History of Chinese Imperial Consorts - Super Women

Author: Shangguan Ping / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The highest-ranking concubines in the imperial palace were, for the most part, mediocre individuals. Only a few with clear minds could not only strictly restrain themselves but also serve as wise and capable advisors to the emperors. Whether their husbands were in the early stages of establishing their reign through military campaigns or in the later period of consolidating power after seizing the throne, these women could always provide their rulers with rational and dedicated support. What is particularly commendable is that these women, who had endured hardships with their husbands for many years, often took on the burden of stabilizing the empire and even directly assisted in decision-making. Although in a feudal society where the dynasty's fate was seen as their own, the motivations of the concubines in assisting the emperors were inevitably influenced by their desire to protect their own dynasty and personal interests. However, from a broader historical perspective, many of their actions did contribute to maintaining the stability of their dynasties.
Among all the emperors in history, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was renowned for his achievements. His reign saw the creation of the brilliant Zhenguan era, making the Tang Dynasty a powerful and respected empire both domestically and internationally. This success was not only due to Li Shimin's exceptional political talents but also to the significant contributions of his empress, Princess Changsun. Known as a "wise advisor," Princess Changsun was born into a prominent official family in Chang'an (now Xi'an, Shaanxi). Her father, Changsun Sheng, had risen to the rank of general during the Sui Dynasty, and her maternal grandfather, Gao Jinde, served as the governor of Yangzhou. In 613 (the ninth year of the Daye era in the Sui Dynasty), before the Tang Dynasty was established, the 13-year-old Changsun, who was "fond of reading and always adhered to propriety," married the 15-year-old Li Shimin. Five years later, Li Yuan founded the Tang Dynasty, and Li Shimin was enfeoffed as Prince of Qin, while Changsun was granted the title of Princess of Qin.
Afterward, Changsun, who was known for "dutifully serving her grandfather, respectfully treating her concubines, and doing her best to maintain harmony within the palace" (as recorded in The Old Book of Tang), established good relationships with everyone around her. Li Shimin had played a significant role in overthrowing the Sui Dynasty, but his brother, Li Jiancheng, and his younger brother, Li Yuanji, were deeply envious of him and had been plotting to eliminate him in secret. Li Shimin then justified his actions by claiming that "the Crown Prince Jiancheng and Prince Yuanji conspired to harm me," and he "led his troops to eliminate them." Historians refer to this event as the "Xuanwumen Incident." During this intense internal struggle, as princess, Changsun not only personally participated in her husband's coup but also provided on-the-spot support. "When Emperor Taizong (then Prince of Qin) was at Xuanwumen, he was about to lead his troops into the palace to arm them," while Changsun took the opportunity to comfort and encourage Li Shimin's soldiers. "She personally comforted and encouraged them, and none of the soldiers were unmoved."
After eliminating Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, Li Shimin, in 626 (the ninth year of the Wude era), forced his father, Li Yuan, to abdicate in his favor. Shortly after ascending the throne, Li Shimin granted Changsun the title of Empress. Changsun and Li Shimin had two sons and one daughter. Their eldest son, Li Chengqian, was initially enfeoffed as Prince of Hengshan but later changed to Prince of Zhongshan and was appointed crown prince. Their second son, Li Zhi, later became Emperor Gaozong, and their daughter was Princess Changle. From then on, Changsun, as empress for a decade, avoided extravagance and did not seize power, earning Li Shimin's favor. As a result, Li Shimin often discussed major political matters with Changsun and sought her opinion, saying, "I often discuss matters of reward and punishment with the empress." Whenever this happened, the clear-headed Changsun would politely decline. She once humbly told Li Shimin, "As a woman, I should not dare to interfere in state affairs." Only after Li Shimin repeatedly persuaded her did Changsun offer advice on major issues.
At the time, Changsun's brother, Changsun Wuxin, had been a close friend of Li Shimin since their youth and had been a key figure in the Xuanwumen Incident. After Li Shimin became emperor, he wanted to appoint Changsun Wuxin to a high-ranking position, citing his "meritorious service in founding the dynasty." When Changsun learned of this, she firmly opposed it. She used the example of the Lu and Huo clans in the Han Dynasty, who involved their relatives in politics and brought chaos to the court, to earnestly advise Li Shimin. "Now that I am in the imperial palace, I have already reached the pinnacle of honor. I truly do not want my brothers and nephews to hold positions in the court. The Lu and Huo clans of the Han Dynasty serve as a painful lesson. I sincerely hope that Your Majesty will not appoint my brother as a minister." However, Li Shimin, seeing Changsun Wuxin as a meritorious official, could not bear to ignore him. Despite Changsun's opposition, he appointed Changsun Wuxin as the Grand General of the Left Military Protectorate, Minister of Personnel, and Right Vice-Chancellor.
After learning of this decision, Changsun secretly told her brother to resign. She also sent messengers to persuade Changsun Wuxin to insist on stepping down. Eventually, Li Shimin reluctantly agreed and reassigned Changsun Wuxin to the position of Grand Commandant of the Equal Rank with the Minister of State Affairs. Only then did Changsun feel at ease.
The same rigor she applied to her brother, she also applied to her daughter, Princess Changle, whom Li Shimin "especially cherished." Due to her affection, when Princess Changle was married, Li Shimin ordered that her dowry be "twice as generous as that of Princess Changgong (Li Shimin's younger sister)." Wei Zheng believed that such preferential treatment could create the impression of slighting the imperial aunt and disagreed with the plan. When Li Shimin returned to the palace, he told Changsun about Wei Zheng's opinion. At first, Li Shimin worried that Changsun might hold a grudge against Wei Zheng. However, when Changsun heard Wei Zheng's reasoning, she agreed with it. She told Li Shimin, "I have often heard that you highly regard Wei Zheng, but I did not know why. Now that I have heard his advice, it is clear that he can control his ruler with righteousness. He can be called an upright and loyal minister." She also said to Li Shimin, "Although we are husband and wife, sometimes we must consider your feelings before speaking. A loyal minister like Wei Zheng, if you can listen to him more, the world will be more peaceful." "My husband and I have been husband and wife since our youth, and I have been treated with great respect. Our bond is deep, yet when speaking, I still wait for your approval and dare not offend your majesty. How much more should I be cautious when dealing with subordinates? Therefore, Han Fei could say that it is difficult to persuade the ruler, and Dongfang could say that it is not easy to advise him. There is good reason for this.，，，，，。"
Afterward, to thank Wei Zheng for his honest advice, Changsun specially requested that a messenger be sent to Wei Zheng's residence with five hundred bolts of silk as a gift.
P001-002