The complexion of the empresses attending to state affairs was fairly complicated. Some had to represent their sons because the emperor was really too young to rule a dynasty; some, due to their ambition for monopolizing power, deliberately supported and enthroned a young emperor who could be easily controlled by them after their husbands died, thus to gain the real power of the court. Some empresses even disenthroned the crown prince designated by their husbands after his death or had the new emperor killed to gain control of the state for themselves. Some regent empresses certainly played an important role in stabilizing the dynasty; but others, however, brought a lot of troubles and crises to the dynasty due to their high ambition and low quality.

Preface

Empress Lu Zhi: Wife of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang of the Han Dynasty

Empress Ma: Wife of Emperor Mingdi Liu Zhuang of the Eastern Han Dynasty

Empress Jia Nanfeng: Wife of Emperor Huidi Sima Zhong of the Western Jin Dynasty

Empress Chu Suanzi: Wife of Emperor Kangdi Sima Yue of the Eastern Jin Dynasty

Empress Feng: Wife of Emperor Wencheng Tuoba Jun of the Northern Wei Dynasty

Empress Liu Jingyan: Wife of Emperor Xuandi Chen Xu of the Chen Dynasty

Empress Dugu: Wife of Emperor Wendi Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty

Empress Zhangsun: Wife of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty

Empress Liu E: Wife of Emperor Zhenzong Zhao Heng of the Northern Song Dynasty

Empress Meng: Wife of Emperor Zhezong Zhao Xu of the Song Dynasty

Empress Shulu Ping: Wife of Emperor Taizu Yelu Abaoji of the Liao Dynasty

Li Shier: Wife of Emperor Zhangzong Wanyan Jing of the Kin Dynasty

Empress Chabi: Wife of Emperor Shizu Kublai of the Yuan Dynasty

Empress Ma: Wife of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty

Empress Cixi: Wife of Emperor Wenzong Yizhu of the Qing Dynasty

Appendix