Empress Dowager Xiaoding facts for kids
Empress Dowager Xiaoding (1545 – 18 March 1614), from the Li family, was the mother of the Wanli Emperor. She was the official leader of China while her son was too young to rule, from 1572 to 1582. She is remembered in history by her special name, Xiaoding.
Quick facts for kids Empress Dowager Xiaoding孝定皇太后 |
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| Empress dowager of the Ming dynasty | |||||
| Tenure | 5 July 1572 – 1614 | ||||
| Predecessor | Empress Dowager Zhaosheng | ||||
| Successor | Empress Dowager Xiaojing | ||||
| Born | 1545 Huo County, Zhili (present-day Tongzhou District, Beijing) |
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| Died | 18 March 1614 (aged 68–69) | ||||
| Burial | Zhaoling Mausoleum | ||||
| Spouse | Longqing Emperor | ||||
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| House | Li clan (李氏) | ||||
| Father | Li Wei, Marquis of Wuqing (武清侯 李偉) | ||||
| Mother | Lady Wang (王氏) | ||||
Contents
Empress Dowager Xiaoding's Early Life
Empress Dowager Xiaoding was born into a poor family. Her father was Li Wei. She started her life at the Imperial Palace as a servant girl. Over time, she became a concubine to the Longqing Emperor.
In 1563, she gave birth to a son. This son was first named the Hereditary Prince of Yu. Later, he became the Crown Prince when his father, the Longqing Emperor, became emperor. Because her son was so important, her father was given a special noble title. It was not unusual for women from poor families to become empresses or concubines during the Ming dynasty. Empress Dowager Xiaoding was known for being humble and following the rules for women of her time.
Becoming a Regent
In 1572, her son became the emperor at only nine years old. He is known as the Wanli Emperor. Because he was so young, Empress Dowager Xiaoding was given the title of empress dowager. She was also named a regent, which meant she would rule the country until her son was old enough.
Even though she was the regent, she did not get involved in daily government matters. These decisions were mostly handled by a powerful official named Zhang Juzheng. Her son did not truly start ruling on his own until Zhang Juzheng died in 1582.
From 1572 to 1578, officials asked her to live in the emperor's palace. This was so she could watch over her son's life and daily habits. She was very strict with him. For example, she would punish him if he refused to study.
Family Influence
Later, her son, the Wanli Emperor, was thinking about who should be his heir. He wanted to choose his eldest son. However, this son's mother, Consort Gong, had also started as a palace servant. The emperor was worried about this.
Empress Dowager Xiaoding reminded her son that he, too, was the son of a palace maid. She pointed out that his own background was similar. After this, the emperor decided to appoint his eldest son as the heir. This shows how much influence Empress Dowager Xiaoding had on her son's important decisions.
Empress Dowager Xiaoding's Children
Empress Dowager Xiaoding had several children with the Longqing Emperor:
- Zhu Yijun, who became the Wanli Emperor (born 1563, died 1620). He was the Longqing Emperor's third son.
- Princess Shouyang (born 1565, died 1590). Her personal name was Yao'e. She was the Longqing Emperor's third daughter. She married Hou Gongchen in 1581.
- Princess Yongning (born 1567, died 1594). Her personal name was Yaoying. She was the Longqing Emperor's fourth daughter. She married Liang Bangrui in 1582.
- Zhu Yiliu, who was known as Prince Jian of Lu (born 1568, died 1614). He was the Longqing Emperor's fourth son.
- Princess Rui'an (born 1569, died 1629). Her personal name was Yaoyuan. She was the Longqing Emperor's fifth daughter. She married Wan Wei in 1585 and had one son.
