100 Women in Chinese History You Should Know: 100 Women in World History You Should Know

Author: Chen Guanren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The liberation of women is the liberation of humanity; the greatness of women is the greatness of humanity. However, for women to achieve success, they have to pay far more than men. They sacrifice everything, even their lives, to conquer the world and conquer men, carving miracles into the pillars of history. Two hundred outstanding women, whether heroes or villains, inspire humanity forward with their unique life experiences, proving that women's names are not weak! Throughout the long course of human history, women have dedicated their splendid youth, unparalleled wisdom, and boundless passion to those they loved and to the colorful world. They shone on the political stage, pursued ambitions in various fields, and toiled tirelessly on the journey of life. Whether it was the legendary female heroes, empresses, or celebrities who left a glorious name for eternity, or the ambitious and cunning women who were infamous, all were etched into the annals of history.
Empress Cleopatra VII
Cleopatra VII was born in 69 BC. She was intelligent, witty, and knowledgeable, with conversations that revealed profound thoughts yet were also full of charm, resonating deeply with people. She could speak eight languages and was one of the most educated women of her time. Among all the queens of Egypt, she was the most influential and the most famous. At the age of 17, Cleopatra VII began to rule, but soon she had a conflict with her brother, Ptolemy XIII, forcing him to flee Egypt. Three years later, Ptolemy returned to Egypt with the support of the Roman army and resumed the throne, ruling jointly with Cleopatra VII. Ptolemy's close associates plotted to make him the sole king of Egypt, deliberately provoking a conflict between the siblings. His guards also took the opportunity to frame Cleopatra VII, forcing her into exile in 48 BC.
Cleopatra VII was unwilling to accept this fate. She gathered an army of Arabs and besieged the border fortress of Egypt. Just as the siblings prepared to fight for supremacy, the internal turmoil of the Roman Republic spread to Egypt. Determined to regain her throne with the help of Roman King Caesar, Cleopatra VII secretly returned to Alexandria by ship at night. To avoid detection, she had her servants wrap her in a carpet and disguised herself as a messenger delivering the carpet to Caesar. As she carried the carpet to Caesar, he had just sent Ptolemy XIII away, having presented the head of Pompey to him. To his astonishment, he discovered the young queen hidden within the carpet and was deeply impressed by her wisdom and courage.
P9 Empress of Tang Taizong—Empress Changsun
Empress Changsun was born in 601 AD and died in 636 AD. She was from Chang'an and belonged to the official family of the Tuoba clan of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Her father, Changsun Sheng, was a right cavalry general during the Sui Dynasty. She loved reading and was well-versed in etiquette from a young age. At the age of 13, she married Li Shimin (later Tang Taizong). After the Tang Dynasty was established, she was enfeoffed as the Princess of Qin. As the rift between Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng deepened, she devoted herself to serving Emperor Gaozu of Tang and was diligent and respectful to the concubines in the palace, striving to win their sympathy for Li Shimin and dispel their misunderstandings about the Prince of Qin. On the eve of the "Xuanwu Gate Incident," she also comforted the advisors of the Prince of Qin, moved by her kindness. When Li Shimin ascended the throne, she was made Empress.
Empress Changsun was naturally frugal, using only what was necessary and never indulging in extravagance. Tang Taizong knew she was wise and often discussed state affairs with her after the court sessions. However, she would earnestly say, "A hen crowing at dawn brings misfortune to the family. As a woman, how can I discuss state affairs?" Taizong persisted, but she remained silent.
Empress Changsun's brother, Changsun Wuxin, was an old friend of Tang Taizong and had made great contributions to the establishment of the Tang Dynasty and the "Xuanwu Gate Incident." Taizong regarded him as a close confidant and planned to appoint him as the prime minister to oversee the government. Learning of this, the empress advised Taizong, "Since I have been enfeoffed as empress, my status is already supreme. I truly do not want my brothers and nephews to fill the court. The families of Empress Lü and Huo Guang of the Han Dynasty serve as a cautionary tale. Therefore, I beg you, please do not appoint my brother as prime minister." With the empress's persistent opposition,