Empress Dowager Zhangxian Mingsu, Liu E

Type Figure Region Northern Song Time 969–1033 Also known as Liu E、Empress Dowager Zhangxian、Empress Zhangxian Mingsu

Liu E (969–1033), of Huayang in Yizhou, third empress of Emperor Zhenzong of Song and the first woman to rule in her own name in the Northern Song.

Timeline

997–1021Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureAfter Zhenzong ascended the throne, Liu E entered the palace and was invested as empress in the fifth year of Dazhong Xiangfu. Well versed in historical records and involved in state affairs, she decided most major military and civil matters during Zhenzong's late illness and raised Renzong (Zhao Zhen).
1022–1030Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureAfter Zhenzong's death she governed under the edict, and after dismissing Ding Wei she and Wang Zeng and others held court behind a screen every five days at Chengming Hall. During her rule she halted the heavenly-books and Mount Tai sacrifices, issued jiaozi paper money, and reformed administration, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition of the Northern Song court.
1031–1033Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureFrom the late Tiansheng to early Mingdao period, Liu E still controlled major military and civil affairs. In Mingdao 2 she wore a reduced imperial robe and cap to sacrifice at the ancestral temple, then returned power to Renzong; she died of illness in the third month, and her edict did not have Consort Dowager Yang continue to rule, ending the first female regency of the Northern Song.