Empress Cao (Song dynasty) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Empress Cao |
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Empress Cao in the middle, with assistants
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| Grand Empress Dowager of Song Dynasty | |||||
| Reign | 1067-1079 | ||||
| Empress Dowager of Song Dynasty | |||||
| Reign | 1063-1067 | ||||
| Empress consort of Song Dynasty | |||||
| Reign | 1034-1063 | ||||
| Born | 1016 | ||||
| Died | 16 November 1079 (aged 63) | ||||
| Spouse | Emperor Renzong of Song | ||||
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Empress Cao (born 1016, died November 16, 1079) was a powerful Chinese empress during the Song Dynasty. She was married to Emperor Renzong of Song. Empress Cao also ruled China for a short time as a regent when her adopted son, Emperor Yingzong, became very sick.
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Empress Cao's Early Life
Cao was born in a region known today as Hebei Province. Her grandfather was Cao Bin, who was one of the most important generals who helped start the Song Dynasty. This meant she came from a very respected and powerful family.
Becoming Empress
In 1033, the first empress of Emperor Renzong, Empress Guo, was removed from her position. This happened after the death of Empress Dowager Liu, who had supported Empress Guo.
In September 1034, Cao became Emperor Renzong's second empress. She enjoyed gardening and raising silk worms. She was known for being a wise and respected person.
Helping the Emperor Rule
State officials respected Empress Cao a lot. They allowed her to help the Emperor with important state matters when he was ill. She would sit by his side and assist him in making decisions.
In 1048, a group of imperial guards caused trouble in her palace. Empress Cao was brave and helped save the Emperor's life during this event. At first, the Emperor thought she might be involved because it happened in her palace. However, an investigation proved that the rumors against her were false.
Family Life
Empress Cao did not have any children of her own. In 1036, the Emperor adopted his four-year-old cousin. This young boy would later become Emperor Yingzong. Empress Cao became his foster mother. She also chose her niece, who would become Empress Gao (Song dynasty), to marry her adopted son.
Empress Cao as Regent
In 1063, Empress Cao's adopted son, Emperor Yingzong, became the new Emperor after her husband passed away. Soon after becoming emperor, Yingzong became very ill. Because of his sickness, government officials asked Empress Dowager Cao to rule China as a regent. A regent is someone who governs a country when the ruler is too young, too sick, or unable to rule.
Empress Dowager Cao agreed to rule. She was careful not to make the same mistakes as a previous empress, Empress Liu. Empress Liu was known for giving special favors to her family and taking too much power. Empress Cao made sure not to do this.
Stepping Down from Power
Empress Cao held meetings with her advisors behind a lowered screen. This showed that she was not taking on all the powers of an emperor. When Emperor Yingzong got better in 1064, officials asked her to stop being regent and let him rule fully.
At first, she did not want to step down. However, the prime minister, Han Qi, removed the screen from the meeting hall. This made it impossible for her to attend meetings in the same way. This action forced her to retire from her role as regent.
Later Years
In 1067, Emperor Shenzong became the new ruler. Empress Cao was given the special title of Grand Empress Dowager. Emperor Shenzong sometimes listened to her advice. For example, she helped change the punishment for a famous poet named Su Shi. Instead of being imprisoned, he was sent away to live in exile.
