal chieftain of the Li tribe in Southern China. She was a loyal supporter of the Chen Dynasty. When the Chen Dynasty fell, Princess Xian lent her support to Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty.[1] Emperor Wen greatly admired Princess Xian.[2] He awarded her with many honours.[3] In return, she helped keep her [read more]

Empress Wulie – The frontier matriarch of the Three Kingdoms

Thursday, 29 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Wulie was the posthumous Empress of the posthumous Emperor Sun Jian.[1] She was never an empress during her lifetime.[2] Her son, Sun Quan, declared himself Emperor of the Wu kingdom.[3] He honoured his mother by making her a posthumous Empress.[4] Empress Wulie lived during the fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three [read more]

Empress Jianming and Empress Erzhu – The Erzhu sisters who both became Empresses of the Northern Wei Dynasty

Tuesday, 27 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Jianming and Empress Erzhu were sisters.[1] They were the daughters of Erzhu Zhao, who was regent and the unofficial ruler of the Northern Wei Dynasty from 530 C.E. to 532 C.E.[2] Empress Jianming was the Empress to Emperor Jianming of the Northern Wei Dynasty.[3] [4]Empress Erzhu was the Empress to Emperor Jiemin of the Northern [read more]

Grand Empress Dowager Lou Zhaojun – The Grand Empress Dowager who married the man she was smitten with at first sight

Saturday, 24 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Grand Empress Dowager Lou Zhaojun was the posthumous Empress of Emperor Gao Huan. She came from a wealthy family.[1] However, she became smitten at first sight with Gao Huan, who was originally a low-ranking military officer.[2] She married him against the wishes of her parents.[3] Gao Huan would eventually become one of the most powerful men [read more]

Empress Mao – Emperor Ming of Wei’s first Empress who was forced to commit suicide after asking the Emperor about his secret party

Thursday, 22 January 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Mao was the first Empress of Emperor Ming of the Wei Dynasty. She was of humble origins.[1] She was originally Emperor Ming’s favourite consort.[2] He elevated her to the Empress position.[3] Once she was Empress, Emperor Ming grew tired of her and forced her to commit suicide.[4] In circa 210 C.E., Empress Mao was born [read more]