Empress Liu (Li Maozhen's wife) facts for kids

Empress Liu (born 877, died November 8, 943) was an important figure in ancient China. She was the wife of Li Maozhen, who ruled a state called Qi. This was during a time in Chinese history known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Even though Li Maozhen was not an emperor, he gave his wife the title of empress. Later, when his state became part of the Later Tang dynasty, she was called the Lady of Qin. After Li Maozhen passed away, her title changed to Lady Dowager of Qin.

Why We Know So Little About Empress Liu

It's interesting that not much was written about Empress Liu in the official history books of that time. These books, like the Old History of the Five Dynasties, usually tell us a lot about important people.

When the Tang dynasty ended, Li Maozhen kept using the Tang era name. This showed he didn't want to join the new Later Liang dynasty. He also kept his title, Prince of Qi. However, he started acting a lot like an emperor. He created a special office with many staff members, similar to an imperial government. He even made his wife, Empress Liu, an empress, even though he wasn't an emperor himself. The old history books don't mention her name or much else about her.

What We Learned from Her Tombstone

Most of what we know about Empress Liu comes from a special discovery. In 2001, her tombstone and Li Maozhen's tombstone were found during an excavation. These tombstones were buried together in their joint tomb.

Li Maozhen's Tombstone Details

Li Maozhen's tombstone tells us he died in 924 when he was 68 years old. It also says he had six sons and four daughters. At the time of his death, his wife, Lady Liu, was known as the Lady of Qin. This title was given to her by the Later Tang dynasty.

Empress Liu's Family History

Empress Liu's tombstone gave us more information, even though it didn't share her personal name. It said she died on November 8, 943, at the age of 66. The tombstone also revealed that she had four sons and three daughters with Li Maozhen.

Her Sons

Her four sons were:

• Li Congyan (the oldest)
• Li Congchang
• Li Congzhao
• Li Jiwei

It's thought that Li Jiwei might have died before his brothers received the "Cong" part of their names in 926. This "Cong" name was given by Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang.

Her Daughters

Her three daughters were not named on the tombstone.

• The oldest daughter married a man named Lu and passed away early.
• The second daughter married Han Fang, an officer from Fengxiang Circuit.
• The third daughter married Zhang Juxun, who was also an officer from Fengxiang Circuit.

Fengxiang Circuit was a very important area. It was the main part of the state of Qi. Empress Liu herself was from Qi Prefecture, which was the capital city of Fengxiang.

Her Ancestors

Her family history also included her great-grandfather, Liu Sichong. Her grandfather was named Liu Ao, and her father was named Liu Yuehuang.