Imperial Consort Zhao Hede Zhaoyi
China

Imperial Consort Zhao Hede Zhaoyi – The Imperial Consort who was accused of killing Emperor Cheng of the Western Han Dynasty due to her wantonness

Imperial Consort Zhao Hede Zhaoyi is known to be one of China’s most wanton figures in history.[1] She was the favourite imperial concubine of Emperor Cheng of the Western Han Dynasty.[2] She is also known as Empress Zhao Feiyan’s notorious sister, whom she conspired with for her ruthless deeds.[3] She has been blamed by ancient chroniclers [read more]

Empress Xu
China

Empress Xu – The deposed Empress who was blamed for causing a total solar eclipse because of her childlessness

Empress Xu was the first Empress of Emperor Cheng of the Western Han Dynasty. She initially had Emperor Cheng’s love.[1] However, she did not produce a son and was blamed for natural disasters that occurred frequently throughout the empire.[2] Her husband eventually saw her as a great calamity because of her barrenness and no longer loved [read more]

empress in the pepper chamber
Book Reviews

Book Review: The Empress in the Pepper Chamber: Zhao Feiyan in History and Fiction by Olivia Milburn

*review copy* *contains affiliate links* Zhao Feiyan, also known as Empress Xiaocheng, was an Empress during the Han Dynasty. She has been known in history for being so wanton that she has been the main character in many lewd Chinese pieces of literature. Her notorious reputation has remained alive for two millennia, but is it [read more]