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Lady Cao

Type Figure Region China Time c. 1016–1079 Also known as Empress Dowager Cao、Empress Cisheng Guangxian、Empress Cao

Lady Cao (c. 1016–1079), empress of Emperor Renzong of Song, honored as empress dowager after Yingzong's accession;…

Timeline

  1. 1034–1062Bianjing imperial palace · KaifengAfter entering the palace Lady Cao gradually gained Renzong's trust and was enthroned empress early in the Jingyou era. She assisted Renzong for many years, exerting influence on major matters such as the long-vacant succession and establishing heirs from the imperial clan, and was known for her generosity and prudence in the harem and at court.
  2. 1063–1064Chugong Hall, Bianjing · KaifengAfter Renzong died and Yingzong acceded, Lady Cao was honored as empress dowager. Yingzong fell ill soon after accession, so she governed behind the curtain according to ancestral precedent, deliberating on major military and state affairs with the chancellor and ministers, and returned power after Yingzong recovered, stabilizing the political situation in the early Zhiping era.
  3. 1067–1079Bianjing · KaifengAfter Shenzong acceded, Lady Cao was elevated to grand empress dowager, residing in Cishou Palace; though not involved in politics she was highly respected. During the Xining era Shenzong's reforms, the grand empress dowager often offered concern and admonition, until her death in the second year of Yuanfeng, posthumously honored Empress Cisheng Guangxian.

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