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Empress Li (Song dynasty)

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Empress Mingde
明德皇后
Empress consort of the Song dynasty
Tenure984–997
PredecessorEmpress Xiaozhang
SuccessorEmpress Zhangmu
Empress Dowager of the Song Dynasty
Tenure997-1004
SuccessorEmpress Zhangxian
Born960
Changzhi, Shanxi
Died1004 (aged 43–44)
Kaifeng, Henan
Burial
SpouseEmperor Taizong
Names
Family name: Lǐ (李)
Posthumous name
Empress Míngdé (明德皇后)
FatherLi Chuyun (李處耘)
MotherLady Chen (陳氏)

Empress Li (960 – 7 April 1004[1]) was an empress consort of ancient China's Northern Song dynasty, married to Emperor Taizong. After his death, she was the empress dowager for her stepson Emperor Zhenzong.[2]

Biography

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The second daughter of Song general Li Chuyun, it was arranged that she marry Zhao Guangyi by Zhao Guangyi's elder brother Emperor Taizu of Song. After Emperor Taizu's death in 976, Zhao Guangyi became Emperor Taizong, and Lady Li officially became his imperial consort in 978. She was named empress on 10 January 985[3].[2]

Titles

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  • During the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song (4 February 960– 14 November 976):
    • Lady Li (李氏; from 960
    • Princess Consort (王妃; from 976)
  • During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song (15 November 976 – 8 May 997)
    • Empress (賀氏; from 984)
  • During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song (8 May 997 – 23 March 1022 )
    • Empress Dowager (皇太后: from 997)
    • Empress Mingde (孝德皇后; from 22 April 1004[4])

Issue

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As empress:

  • unnamed son (died soon after birth)

Notes and references

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  1. ^ ([景德元年]三月....己亥,皇太后崩。) Song Shi, vol.07. (景德元年崩,年四十五。) Song Shi, vol.242.
  2. ^ a b Song Shi, vol. 242
  3. ^ (雍熙元年....十二月...壬辰,立德妃李氏为皇后。) Song Shi, vol.04
  4. ^ ([景德元年]夏四月甲寅,上大行皇太后谥曰明德。) Song Shi, vol.07

Sources

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  • (in Chinese) Toqto'a; et al. (1346). Song Shi (宋史) [History of Song].
Chinese royalty
Preceded by Empress of China
984–997
Succeeded by