Empress Wu (Song dynasty) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Empress Xiansheng 宪圣慈烈皇后
Empress of the Southern Song Dynasty
Reign	18 May 1143 – 24 July 1162
Predecessor	Empress Xianjie
Successor	Empress Xia
Reign	24 July 1162 – 9 November 1187
Empress Dowager of the Southern Song Dynasty
Reign	9 November 1187 – 28 June 1194
Grand Empress Dowager of the Southern Song Dynasty
Reign	28 June 1194 – 12 December 1197
Born	11 September 1115 Bianjing, Henan, China
Died	12 December 1197(1197-12-12) (aged 82) Lin'an, Zhejiang, China
Burial	Yongsiling (永思陵) Shaoxing, Zhejiang
Spouse	Emperor Gaozong
Posthumous name Empress Xiansheng Cilie 憲聖慈烈皇后
Father	Wu Jin

Empress Wu (born September 11, 1115 – died December 12, 1197) was an important Chinese Empress during the Song Dynasty. She was married to Emperor Gaozong of Song. Empress Wu was very influential in the politics of the Southern Song dynasty. She played a key role in three emperors giving up their power: Emperor Gaozong in 1162, Emperor Xiaozong in 1189, and Emperor Guangzong in 1194.

Early Life of Empress Wu

Wu was born in 1115. Her father, Wu Jin, was a commoner from a city called Kaifeng. When she was fourteen, Wu was chosen to be a palace maid. She served Prince Gaozong and his first wife, Consort Xing.

The Fall of Kaifeng City

In 1127, a group called the Jurchen attacked China. They captured the capital city of Kaifeng during the Jin–Song Wars. Emperor Qinzong, who was Gaozong's older brother, was taken prisoner. Many members of the royal family and court, over 3,000 people, were captured. They were sent far away to Manchuria. This event was known as the Jingkang Incident.

Sadly, many people died on the long journey. Consort Xing, Gaozong's first wife, was among those captured. She died while in captivity in 1139.

Starting the Southern Song Dynasty

Luckily, Gaozong and Wu were not in the capital when it fell, so they avoided being captured. Gaozong then led the fight against the Jurchen invaders. He declared himself Emperor in late 1127. This marked the beginning of the Southern Song dynasty.

Gaozong still hoped his first wife, Consort Xing, was alive. So, he declared her Empress even though she was far away. Wu bravely followed Gaozong on his military trips. She even wore armor! One time, she reportedly saved his life by shooting an attacker and scaring others away.

Becoming Empress

Emperor Gaozong did not have any sons who survived. So, in 1133, he adopted two boys. One of them became Wu's foster son in 1140. The other boy, who would later become Emperor Xiaozong, became her foster son in 1142.

Gaozong kept the position of Empress empty for a long time. He didn't know if Consort Xing was still alive. When she died in 1139, the Jurchen kept it a secret. It wasn't until Gaozong's mother, Consort Wei, was released that he learned the sad news. Consort Xing's remains were returned and buried that same year.

Finally, in 1143, Gaozong's mother and his advisors convinced him to choose a new Empress. He then promoted Consort Wu to this important role.

Empress Wu was admired by both her husband and her foster son, Emperor Xiaozong. They praised her for being understanding about the many other women Gaozong had in his palace. However, in reality, she often had many of these women dismissed.

Later Life and Influence

In 1162, Empress Wu convinced Emperor Gaozong to give up his throne. He handed power over to Emperor Xiaozong. After this, she became known as Empress Dowager Wu.

Later, in 1189, the Crown Prince asked her for help. He wanted her to persuade Emperor Xiaozong to also give up his throne. Empress Wu did this, and Emperor Guangzong became the new ruler.

When Emperor Guangzong took the throne in 1189, some people thought Empress Dowager Wu should rule for him because he was not well. However, it was actually Emperor Guangzong's wife, Empress Li Fengniang, who held much of the power during his reign.

In 1194, Empress Dowager Wu was again persuaded to act. She forced Emperor Guangzong to give up his throne. This led to Emperor Ningzong of Song becoming the new emperor.

Empress Wu passed away in 1197, after a long and influential life.