Queen Dowager Xuan facts for kids

Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin (Chinese: 秦宣太后; born around 338 BC, died 265 BC) was a very important woman in ancient Chinese history. She was the first person to be called a queen dowager in China. She was a wife of King Huiwen of Qin and the mother of King Zhaoxiang of Qin.

Queen Dowager Xuan ruled Qin as a regent for her son from 307 BC to 305 BC. She held real power in the Qin state for 35 years during the Warring States period. She was one of the first women known to rule as a regent in China. She was also one of the most powerful women in politics since Lady Nanzi.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Queen Dowager Xuan came from the State of Chu. Her family name was Mi, which was the same as the royal family of Chu. She was known as Mi Bazi because 'bazi' was her rank in King Huiwen's royal family.

In 325 BC, Mi Bazi gave birth to Prince Ji. She also had two other sons with King Huiwen.

King Huiwen died in 311 BC. His son, King Wu of Qin, became the next king. But King Wu had an accident and died in 307 BC without any children. With help from King Wuling of Zhao and her half-brother, Wei Ran, Prince Ji became the new King of Qin. He was known as King Zhaoxiang. Mi Bazi then became Queen Dowager Xuan and ruled as a regent for King Zhaoxiang. He was still too young to rule by himself.

Queen Dowager's Rule

Queen Dowager Xuan gave important titles to her half-brothers, Wei Ran and Mi Rong. She also gave titles to her two other sons. These four men were called the "Four Nobles." They held great power in Qin for many years.

Queen Dowager Xuan worked hard to protect and expand Qin's lands. However, she did not want to fight her home state of Chu. When the state of Han was attacked by Chu, Han asked Qin for help. But Queen Dowager Xuan refused to send soldiers.

She formed a relationship with the king of the Yiqu people, who lived near Qin. She had two sons with him. Later, she tricked and killed the Yiqu king. After this, the Qin army marched into Yiqu territory. They completely defeated Yiqu and took control of the Ordos region. The fall of Yiqu made Qin's northern border safe. This helped Qin to expand its power eastward.

End of Her Power

In 271 BC, a man named Fan Ju warned King Zhaoxiang. He said that the Queen Dowager and the "Four Nobles" had too much power. Fan Ju believed they were a threat to the king's rule.

So, King Zhaoxiang took away Queen Dowager Xuan's power. He sent the "Four Nobles" away from the capital city. Fan Ju was then made the new Chancellor of Qin, taking Wei Ran's place.

Queen Dowager Xuan died in 265 BC. She was buried at Mount Li.

See Also

In Spanish: Reina viuda Xuan para niños