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Dowager Empress Liang

Type Figure Region Western Xia Time c. 1060–1099 Also known as Empress Zhaojian Wenmu、Lesser Dowager Empress Liang、Empress Liang

Dowager Empress Liang (c. 11th century – 1099), empress of Western Xia Huizong (Li Bingchang) and mother of Chongzong (Li Qianshun), ruled as regent …

Timeline

  1. 1083–1085Xingqing Prefecture · Xingqing PrefectureEnthroned as empress of Huizong (Li Bingchang) in the ninth year of Da'an; niece of Yizong's Empress Liang and daughter of Liang Yimai, continuing the Liang consort-kin faction's power.
  2. 1086–1098Xingqing Prefecture · Xingqing PrefectureAfter Huizong's death, the young Qianshun succeeded; Dowager Empress Liang ruled from behind the curtain, relying on her uncle Liang Yibu. After executing Liang Yibu she seized sole power, compelling the young emperor to attack Song year after year — over fifty battles, large and small, in more than a decade.
  3. 1099Xingqing Prefecture · Xingqing PrefectureLiao's Daozong, citing Liang's usurpation of power and disrespectful communications with Liao, sent envoys to Xia with poisoned wine that killed Dowager Empress Liang, ordering Li Qianshun to rule in person. Qianshun posthumously titled her Empress Zhaojian Wenmu. After her death Chongzong carried out sinicizing reforms, with effects lasting into the early Zhenguan period.

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