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Liu E

Type Figure Region Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture Time c. 969–1033 Also known as Empress Zhangxian Mingsu、Dowager Empress Zhangxian、Dowager Empress Liu

Liu E (c. 969–1033), from Huayang in Yizhou, was Zhenzong's third empress, posthumously titled Zhangxian Mingsu.…

Timeline

  1. 1001–1004Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture · Kaifeng CityDuring this period Liu E had entered the palace as a beauty, well-versed in histories and quick in judgment. When Zhenzong reviewed memorials he often consulted her opinions; her political talent became known at court and in the country, but her humble origins prevented her from being enthroned as empress.
  2. 1007–1009Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture · Kaifeng CityEmpress Guo died in the fourth year of Jingde; Zhenzong wished to make Liu E empress, but Kou Zhun, Li Di, Xiang Minzhong, Wang Dan, and others strongly opposed on grounds of 'humble origin.' In the first month of the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu, Liu E was advanced to the rank of xiuyi, and the debate over her enthronement dragged on for years.
  3. 1010Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture · Kaifeng CityIn the third year of Dazhong Xiangfu, Liu E's maid Consort Li Chenfei bore Zhenzong's only son, Zhao Shouyi. Liu E took the child as her own and entrusted him to Consort Yang for upbringing; this son later succeeded as Emperor Renzong of Song, becoming an important political asset for Liu E's later regency.

Sources