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Empress Xu

Type Figure Region China Time 1362–1407 Also known as Empress Renxiao、Xu Miaoyun、Princess Consort of Zhongshan

Empress Xu (1362–1407), daughter of Ming founding general Xu Da, Prince of Zhongshan, was principal consort of Zhu Di, Prince of Yan.…

Timeline

  1. 1376–1380Yingtian Prefecture · JiangsuIn the ninth year of Hongwu she married Zhu Di, Prince of Yan, as his principal consort. From a family of founding meritorious officials, well versed in letters and known for her virtue and insight, she enjoyed Zhu Di's deep respect.
  2. 1399–1402Beiping · BeijingDuring the Jingnan Campaign, as Zhu Di led his army south, Xu remained in Beiping, steadying morale and shoring up defenses, helping withstand the siege by Li Jinglong and other imperial forces and securing the rear for Jingnan's success.
  3. 1402–1407Beijing · BeijingIn the first year of Yongle she was enthroned as empress with the posthumous title Renxiao. Throughout her tenure she was frugal and virtuous, urging Emperor Chengzu toward lenient governance and care for the people, and oversaw the compilation of didactic works for women such as the Neixun. She died of illness in Beijing in July 1407.

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