Empress Dowager Bian facts for kids

Lady Bian (born 29 January 161, died 9 July 230) was an important figure in ancient China. She was the wife of Cao Cao, a powerful leader who helped create the state of Cao Wei. Later, she became an empress dowager and then a grand empress dowager. Her formal title was Empress Wuxuan. Lady Bian was known for her wisdom, kindness, and humility. She played a key role in supporting her family during a time of great change in China.

Early Life and Marriage to Cao Cao

Lady Bian was born in 161 in a village in what is now Shandong province. Her family was not wealthy. When she was young, she worked as a performer or entertainer. At the age of 20, she became a concubine to Cao Cao. He was a rising warlord during the late Eastern Han dynasty.

Lady Bian's Loyalty and Wisdom

In 189, Cao Cao had to flee from a powerful general named Dong Zhuo. Rumors spread that Cao Cao had died. Many of his followers started to leave. Lady Bian bravely refused to believe the rumors. She convinced Cao Cao's followers to stay loyal. When Cao Cao returned, he was very impressed by her actions.

Lady Bian gave birth to four of Cao Cao's sons. These included Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong. After Cao Cao's first wife, Lady Ding, left him, Lady Bian became his main wife. Even after this, Lady Bian continued to treat Lady Ding with kindness.

In 216, Cao Cao was given the title of King of Wei. Three years later, in 219, the emperor of the Han dynasty made Lady Bian the Queen of Wei. She was praised for her good character. For example, when her son Cao Pi was chosen as Cao Cao's heir in 217, her attendants suggested a big celebration. Lady Bian refused, saying it was not a time for lavish parties.

Becoming Empress Dowager

In 220, Cao Cao passed away. His son, Cao Pi, took over his title as King of Wei. Later that same year, Cao Pi ended the Han dynasty. He then established his own state, called Cao Wei. With this, Queen Dowager Bian became the Empress Dowager.

Influence and Family Values

As empress dowager, Lady Bian did not get involved much in politics. She also did not interfere with her son's military campaigns. She set a strong example for the new state. She refused to give her own family members too much wealth or special titles. This helped ensure fairness in the new government.

One important event happened in 226. Cao Pi wanted to punish his cousin, Cao Hong, because of old disagreements. Lady Bian remembered how Cao Hong had helped Cao Cao in the past. She reminded Cao Pi that Cao Hong had even saved Cao Cao's life once. Because of her strong words, Cao Pi spared Cao Hong's life. However, Cao Hong did lose his official positions and titles.

As Grand Empress Dowager

Cao Pi died in 226. His son, Cao Rui, then became the new emperor. Emperor Cao Rui honored his grandmother, Lady Bian, by giving her the title of Grand Empress Dowager.

A Moment of Disrespect

In 227, Lady Bian had an upsetting encounter with her granddaughter-in-law, Lady Yu. Lady Yu had been Cao Rui's wife before he became emperor. However, when he became emperor, he chose another woman, Lady Mao, to be his empress. Lady Yu was very upset about this. Grand Empress Dowager Bian tried to comfort her. But Lady Yu responded with a rude comment about the Cao family's choices in women. This comment greatly offended Lady Bian. However, Lady Bian did not punish her severely. She simply had Lady Yu sent back to Cao Rui's princely home.

Grand Empress Dowager Bian passed away on 9 July 230. She was buried with great honors next to her husband, Cao Cao, at the Gaoling (High Mausoleum).

See also

• Cao Wei family trees#Lady Bian
• Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms