Empress Gao (Song dynasty) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Empress Gao |
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| Empress of Song Dynasty | |
| Reign | 1065–1067 |
| Empress Dowager of Song Dynasty | |
| Reign | 1067–1085 |
| Grand Empress Dowager of Song Dynasty | |
| Reign | 1085–1093 |
| Born | 1032 |
| Died | 1093 (aged 60–61) |
| Spouse | Emperor Yingzong of Song |
| Issue | Emperor Shenzong of Song Zhao Hao, Prince Wurong Princess Xianhui Princess Xiande Zhao Yan, Prince Run Zhao Yun, Prince Yiduanxian |
| Father | Gao Chunxian, Price Chun |
| Mother | Lady Cao |
Empress Gao (born 1032, died 1093) was an important empress in China during the Song Dynasty. She was married to Emperor Yingzong of Song. Later, she became the ruler of China for her young grandson, Emperor Zhezong. This was from 1085 until she passed away in 1093.
Empress Gao's Early Life
Gao was born in Mencheng, a place in Hao Province. She was the niece of the previous empress, Empress Cao. Empress Cao was the wife of Emperor Renzong of Song. Empress Cao chose Gao to be the main wife for the prince who would become emperor. Empress Gao had four sons and two daughters.
In 1063, her husband, Emperor Yingzong, became the ruler after Emperor Renzong. At this time, Gao became the Empress. In 1067, her son, Emperor Shenzong of Song, became the new emperor. She was then given the title of Empress Dowager. During these years, she did not have much power or influence in the government. However, she did not agree with the new ideas of a minister named Wang Anshi. Instead, she supported another important official, Sima Guang.
Becoming Regent
In 1085, her son Emperor Shenzong died. Her grandson, Emperor Zhezong of Song, was still very young. Because of this, Empress Gao was given the special title of Grand Empress Dowager. She then became the regent of China. This meant she ruled the country until her grandson was old enough.
As regent, Empress Gao made important decisions. She chose conservative officials, like Sima Guang, to be in charge. These officials stopped the "New Policies" that Wang Anshi had started. Empress Gao ruled from behind a screen, with the young emperor beside her. She used the same special powers as a ruling emperor. Her birthdays were celebrated with special names. Other countries sent their representatives to her, not to the emperor.
Empress Gao was known for being very fair. She was strict with her own family members. She did not let them get important jobs just because they were related to her. People praised her for being smart and making good choices about who should be officials. They also said she kept her relatives from having too much influence. Her time as ruler helped bring peace and stability back to China. However, some people also said her government was too slow to make changes.
In 1092, she chose Empress Meng to be the empress for her grandson. Empress Gao did not want to stop being regent even when her grandson turned seventeen. This was the age when emperors usually started ruling on their own. Her grandson, Emperor Zhezong, preferred the new ideas of his father's time. He did not like his grandmother's old-fashioned ways or how much she controlled things. Empress Gao remained regent until she died in 1093. On her deathbed, she advised her officials to retire.
