Empress Zhang (Hongxi) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Empress Chengxiaozhao誠孝昭皇后 |
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| Grand empress dowager of the Ming dynasty | |||||
| Tenure | 7 February 1435 – 20 November 1442 | ||||
| Successor | Grand Empress Dowager Zhou | ||||
| Empress dowager of the Ming dynasty | |||||
| Tenure | 27 June 1425 – 31 January 1435 | ||||
| Successor | Empress Dowager Sun | ||||
| Empress consort of the Ming dynasty | |||||
| Tenure | 29 October 1424 – 29 May 1425 | ||||
| Predecessor | Empress Renxiaowen | ||||
| Successor | Empress Gongrangzhang | ||||
| Born | 1379 洪武十二年 (Hongwu 12) Yongcheng, Henan |
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| Died | 20 November 1442 (aged 62–63) 正統七年 十月 十八日 (Zhengtong 7, 18th day of the 10th month) |
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| Burial | Xianling Mausoleum | ||||
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| Clan | Zhang (張) | ||||
| Father | Zhang Qi, Marquis of Pengcheng (彭城侯 張麒) | ||||
| Mother | Lady Tong (仝氏) | ||||
Empress Chengxiaozhao (born 1379, died November 20, 1442) was a powerful and respected empress of the Ming dynasty in China. She was from the Zhang family. She married the fourth Ming ruler, the Hongxi Emperor. He ruled for only one year. After his death, she became the Empress Dowager when her son, the Xuande Emperor, took the throne. Later, she became the Regent of China. This meant she ruled the country for her young grandson, Emperor Yingzong of Ming, from 1435 until her death in 1442.
Early Life & Family
Zhang was born in 1379 in Shanxi province. Her family was not rich; they were peasants. Her father was Zhang Qi, and her mother was Lady Tong.
She had two brothers. Her older brother, Zhang Chang, was a brave general. Her younger brother, Zhang Sheng, became a commander-in-chief. Both of her brothers were given special noble titles.
In 1395 or 1396, Zhang married the future Hongxi Emperor. He was then known as the Prince of Yan. Because of her marriage, her father was given the title of Marquis of Pengcheng.
Zhang gave birth to her first son, Zhu Zhanji, in 1399. He later became the Xuande Emperor. Her son was a favorite of his grandfather, the Yongle Emperor. In 1411, he was named the imperial grandson.
She also had two more sons: Zhu Zhanyong (born 1405) and Zhu Zhanshan (born 1406). Her daughter, Princess Jiaxing, was born in 1409.
In 1404, her husband was named the heir apparent, meaning he would be the next emperor. Zhang became the Crown Princess. Her husband's father, the Yongle Emperor, wasn't always sure he wanted his son to be the next emperor. But Zhang was very respectful and good at managing things. Her support helped her husband keep his position as the heir.
Empress and Empress Dowager
On September 7, 1424, her husband became the Hongxi Emperor. On October 29, she was officially made the Empress. People described her as wise, kind, and very capable. She knew a lot about what was happening both inside and outside the palace. The emperor trusted her greatly and allowed her to help with state affairs.
In 1425, her son, Zhu Zhanji, became the Xuande Emperor. He gave his mother the title of Empress Dowager. She was a very important figure during her son's reign. She even traveled with him on his trips around the empire.
Leading as Regent
In 1435, Empress Zhang's son died. Her grandson, Emperor Yingzong of Ming, was only eight years old. Because he was so young, Empress Zhang was given the title of Grand Empress Dowager. This meant she was the highest-ranking female in the imperial family.
There had never been a child emperor in the Ming dynasty before. The late emperor had told his ministers to guide his son and listen to Empress Zhang. To prevent any arguments about who should rule, Empress Zhang appeared before the ministers. She officially presented her young grandson as the new emperor.
A group of powerful officials was formed to help rule. This group included Zhang Fu, a duke, and three important secretaries. Empress Zhang was the head of this ruling council. She was the regent, meaning she ruled for the young emperor. She chose the five main ministers for the government.
Even though she acted as regent, she never formally took the title. When asked, she said there was no old rule for an empress to be called a regent. However, she still led the country. She held meetings with her ministers, listened to their ideas, and made the final decisions.
Empress Zhang was known for standing up to Wang Zhen, a powerful eunuch. Eunuchs were male servants who worked in the palace. Wang Zhen was becoming too influential. Empress Zhang saw him as a danger. She called her ministers and female officials. She even had them armed. She then called Wang Zhen and ordered him to be killed on the spot. But the young emperor and the ministers begged her to forgive him. She did, but she warned Wang Zhen not to make mistakes again.
Empress Zhang continued to lead China as regent until her death in 1442. She was highly praised for her wisdom and leadership.
Titles Held
- During the reign of the Hongwu Emperor (1368–1398):
- Lady Zhang (from 1379)
- Hereditary Princess of Yan (from 1395/1396)
- During the reign of the Yongle Emperor (1402–1424):
- Crown Princess (from 1404)
- During the reign of the Hongxi Emperor (1424–1425):
- Empress (from October 29, 1424)
- During the reign of the Xuande Emperor (1425–1435):
- Empress Dowager (from June 27, 1425)
- During the reign of the Zhengtong Emperor (1435–1449):
- Grand Empress Dowager (from February 7, 1435)
- Empress Chéngxiào Gōngsù Míngdé Hóngrén Shùntiān Zhāoshèng Zhāo (from 1442) - This was her special name given after her death.
Children
- As Hereditary Princess:
- Zhu Zhanji, the Xuande Emperor (born March 16, 1399 – died January 31, 1435). He was the Hongxi Emperor's first son.
- As Crown Princess:
- Zhu Zhanyong, Prince Jing of Yue (born February 9, 1405 – died August 5, 1439). He was the Hongxi Emperor's third son.
- Zhu Zhanshan, Prince Xian of Xiang (born April 4, 1406 – died February 18, 1478). He was the Hongxi Emperor's fifth son.
- Princess Jiaxing (born 1409 – died March 9, 1439). She was the Hongxi Emperor's first daughter.
