Empress Liu (Zhenzong) | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Empress Zhangxian Mingsu, more commonly known as Empress Liu, was a formidable figure in the history of the Song dynasty. Her life journey began from humble origins as an orphaned entertainer, rising through the ranks to become the second empress of Emperor Zhenzong and eventually wielding significant power as a regent. Empress Liu's regency, first unofficial during Zhenzong's illness and then official during the minority of her adopted son, Emperor Renzong of Song, was marked by a pragmatic and effective governance style. She implemented policies focused on social welfare and stability, demonstrating remarkable political acumen in a male-dominated imperial court. Although praised for her administrative capabilities and contributions to the Song Dynasty's stability, her exercise of imperial authority and perceived reluctance to relinquish power to the maturing Emperor Renzong drew criticism and led to controversies, including the famous "Ly miêu hoán thái tử" (狸猫换太子) legend. She is recognized as one of the few women in Chinese history to have de facto ruled the empire, often compared to Empress Lü and Wu Zetian for her talent, but noted for not sharing their ruthlessness.

2. Early Life and Background

Empress Liu's early life was characterized by hardship and a unique upbringing that prepared her for her later ascent within the imperial court. Born into an era of transition, her orphaned childhood and subsequent survival as a skilled entertainer forged a resilient and perceptive character. Her entry into the household of Prince Zhao Yuanxiu marked the beginning of her remarkable journey, transforming her from a commoner to an influential imperial figure.

2.1. Early Life and Orphanhood

Born Liu E in 969 in Yizhou's Huayang County, Empress Liu's early life was challenging. According to some accounts, she was orphaned in infancy, losing both parents during a period of warfare. Her early life was spent in poverty, and she was raised by maternal relatives. To support herself, she developed skills as a courtesan and entertainer, particularly excelling at playing hand-drums. The exact details of her birth name are not clearly recorded in official histories, but some accounts suggest her personal name was indeed E (娥), though this is debated among historians.

2.2. Entry into the Palace and Early Relationships

During this period, she met and married Gong Mei (龔美), a silversmith from the Shu region. According to anecdotes by historian Sima Guang, Gong Mei later sold Lady Liu due to poverty. In 983, she entered the household of Prince Xiang (襄王) Zhao Yuanxiu, who would later become Emperor Zhenzong, in Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty, likely introduced by Gong Mei via Zhang Qi (張耆), an official in the prince's palace. The 14-year-old Liu E captivated the 15-year-old Prince Zhao Yuanxiu, who became deeply enamored with her. Their close relationship, however, drew the disapproval of the prince's strict wet nurse, Qin Guofuren, who noticed the prince's declining health and attributed it to his excessive attachment to Liu E. The wet nurse reported the matter to Emperor Taizong, Zhao Yuanxiu's father, who was displeased and ordered Liu E to be expelled from the prince's palace. Despite the emperor's command, Prince Zhao Yuanxiu secretly arranged for Liu E to stay at the home of Zhang Qi, who initially resisted, but eventually complied after receiving 500 oz of silver from the prince to construct a separate residence for her, thus circumventing the emperor's direct order. For the next 15 years, despite Empress Pan (Zhanghuai Empress Pan) and Empress Guo (Zhangmu Empress Guo) being married to the prince, Zhao Yuanxiu remained devoted to Liu E.

3. Consort and Empress

Empress Liu's path to becoming empress was characterized by a gradual increase in her influence and status, overcoming significant political opposition and navigating complex family dynamics within the imperial court. Her adoption of the future Emperor Renzong played a pivotal role in her ascension.

3.1. Rise as Imperial Consort

In 997, Prince Zhao Yuanxiu ascended the throne as Emperor Zhenzong following the death of his father. He immediately brought Liu E back to his side. Despite his strong affection, initial attempts to elevate her were met with firm resistance from prominent ministers like Li Hang (李沆), who cited her humble origins. Consequently, she was initially given the relatively low title of "Beautiful Lady" (美人, 美人_Meiren^Chinese) in 1004, a fourth-rank consort. She was further promoted to "Cultivated Deportment" (修儀, 修儀_Xiuyi^Chinese) in 1009. During this period, Zhenzong, pitying Liu E's orphaned status, allowed her former husband Gong Mei to change his surname to Liu (劉) and pose as her elder brother, Liu Mei, to establish a legitimate family background for her. This strategic move aimed to bolster her social standing within the court.

After Empress Guo died in 1007, Emperor Zhenzong sought to make Liu E his empress. However, strong opposition from the imperial bureaucracy, including officials like Li Di (李迪), citing her lack of children and low social status, prevented her immediate elevation. The emperor left the position of empress vacant for some time due to this resistance.

3.2. Adoption of Emperor Renzong

A pivotal moment in Empress Liu's rise occurred in 1010. At this time, Liu E, already in her 40s and childless, devised a plan with Emperor Zhenzong. One of her personal maids, Lady Li (李氏), who was favored by Zhenzong, became pregnant. Following the birth of a son, Zhao Shouyi (趙受益), who would later become Emperor Renzong, Emperor Zhenzong declared the infant to be Liu E's son. Liu E formally adopted the child and cared for him as her own, while Lady Li was given the minor title of Lady of Chongyang County. This adoption solidified Liu E's position and legitimacy within the imperial family, as the emperor's other sons had all died prematurely. In 1012, Liu E was promoted to "Virtuous Consort Liu" (劉德妃, 劉德妃_{Liu Defei}^Chinese). Later that same year, her "merit" in bearing the crown prince ultimately led to her official enthronement as Empress, despite continued ministerial opposition. She was 44 years old at the time of her elevation to empress.

3.3. Role as Empress and Political Involvement

As Empress, Liu E quickly demonstrated exceptional intelligence and administrative capabilities. She was described as naturally alert and perceptive, possessing good judgment and the ability to make swift decisions. She expertly managed palace affairs and diligently studied state affairs, eventually becoming knowledgeable enough to understand and discuss complex government matters with Emperor Zhenzong. The emperor, increasingly reliant on her, began to trust her with political tasks, especially as his health deteriorated. Her political influence grew significantly during her 30 years alongside Zhenzong, allowing her to deeply understand his political views and administrative preferences. This period saw her gradually consolidate power, positioning herself as a crucial figure behind the throne. Her rise was further aided by powerful officials like Ding Wei (丁謂) and Qian Weiyan (錢惟演), who became her allies against her political rivals, such as Kou Zhun and Li Di, whom she later sought to undermine.

4. Regency

Empress Liu's regency marked a significant period of female rule in Chinese history, where she assumed effective control of the state during challenging times. Her governance was characterized by both remarkable competence and controversial assertions of imperial authority.

4.1. Regency for Emperor Zhenzong

In 1020, Emperor Zhenzong's health severely declined due to a debilitating illness, leaving him unable to attend to state affairs. By this point, Empress Liu had already established herself as the power behind the throne. For the remaining two years of Zhenzong's life, she managed all governmental matters, effectively ruling as an unofficial regent. This period allowed her to fully demonstrate her administrative capabilities and consolidate her influence, ensuring the smooth functioning of the government despite the emperor's incapacitation.

4.2. Official Regency for Emperor Renzong

Upon Emperor Zhenzong's death in 1022, the twelve-year-old Emperor Renzong of Song ascended to the throne. As Renzong was still a minor, Emperor Zhenzong's will explicitly stipulated: "The crown prince sits on the throne in front of my coffin. Empress Liu is revered as the empress dowager and takes power over all military and civil affairs." With this decree, Empress Dowager Liu openly and officially assumed the full powers of regent, completely unrestricted, for the duration of Renzong's minority. She was granted the imperial prerogative to handle all major military and civil matters.

4.2.1. Exercise of Imperial Authority and Rule

Empress Dowager Liu exercised her regency with an unprecedented degree of imperial authority, mirroring the practices of a reigning emperor. She held court, often with the young Emperor Renzong by her side or, at times, presiding alone. She adopted the imperial first-person pronoun zhen (朕_zhèn^Chinese), a term typically reserved exclusively for emperors after the Qin dynasty. Officials addressed her as "Imperial Majesty" (陛下, 陛下_Bìxià^Chinese), the honorific used for the emperor, rather than "Imperial Highness" (殿下, 殿下_Diànxià^Chinese), which was customary for empresses or empress dowagers. Her edicts (敕; chi) were referred to as zhe (制), signifying personal imperial orders.

To further assert her authority, her birthday was celebrated with special names, such as "Jangnyeongjeol" (長寧節, 장녕절_{Jangnyeongjeol}^Korean), and she sent envoys in her own name. She participated in ceremonies traditionally reserved for ruling emperors, including the holy plowing ceremony and imperial ancestral worship. Most notably, she became the second woman in Chinese history, after Wu Zetian, to wear the imperial robe, a symbol of supreme imperial power. Empress Dowager Liu also built seven temples for her seven generations of ancestors and bestowed imperial titles upon them, treating them as equals of the imperial ancestors. This act was reminiscent of Empress Lü of Han and Empress Wu of Tang, both known for their absolute and sometimes ruthless reigns. Later, in 1024, she even wore the imperial ceremonial crown (`儀天冠`) and a twelve-dragon pattern `衮衣` (imperial robe) for the official enthronement ceremony of Emperor Renzong, a dress code otherwise reserved for emperors.

4.2.2. Governance and Policies

Empress Dowager Liu was widely regarded as a highly competent and pragmatic regent. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify and appoint capable officials while dismissing incompetent ones. Despite possessing a fierce temperament, she was reportedly willing to listen to and even accept criticism, often adhering to sound advice. Her policies during the regency focused significantly on social stability and economic relief, particularly for the general populace and vulnerable groups.

She recognized the financial strain caused by previous imperial extravagance and took decisive action. Critically, she banned the construction of expensive Taoist temples and eliminated unnecessary labor requisitions, which had drained the imperial treasury during Zhenzong's later years. She also reduced taxes and prohibited excessive tributes to religious institutions, measures that directly benefited the common people. Having come from a humble background, Empress Liu had a deep understanding of the hardships faced by the lower classes, which informed her governance approach, aiming to stabilize the nation and alleviate the burden on the populace. Her reign is often credited with ensuring a stable transition of power and continuing competent governance after Emperor Zhenzong's death. She also made a notable decision during the selection of imperial consorts in 1024, where she opposed Emperor Renzong's choice of a beautiful woman, stating that "such alluring beauty would tempt and corrupt her husband," and instead arranged for the woman to marry Liu Mei's son.

4.2.3. Political Acumen and Handling of Opposition

Empress Liu displayed significant political acumen in managing the imperial court and neutralizing opposition. She skillfully navigated the factional struggles that arose during Zhenzong's illness, particularly the rivalry between her supporters and those who opposed her influence, such as Kou Zhun (寇準) and Li Di (李迪). She effectively marginalized Kou Zhun, her most vocal opponent, by leveraging her trusted aide Ding Wei. When Kou Zhun attempted to depose her by advocating for the Crown Prince's regency with Emperor Zhenzong's covert approval, Empress Liu, upon discovering the plot, decisively removed Kou Zhun from office. Kou Zhun was subsequently banished, first to Xiangzhou (相州; modern Anyang, Henan), then Anzhou (安州; modern Anlu, Hubei), and finally to Daozhou (道州; modern Dao County, Hunan).

She also dealt ruthlessly with those who threatened her authority, exemplified by the execution of the eunuch Zhou Huaizheng (周懷政), who had conspired with Kou Zhun to remove her. However, she was equally swift to act against her own allies when they overstepped, as seen in her handling of Ding Wei. When Ding Wei became arrogant and conspired with the eunuch Lei Yungong (雷允恭) during the construction of Emperor Zhenzong's mausoleum, attempting to alter the design and pocket funds, Empress Liu uncovered their corruption. Despite Ding Wei's attempts to cover for Lei Yungong, Empress Liu ordered Lei Yungong's execution and exiled Ding Wei, demonstrating her resolve to maintain absolute control and punish disloyalty, even among her most trusted associates. She purged several officials who were favorites of Zhenzong, known as the "Five Ghosts," and instead promoted virtuous ministers like Wang Zeng (王曾), Lü Yijian (呂夷簡), and Lu Zongdao (魯宗道).

4.2.4. Criticisms and Controversies

Despite her administrative successes, Empress Liu faced significant criticism and controversy during and after her regency. Her most notable point of contention was her perceived usurpation of imperial ceremonies and prerogatives. She was criticized for having herself worshipped as if she were an emperor, adopting imperial titles, wearing the emperor's robes and crown, and performing rituals typically reserved for the sovereign. Such actions led to fears among ministers that she harbored ambitions of fully ascending the throne, following the precedent of Wu Zetian. Officials like Lu Zongdao deliberately responded to her inquiries about Wu Zetian by portraying the Tang empress as a "sinner of her era," successfully dissuading Liu from claiming the imperial title herself.

Another source of criticism stemmed from her appointment of relatives to high offices. Her relatives, who came from poor backgrounds and were considered "vulgar" by the aristocratic court, were seen as ill-suited for such positions, leading to accusations of favoritism and nepotism. Furthermore, despite Emperor Renzong reaching the age of legal majority at seventeen, Empress Dowager Liu refused to relinquish her regency, continuing to rule until her death. This prolonged grip on power created tension and resentment, raising concerns about her overreach and her reluctance to transfer authority to the rightful emperor.

5. Status as a Female Leader in Chinese History

Empress Liu holds a unique and significant position as one of the few women in Chinese history to wield substantial imperial power. She is often mentioned alongside figures like Empress Lü of the Han dynasty and Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty as one of the most powerful female rulers. However, historical assessments often distinguish her from the more ruthless Empress Lü and Empress Wu. Scholars suggest she possessed the talent and capability of these predecessors but lacked their cruelty, famously described as "having the talent of Empress Lü or Wu Zetian, but not their wickedness."

Her regency demonstrated that a woman could effectively govern the empire, manage complex state affairs, and maintain stability during a period of transition. While she faced criticism for adopting imperial prerogatives and prolonging her rule, her ability to navigate political intrigue, manage the bureaucracy, and implement effective policies set a precedent for female leadership, even if unofficial. Her reign helped solidify the concept of regency as a "safe option" when normal imperial rule was unfeasible, ensuring continuity and stability in the absence of a fully capable emperor.

7. Personal Life and Relationship with Renzong

Empress Liu maintained a complex and carefully managed personal life, particularly concerning her relationship with her adopted son, Emperor Renzong. She devoted considerable attention to Renzong's upbringing and education, emphasizing filial piety and diligently preventing the truth of his biological parentage from being revealed. She personally oversaw his education and diet, instilling in him a strong sense of respect for her as his mother. Renzong, in turn, deeply respected both Empress Liu, whom he affectionately called "Big Mother" (大娘娘, 大娘娘_{Dà Niángniang}^Chinese), and Consort Yang (楊淑妃, 楊淑妃_{Yáng Shūfēi}^Chinese), who also helped raise him and whom he called "Little Mother."

Empress Liu was known for her strictness in Renzong's education and her own commitment to scholarship. Even after becoming empress, she maintained a frugal and modest demeanor, sternly forbidding extravagance among other imperial women. She showed respect to Emperor Zhenzong's elder sisters, providing them with lavish gifts, but firmly rebuked her sister-in-law, the wife of Prince Run, for requesting similar favors, stating that daughters-in-law could not be treated the same as daughters. Her adopted brother, Liu Mei, also reportedly exercised caution and refrained from abusing his connection to her power. These efforts created an outward appearance of a devoted imperial family, masking the secret of Renzong's birth throughout her lifetime.

8. Death and Posthumous Evaluation

Empress Liu's death marked a dramatic turning point in the imperial court, leading to the posthumous revelation of Emperor Renzong's true parentage and a re-evaluation of her legacy.

8.1. Death and Funeral Rites

Empress Liu fell seriously ill in March 1033, shortly after her controversial visit to the Ancestral Temple while wearing imperial robes. Emperor Renzong, concerned, dispatched physicians from across the empire to treat her. Before her death, she magnanimously reinstated the official positions of her former political adversaries, including Kou Zhun, Cao Liyong (曹利用), and Ding Wei, who had either died in exile or been demoted.

Empress Dowager Liu died on April 30, 1033, at the age of 65. In her will, she designated Consort Yang as the next Empress Dowager, though this instruction was ultimately not honored by Emperor Renzong. As she lay dying, unable to speak, she repeatedly pointed to her imperial robes. After her death, when Emperor Renzong inquired about this gesture, Minister Xue Kui (薛奎) explained that she likely felt it inappropriate to meet Emperor Zhenzong in the afterlife while dressed in imperial regalia, which was reserved for emperors. Understanding this, Renzong arranged for her to be buried in the traditional robes of an empress rather than the imperial robes she had worn.

8.2. Revelation of Renzong's Birth Secret

Following Empress Liu's death, Emperor Renzong was plunged into deep grief, so much so that he neglected state affairs for several days. During this period of mourning, Zhao Yuanyan (趙元儼), Emperor Taizong's son and Renzong's only surviving paternal uncle, approached the grieving emperor and revealed the shocking truth: Empress Liu was not his biological mother. His true mother was Lady Li, who had recently died.

Before her death, Empress Liu had appointed Lady Li as a Shenfei (宸妃) and sent imperial physicians, yet when Lady Li passed away, Empress Liu initially intended a modest burial befitting a palace attendant. However, Prime Minister Lü Yijian (呂夷簡) insisted on a grander funeral, arguing that failing to honor Lady Li properly would risk disaster for the Liu family once Renzong learned the truth. Yielding to his pressure, Empress Liu ordered Lady Li to be interred in imperial robes and her coffin sealed with mercury to preserve the body. This foresight proved crucial, as upon exhuming her coffin after Empress Liu's death, Renzong discovered Lady Li's body remarkably well-preserved and dressed in imperial regalia.

Overwhelmed with shock and anger, Renzong ordered the immediate siege of the Liu family residence and personally rushed to Lady Li's burial site. This discovery confirmed Empress Liu's integrity and innocence regarding the accusation of harming Lady Li. Emperor Renzong, filled with remorse for doubting Empress Liu, prostrated himself before her coffin, weeping and declaring, "From now on, Big Mother's entire life is clear!" He then ordered her grand burial in the Yongding Mausoleum alongside Emperor Zhenzong and generously honored her family members. Later, while some officials attempted to criticize Empress Liu posthumously, Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹) argued that her faults did not outweigh her contributions, leading Renzong to issue an edict forbidding further defamation against her.

8.3. Posthumous Evaluation and Titles

Empress Liu's reign and legacy have been subject to varied historical assessments. Immediately after her death, Emperor Renzong conferred upon her the posthumous title of "Empress Zhangxian Mingsu" (章獻明肅皇后, 章獻明肅皇后_{Zhāngxiànmíngsù Huánghòu}^Chinese). This was a significant honor, as it marked the first time an empress dowager who had served as regent received a four-character posthumous title, a practice that subsequently became customary for future regents. This title acknowledged her status and influence.

In 1044, during Emperor Renzong's reign, her posthumous title was officially changed to "Zhangxian Mingsu" to align with imperial naming conventions, where empresses' posthumous names typically included a character from their husband's posthumous title. Her spirit tablet was later enshrined in Emperor Zhenzong's ancestral temple.

Historians have offered both praise and criticism for Empress Liu. Sima Guang, a prominent historian, acknowledged her as a protector of the imperial house, stating that she "protected the Sacred Court, disciplined the four directions, advanced the worthy and retired the wicked, stabilized the interior and exterior, truly contributing to the Zhao imperial family." Other critics, like Wang Fuzhi, lamented her prolonged regency and her adoption of imperial attire, viewing it as a disruption of traditional gender roles and an insult to the imperial ancestral temple. Similarly, Cai Dongfan opined that her faults outweighed her merits, particularly her deviation from Song custom by holding regency and wearing the emperor's ceremonial robes. However, the prevailing view acknowledges her administrative competence and her role in ensuring a stable transition during a critical period for the Song Dynasty.

9. Legacy and Influence

Empress Liu's regency left a lasting imprint on the Song Dynasty and continued to influence Chinese cultural narratives for centuries.

9.1. Impact on the Song Dynasty

Empress Liu's eleven-year regency significantly contributed to the stability and administrative continuity of the Northern Song Dynasty. Her capable governance ensured a smooth transition of power from the ailing Emperor Zhenzong to the young Emperor Renzong, preventing potential power struggles and unrest. She skillfully managed the bureaucracy, appointed competent officials, and implemented prudent economic policies that alleviated the burden on the populace. By curbing extravagant spending and promoting fiscal responsibility, she helped stabilize the imperial treasury. Her actions established a precedent for empress dowagers serving as regents, demonstrating that such a role could be a "safe option" for imperial succession during periods of vulnerability. While her assertion of imperial prerogatives drew criticism, her effective rule set a standard for future regencies and contributed to the overall strength and prosperity of the early Song period.

9.2. Cultural Influence and Later Impact

Empress Liu's legacy extends beyond historical records, profoundly impacting Chinese popular culture, most notably through the enduring legend of "Ly miêu hoán thái tử" (狸猫换太子), which translates to "The Wild Cat for the Crown Prince." This popular tale, heavily fictionalized and often incorporated into works like the classic novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants and Judge Bao stories, dramatizes Emperor Renzong's true parentage.

According to the legend, Empress Liu, fearing the infant Crown Prince's birth by Consort Li, secretly swapped the newborn with a skinned civet cat, framing Lady Li for giving birth to a monster. Lady Li was then banished and suffered greatly. The story depicts Judge Bao later uncovering the truth, leading to Lady Li's reinstatement and Empress Liu's downfall or suicide. While the historical facts differ significantly (Empress Liu adopted the child and honored Lady Li posthumously), the legend became a powerful metaphor for deceptive substitutions and political intrigue.

Beyond this popular narrative, Empress Liu's figure also influenced later historical figures. Notably, Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing dynasty reportedly held Empress Liu in high regard and sought to emulate her style of regency, learning from her administrative techniques and political strategies. Empress Liu is also a recurring character in various Chinese television dramas and films, which continue to explore and interpret her complex life and reign.

Year	Film/TV Series	Actress
1993	Justice Pao (包青天之鍘美案)	Lu Biyun
1993	Justice Pao (包青天之狸猫换太子)	Xiao Ai
2000	Young Justice Bao (少年包青天)	Zheng Yu
2004	Da Song Jing Shi Chuan Qi (大宋惊世传奇)	Lý Nhược Đồng
2005	Li Mao Huan Zhu (狸猫换主)	Liu Lei
2008	Xin Bao Qingtian zhi Da Long Pao (新包青天之打龙袍)	Fu Yiwei
2011	Qin Xiang Lian (秦香莲)	Chen Shali
2013	Shen Tan Bao Qingtian (神探包青天)	Dai Yunxia
2016	Kaifeng Prefecture (开封府)	Gan Tingting
2017	Oh My General (将军在上)	Tien Niu
2018	Palace of Devotion (大宋宫词)	Liu Tao
2020	Serenade of Peaceful Joy (清平乐)	Wu Yue

10. Titles and Honors

Empress Liu held various titles and honors throughout her life and posthumously, reflecting her ascending status and the recognition of her significant role in the Song imperial court.

During the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song (960-976):**
- Liu E (劉娥; from 968)
- Lady Liu (劉氏; from 968)
During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song (997-1022):**
- Beauty (美人; from 1004)
- Lady of Cultivated Deportment (修儀; from 1009)
- Virtuous Consort Liu (劉德妃; from 1012)
- Empress (皇后; from December 1012)
During the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song (1022-1063):**
- Empress Dowager (皇太后; from 1022)
- Empress Zhangxian Mingsu (章獻明肅皇后; from 1033)

11. Ancestry and Family Background

Empress Liu's family background has been a subject of historical discussion, with some official records presenting a more noble lineage than popular accounts suggest. According to official Song histories, her grandfather, Liu Yanqing (劉延慶), was a general during the Later Jin and Later Han dynasties. Her father, Liu Tong (劉通), served as the Commander of the Tiger Gallant Guards and as the Prefect of Jia Prefecture (嘉州), possibly during the early years of the newly established Song Dynasty after its conquest of the region in 965. Her mother was Lady Pang (龐氏), a woman of a purportedly prestigious family.

Despite these official claims, some historians argue that these records might have been fabricated or embellished later to legitimize Empress Liu's rise from humble origins. Her family's actual social status may have been considerably less respectable than depicted. However, her familial connections, whether established by birth or by later imperial decree (such as Gong Mei adopting the Liu surname), became instrumental in consolidating her power and prestige within the imperial court. Her great-grandfather was Liu Weiyue (劉維嶽), and her great-grandmother was Lady Song (宋氏). Her grandfather Liu Yanqing was married to Lady Yuan (元氏).

11.1. Posthumous Honors for Ancestors

Upon her ascent to power as Empress Dowager and regent, Empress Liu conferred extensive posthumous titles upon her ancestors to solidify her family's legitimacy, a practice reminiscent of previous powerful female rulers. Her great-grandfather, Liu Weiyue (劉維嶽), was posthumously granted the title of Grand General of the Right Valiant Guard and Prefect of Jiazhou. Her great-grandmother, Lady Song (宋氏), was honored as Lady An of the State of Guo. Her grandfather, Liu Yanqing (劉延慶), was posthumously made Military Commissioner of Tianping Circuit (天平軍節度使), Minister of the Imperial Household (侍中), and Duke of Xu (許國公). His wife, Lady Yuan (元氏), was named Lady Qi of the State of Guo. Her father, Liu Tong (劉通), received the highest honor of Kaifu Yitong Sansi (開府儀同三司) and the title Prince of Wei (魏王), while her mother, Lady Pang (龐氏), was granted the title Lady Jin of the State of Guo.