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Yun Xiao was a minor character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. She was one of the three Firmament Sisters, and sister to famed general Zhao Gongming. Like her two sisters, Yun Xiao was a hermit on Three Fairy Island, and entered the battle between the Shang and Zhou armies to fight alongside her brother. She was eventually killed by Yuanshi Tianzun, the Heavenly Primogenitor and founder of Grand Master of Chan Taoism.
Bi Xiao was a minor character in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Bi Xiao was one of the three Firmament Sisters, and sister to the famed general Zhao Gongming, who fought on the side of the Shang army against the Zhou army. The three sisters lived on Three Fairy Island as hermits, and joined their brother in the war. They were eventually killed by Yuanshi Tianzun himself, the Heavenly Primogenitor and Grand Master of Taoism.
Li Gonglin, style name Boshi, pseudonym Longmian Jushi (Householder of Sleeping Dragon), was a Chinese painter, civil officer and archaeologist in the Northern Song Dynasty.<br/><br/> Born into a scholarly home near what is modern day Lu'an City, Li Gonglin passed the highest level of civil service examinations at 21 and became a civil officer. He became famous for his paintings of horses, then he turned to Buddhist and Daoist religious painting, as well as portraits and landscapes. His painting style was attributed to the style of Gu Kaizhi and Wu Daozi.
Gobulo Wan Rong ('Beautiful Countenance') was the daughter of Rong Yuan, the Minister of Domestic Affairs of the Qing Government and head of one of Manchuria's most prominent, richest families. At the age of 17, Wan Rong was selected from a series of photographs presented to the Xuan Tong Emperor (Puyi). The wedding took place when Puyi reached the age of 16.<br/><br/> Wan Rong was the last Empress Consort of the Qing Dynasty in China, and later Empress of Manchukuo (also known as the Manchurian Empire). Empress Wan Rong died of malnutrition and opium addiction in prison in Jilin.<br/><br/>
Xiao Chen (dates uncertain) was a mid-Qing Dynasty poet and painter who excelled at figures and snow scenes.
Ruan Xiao'er, Japanese name Ricchitaisai Genshoji, being attacked on his boat by sharp pointed and hooked balls which are attached to ropes; one is embedded in his hair and another is wrapped around his leg.<br/><br/> The Water Margin (known in Chinese as Shuihu Zhuan, sometimes abbreviated to Shuihu, 水滸傳), known as Suikoden in Japanese, as well as Outlaws of the Marsh, Tale of the Marshes, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang in English, is a 14th century novel and one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.<br/><br/> Attributed to Shi Nai'an and written in vernacular Chinese, the story, set in the Song Dynasty, tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gathered at Mount Liang (or Liangshan Marsh) to form a sizable army before they are eventually granted amnesty by the government and sent on campaigns to resist foreign invaders and suppress rebel forces.<br/><br/> In 1827, Japanese publisher Kagaya Kichibei commissioned Utagawa Kuniyoshi to produce a series of woodblock prints illustrating the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. The 1827-1830 series, called '108 Heroes of the Water Margin' or 'Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori', made Utagawa Kuniyoshi's famous.
Xiao Rang, Japanese name Seishushosei Shojo, a sword suspended by a cord clenched between his teeth, descending the wall of Peking castle by a rope in the moonlight.<br/><br/> The Water Margin (known in Chinese as Shuihu Zhuan, sometimes abbreviated to Shuihu, 水滸傳), known as Suikoden in Japanese, as well as Outlaws of the Marsh, Tale of the Marshes, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang in English, is a 14th century novel and one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.<br/><br/> Attributed to Shi Nai'an and written in vernacular Chinese, the story, set in the Song Dynasty, tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gathered at Mount Liang (or Liangshan Marsh) to form a sizable army before they are eventually granted amnesty by the government and sent on campaigns to resist foreign invaders and suppress rebel forces.<br/><br/> In 1827, Japanese publisher Kagaya Kichibei commissioned Utagawa Kuniyoshi to produce a series of woodblock prints illustrating the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. The 1827-1830 series, called '108 Heroes of the Water Margin' or 'Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori', made Utagawa Kuniyoshi's famous.
Empress Xiao Jing Cheng was a concubine of the Daoguang Emperor, mother of Prince Yixin, also known as Prince Gong, and foster mother of Prince Yizhu the Xianfeng Emperor. Empress Xiao Jing Cheng née Borjigit was a Mongol. Her family were descendants of Genghis Khan, who ruled the Mongol Empire in the early thirteenth century. At the time of her birth her family belonged to one of the Mongol banners but in 1855 they entered the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner Corps.
Empress Xiao Quan Cheng (1808–1840), born Lady Niuhuru, third Qing Dynasty Empress Consort of the Daoguang Emperor (1782–1850). Niuhuru was born to Baron Liyang of the Niuhuru clan, an official in the city of Suzhou in the south. In 1820, at the age of twelve, she was given as a concubine 'of the third class' to the new emperor in the Forbidden City. Two years after the death of the Emperor's second Empress Xiao Shen Cheng in 1833, Niuhuru was officially made Empress Consort with the title of 'Empress Xiao Quan Cheng'. Empress Xiao Quan Cheng died in 1840 aged 32, being 7 years Empress Consort. She was the mother of the Xianfeng Emperor.
Empress Xiao Quan Cheng (1808–1840), born Lady Niuhuru, third Qing Dynasty Empress Consort of the Daoguang Emperor (1782–1850). Niuhuru was born to Baron Liyang of the Niuhuru clan, an official in the city of Suzhou in the south. In 1820, at the age of twelve, she was given as a concubine 'of the third class' to the new emperor in the Forbidden City. Two years after the death of the Emperor's second Empress Xiao Shen Cheng in 1833, Niuhuru was officially made Empress Consort with the title of 'Empress Xiao Quan Cheng'. Empress Xiao Quan Cheng died in 1840 aged 32, being 7 years Empress Consort. She was the mother of the Xianfeng Emperor.
Empress Xiao Shu Rui was born in 1747, during the twenty-fifth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign, into the Manchu Hitara clan. She was the daughter of Hitara He'erjing'e, Duke En of Cheng. In 1774, Lady Hitara married the Qianlong Emperor's son Yongyan, Prince Jia, as his primary wife and consort. Yongyan and Lady Hitara had three children including Minning or Mianning (16 September 1782 - 25 February 1850), later the Daoguang Emperor. On 9 February 1796, the Qianlong Emperor abdicated the throne in favor of his son Yongyan, who became the Jiaqing Emperor. Lady Hitara was created Empress. However, she died of illness after being Empress Consort for only one year. After her death, she was given the title of Empress Xiao Shu. Then, in 1820, the title of Empress Xiao Shu Rui after the death of the Jiaqing Emperor. Later, Hitara was interred in the Changling Mausoleum.
Detail of a Qing Dynasty painting showing the future Emperor Jiaqing (1760-1820) with his mother Empress Xiao Yi Chun (1727-1775) in the palace of his father Qing Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799).
Empress Xiao Xian Chun, also known as Empress Xiao Xian, (28 March 1712 – 8 April 1748). Xiao Xian Chun was a daughter of Li Rongbao, and the elder sister of Fu Heng of the Manchu Fuca clan. She was the first Empress Consort of the Qianlong Emperor of China (1711 - 1799). Lady Fuca married Prince Hong Li (the future Qianlong Emperor) in the fifth reign year of the Yong Zheng Emperor in 1727 and was made Empress in 1736 with the title of Empress Xiao Xian. In 1728 she gave birth to the Qianlong Emperor's first daughter. Two years later, Fuca gave birth to the Emperor's second son and one year later another daughter. In 1746, she gave birth to the Emperor's seventh son. The Empress often joined the Emperor on his trips. In 1748, during one of these trips, the Empress fell ill on board a boat and died on it. She was only 36 years old. After Empress Xiao Xian Chun was interred in the Yuling Mausoleum, the Qianlong Emperor would often visit her grave.
Empress Xiao Gong Ren ( 1660–1723) was an Imperial Consort of the Kangxi Emperor and mother of the Yongzheng Emperor. Her father was Lieutenant-Colonel Wei-wu of the Uya clan, of the Manchu yellow banner corps. In 1678 Uya gave birth to the Kangxi Emperor's fourth surviving son Yin Zhen, the future Yongzheng Emperor. One year later she was granted the title of Imperial Concubine De, meaning 'virtuous'. In 1681 Uya gave birth to another son. In 1682 she was granted the title of Imperial Consort De. In the next five years, Uya gave birth to three daughters. Finally in 1688, she gave birth to her last son. When the Kangxi Emperor died in 1722, her son Yinzhen succeeded to the throne and, as the mother of the reigning emperor, she received the title the 'Empress Dowager Renshou'. In 1723, one year after the death of her husband the Empress Dowager Renshou died of illness. She was 64 years old and was interred in the Jing Ling Mausoleum. She was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Gong Ren.
Empress Xiao Yi Ren (1609 - 24 August 1689), personal name Tunggiya. Xiao Yi Ren was the third Empress Consort of the Kangxi Emperor. She was of the Tunggiya clan, and was the daughter of the Minister of Internal Defence, Tong Guowei. Also, she was the niece of the Empress Xiao Kang Zhang. At first, Tunggiya was given the title Noble Consort Tong. When Empress Xiao Zhao Ren died, Lady Tunggiya became head of the Imperial Household. During the twentieth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, Tunggiya was given the title Imperial Noble Consort. During the twenty-second year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1683), the Imperial Noble Consort Tong gave birth to a daughter, whom died within a month. In 1689, Tunggiya became seriously ill and Emperor Kangxi promoted her to the rank of Empress Consort. She died one day later. Tungiya was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Yi Ren after her death, and she was interred in the Jing Ling Mausoleum.
Empress Xiao Yi Ren (1609 - 24 August 1689), personal name Tunggiya. Xiao Yi Ren was the third Empress Consort of the Kangxi Emperor. She was of the Tunggiya clan, and was the daughter of the Minister of Internal Defence, Tong Guowei. Also, she was the niece of the Empress Xiao Kang Zhang. At first, Tunggiya was given the title Noble Consort Tong. When Empress Xiao Zhao Ren died, Lady Tunggiya became head of the Imperial Household. During the twentieth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, Tunggiya was given the title Imperial Noble Consort. During the twenty-second year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1683), the Imperial Noble Consort Tong gave birth to a daughter, whom died within a month. In 1689, Tunggiya became seriously ill and Emperor Kangxi promoted her to the rank of Empress Consort. She died one day later. Tungiya was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Yi Ren after her death, and she was interred in the Jing Ling Mausoleum.
Empress Xiao Cheng Ren, also known as the Ren Xiao empress (26 November 1653 – 16 June 1674) was the first Empress Consort of the Kangxi Emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty of China. They were married in 1665. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren came from the Manchu Heseri clan, and therefore was known as "Empress Heseri". She was the daughter of Gabula, a granddaughter of Suoni and a niece of Songgotu. In 1669, Heseri gave birth to a son whom died at the age of three. In 1674, Heseri died while giving birth to Prince Yin Reng, who became the crown prince of the Kangxi Emperor at the age of two. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren died at age 20, and is thus considered the most short-lived Empress of the Qing Dynasty.
Empress Xiao Cheng Ren, also known as the Ren Xiao empress (26 November 1653 – 16 June 1674) was the first Empress Consort of the Kangxi Emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty of China. They were married in 1665. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren came from the Manchu Heseri clan, and therefore was known as "Empress Heseri". She was the daughter of Gabula, a granddaughter of Suoni and a niece of Songgotu. In 1669, Heseri gave birth to a son whom died at the age of three. In 1674, Heseri died while giving birth to Prince Yin Reng, who became the crown prince of the Kangxi Emperor at the age of two. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren died at age 20, and is thus considered the most short-lived Empress of the Qing Dynasty.
Empress Xiao Sheng Xian was a daughter of Ling Chu, the First Prince Liang Rong of the Manchu yellow banner corps, and granddaughter of Prince Eidu of the Niuhuru Clan. Lady Niuhuru entered the Yongzheng Emperor's household in 1705. In 1711 she gave birth to Prince Hongli, the future Qianlong Emperor. Niuhuru was granted the title of the 'Consort Xi' in 1723. One year later she was granted the title of the 'Noble Consort Xi'. After the death of her husband in 1735, her son Hongli became the new Emperor. She was thus granted the title of the 'Imperial Dowager Empress Chong Qing'.<br/><br/> The Qianlong Emperor often visited his mother. Niuhuru always joined the Emperor on his trips to the North and the South. By all accounts the Dowager Empress was widely respected. When she became too old for travelling, the Emperor stopped and travelled again after her death. The Emperor had great respect for his mother and would often seek her advice. Her sixtieth birthday was lavishly celebrated, poems read in her honour and sacrifices made to the gods by the Emperor and the entire court. Niuhuru died in 1777 at the age of 85 years.
The Empress Xiaozhuang (March 28, 1613 - January 27, 1688), known for most of her life by the title 'Grand Empress Dowager', was the concubine of Emperor Huang Taiji, the mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty in China.<br/><br/> She wielded significant influence over the Qing court during the rule of her son and grandson. Known for her wisdom and political ability, Xiaozhuang has become a largely respected figure in Chinese history, strictly in contrast to the despotic reputation of Empress Dowager Cixi. Empress Xiao Zhuang Wen was a daughter of a prince of Borjigit clan of the Khorchin Mongols, Prince Jaisang, and thus was a descendant of Genghis Khan's younger brother Jochi Khasar. Her given name was Bumbutai.
Empress Xiao Gong Ren ( 1660–1723) was an Imperial Consort of the Kangxi Emperor and mother of the Yongzheng Emperor. Her father was Lieutenant-Colonel Wei-wu of the Uya clan, of the Manchu yellow banner corps. In 1678 Uya gave birth to the Kangxi Emperor's fourth surviving son Yin Zhen, the future Yongzheng Emperor. One year later she was granted the title of Imperial Concubine De, meaning 'virtuous'. In 1681 Uya gave birth to another son. In 1682 she was granted the title of Imperial Consort De. In the next five years, Uya gave birth to three daughters. Finally in 1688, she gave birth to her last son. When the Kangxi Emperor died in 1722, her son Yinzhen succeeded to the throne and, as the mother of the reigning emperor, she received the title the 'Empress Dowager Renshou'. In 1723, one year after the death of her husband the Empress Dowager Renshou died of illness. She was 64 years old and was interred in the Jing Ling Mausoleum. She was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Gong Ren.
Empress Xiao Gong Ren ( 1660–1723) was an Imperial Consort of the Kangxi Emperor and mother of the Yongzheng Emperor. Her father was Lieutenant-Colonel Wei-wu of the Uya clan, of the Manchu yellow banner corps. In 1678 Uya gave birth to the Kangxi Emperor's fourth surviving son Yin Zhen, the future Yongzheng Emperor. One year later she was granted the title of Imperial Concubine De, meaning 'virtuous'. In 1681 Uya gave birth to another son. In 1682 she was granted the title of Imperial Consort De. In the next five years, Uya gave birth to three daughters. Finally in 1688, she gave birth to her last son. When the Kangxi Emperor died in 1722, her son Yinzhen succeeded to the throne and, as the mother of the reigning emperor, she received the title the 'Empress Dowager Renshou'. In 1723, one year after the death of her husband the Empress Dowager Renshou died of illness. She was 64 years old and was interred in the Jing Ling Mausoleum. She was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Gong Ren.
The future Empress Xiao Kang Zhang was born into the Han Chinese Tong clan. Although her family was of Jurchen (Manchu) origin, it had lived amongst the Han Chinese for many generations. When Lady Tong entered the imperial court of the Shunzhi Emperor, she was given the title 'Imperial Consort Tong'. She was elevated to the rank of 'Noble Consort' in 1654 when she bore the Emperor a male heir, Prince Xuanye (the later Kangxi Emperor).<br/><br/> When the Shunzhi Emperor died in 1661 and Xuanye was chosen to succeed to the imperial throne as the Kangxi Emperor, the Noble Consort Tong was given the title of 'Dowager Empress Cihe' as the new Emperor's mother. She died of an unknown illness on 20 March 1663 inside the Imperial Palace, at the age of 23. Although she had never been Empress during the reign of her husband, the Shunzhi Emperor, she was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Kang Zhang, by which she is still commonly known today.
Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.
The future Empress Xiao Kang Zhang was born into the Han Chinese Tong clan. Although her family was of Jurchen (Manchu) origin, it had lived amongst the Han Chinese for many generations. When Lady Tong entered the imperial court of the Shunzhi Emperor, she was given the title 'Imperial Consort Tong'. She was elevated to the rank of 'Noble Consort' in 1654 when she bore the Emperor a male heir, Prince Xuanye (the later Kangxi Emperor).<br/><br/> When the Shunzhi Emperor died in 1661 and Xuanye was chosen to succeed to the imperial throne as the Kangxi Emperor, the Noble Consort Tong was given the title of 'Dowager Empress Cihe' as the new Emperor's mother. She died of an unknown illness on 20 March 1663 inside the Imperial Palace, at the age of 23. Although she had never been Empress during the reign of her husband, the Shunzhi Emperor, she was given the posthumous title of Empress Xiao Kang Zhang, by which she is still commonly known today.
Empress Xiao Jing Cheng was a concubine of the Daoguang Emperor, mother of Prince Yixin, also known as Prince Gong, and foster mother of Prince Yizhu the Xianfeng Emperor. Empress Xiao Jing Cheng née Borjigit was a Mongol. Her family were descendants of Genghis Khan, who ruled the Mongol Empire in the early thirteenth century. At the time of her birth her family belonged to one of the Mongol banners but in 1855 they entered the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner Corps.
Empress Xiao Yi Chun (23 October 1727 - 28 February 1775) came from the Han Chinese Wei clan. Her clan name was later changed to the Manchu Weigiya clan during the Jiaqing Emperor's reign. Empress Xiao Yi Chun's father was Wei Qing Tai, a Han Chinese official from Jiangsu. Lady Weigiya was born during the fifth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, and entered the Qing Dynasty Imperial Court as a lady-in-waiting to the Qianlong Emperor in 1745. Weigiya gave birth to six children in total, including four sons and two daughters. Among her children was the future Jiaqing Emperor. Weigiya died on 28 February 1775, in the fortieth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign. She was aged 47 years old, and was given the posthumous title of 'Imperial Noble Consort Ling-Yi'. In 1796, when Weigiya's son ascended the throne as the Jiaqing Emperor, he granted Weigiya the posthumous title Empress Xiao Yi Chun meaning 'Filial, Graceful, and Pure Empress'.
Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.
Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.
Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.
The Empress Xiaozhuang (March 28, 1613 - January 27, 1688), known for most of her life by the title 'Grand Empress Dowager', was the concubine of Emperor Huang Taiji, the mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty in China. She wielded significant influence over the Qing court during the rule of her son and grandson. Known for her wisdom and political ability, Xiaozhuang has become a largely respected figure in Chinese history, strictly in contrast to the despotic reputation of Empress Dowager Cixi. Empress Xiao Zhuang Wen was a daughter of a prince of Borjigit clan of the Khorchin Mongols, Prince Jaisang, and thus was a descendant of Genghis Khan's younger brother Jochi Khasar. Her given name was Bumbutai.
Gobulo Wan Rong ('Beautiful Countenance') was the daughter of Rong Yuan, the Minister of Domestic Affairs of the Qing Government and head of one of Manchuria's most prominent, richest families. At the age of 17, Wan Rong was selected from a series of photographs presented to the Xuan Tong Emperor (Puyi). The wedding took place when Puyi reached the age of 16. Wan Rong was the last Empress Consort of the Qing Dynasty in China, and later Empress of Manchukuo (also known as the Manchurian Empire). Empress Wan Rong died of malnutrition and opium addiction in prison in Jilin. She was portrayed memorably if somewhat inaccurately by Joan Chen in the 1987 picture 'The Last Emperor'.
Empress Xu (1362 - July 1407), formally Empress Ren Xiao Wen, birth name Xu Yihua), was the third empress of the Ming Dynasty from 1402 to 1407. Her husband was the Yongle Emperor. She was well educated, compiling bibliographies of virtuous women, an activity connected with court politics.<br/><br/> Empress Xu is also the first person credited with transcribing a Buddhist sutra from a dream revelation. The work is entitled 'The sutra of great merit of the foremost rarity spoken by the Buddha which the Renxiao empress of the great Ming received in a dream'). In her introduction to the sutra, the empress wrote that one night after meditating and burning incense, Guanyin appeared to her as if in a dream, and took her to a holy realm where the sutra was revealed to her in order to save her from disaster. After reading the sutra three times, she was able to memorize it and recall it perfectly upon awakening and writing it down. The sutra conveys conventional Mahayana philosophies, and the mantras for chanting were typical of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Gobulo Wan Rong ('Beautiful Countenance') was the daughter of Rong Yuan, the Minister of Domestic Affairs of the Qing Government and head of one of Manchuria's most prominent, richest families. At the age of 17, Wan Rong was selected from a series of photographs presented to the Xuan Tong Emperor (Puyi). The wedding took place when Puyi reached the age of 16. Wan Rong was the last Empress Consort of the Qing Dynasty in China, and later Empress of Manchukuo (also known as the Manchurian Empire). Empress Wan Rong died of malnutrition and opium addiction in prison in Jilin. She was portrayed memorably if somewhat inaccurately by Joan Chen in the 1987 picture 'The Last Emperor'.
Empress Cheng Xiao Zhao, consort of the 4th Ming Emperor Hongxi (r. 1424-1425).
Empress Xiao Xian Chun, also known as Empress Xiao Xian, (28 March 1712 – 8 April 1748). Xiao Xian Chun was a daughter of Li Rongbao, and the elder sister of Fu Heng of the Manchu Fuca clan. She was the first Empress Consort of the Qianlong Emperor of China (1711 - 1799). Lady Fuca married Prince Hong Li (the future Qianlong Emperor) in the fifth reign year of the Yong Zheng Emperor in 1727 and was made Empress in 1736 with the title of Empress Xiao Xian. In 1728 she gave birth to the Qianlong Emperor's first daughter. Two years later, Fuca gave birth to the Emperor's second son and one year later another daughter. In 1746, she gave birth to the Emperor's seventh son. The Empress often joined the Emperor on his trips. In 1748, during one of these trips, the Empress fell ill on board of a boat and died on it. She was only 36 years old. After Empress Xiao Xian Chun was interred in the Yuling Mausoleum, the Qianlong Emperor would often visit her tomb.
The Xiaotang Mountain Han Shrine (Chinese: 孝堂山汉墓祠; pinyin: Xiàotáng Shān Hàn Mù Cí) also known as the Guo Family Ancestral Hall (Chinese: 孝堂山郭氏墓石祠; pinyin: Xiàotángshān Guō Shì Mù Shí Cí, literally 'Xiaotang Mountain Guo Family Tomb Stone Ancestral Hall') is a funerary stone shrine from the early Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE) situated on slopes of the Yellow River valley in the western part of Shandong Province, China.<br/><br/> An odometer for measuring distance was first described by Vitruvius around 27 and 23 BCE, although the actual inventor may have been Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287 BC – c. 212 BCE) during the First Punic War.<br/><br/> The odometer was subsequently developed in ancient China, possibly by the profuse inventor and early scientist Zhang Heng (78 CE – 139 CE) of the Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE). Zhang Heng is often accredited with the invention of the first odometer device in China. By the 3rd century (during the Three Kingdoms Period), the Chinese had termed the device as the 'jì lĭ gŭ chē' (記里鼓車), or 'li-recording drum carriage'.<br/><br/> Chinese texts of the 3rd century tell of the mechanical carriage's functions: As one li (c.500 metres) was traversed, a mechanical-driven wooden figure struck a drum, and when ten li was traversed, another wooden figure struck a gong or a bell with its mechanically-operated arm.
Empress Xu (1362 - July 1407), formally Empress Ren Xiao Wen, birth name Xu Yihua), was the third empress of the Ming Dynasty from 1402 to 1407. Her husband was the Yongle Emperor. She was well educated, compiling bibliographies of virtuous women, an activity connected with court politics.<br/><br/> Empress Xu is also the first person credited with transcribing a Buddhist sutra from a dream revelation. The work is entitled 'The sutra of great merit of the foremost rarity spoken by the Buddha which the Renxiao empress of the great Ming received in a dream'). In her introduction to the sutra, the empress wrote that one night after meditating and burning incense, Guanyin appeared to her as if in a dream, and took her to a holy realm where the sutra was revealed to her in order to save her from disaster. After reading the sutra three times, she was able to memorize it and recall it perfectly upon awakening and writing it down. The sutra conveys conventional Mahayana philosophies, and the mantras for chanting were typical of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Empress Xiao Duan Wen (May 13, 1600 - May 17, 1649), personal name Borjigit. She was the principal Empress Consort of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Huang Taiji of China. Empress Xiao Duan Wen was a daughter of Manjusri Noyan, the First Prince Fu of the Borjigit clan, descended from the Mongol Horchin clan. Borjigit married the Tai Zong Emperor Huang Taiji of the Manchu Later Jin on May 28, 1614, and became his official wife and later Empress in 1636 when the Qing Dynasty was established. Both her nieces Bumbutai (later Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang) and Hai Lan Zu were married to the Emperor as well. Borjigit was posthumously styled with the title 'Empress Xiao Duan Wen' after her death.
Xiao'erjing or Xiao'erjin or Xiaor jin or in its shortened form, Xiaojing, is a form of writing Chinese in Arabic script. It is used on occasion by many ethnic minorities who adhere to the Islamic faith in China (mostly the Hui, but also the Dongxiang, and the Salar), and formerly by their Dungan descendants in Central Asia. Xiao'erjing is written from right to left, as with other writing systems based on the Arabic alphabet.
The Empress Xiaozhuang, (pinyin: Xiàozhuāngwén Huánghòu; Manchu: Hiyoošungga Ambalinggū Genggiyenšu Hūwanghu; March 28, 1613 - January 27, 1688), known for the majority of her life under the title 'Grand Empress Dowager', was the concubine of Emperor Huang Taiji, the mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty in China. She wielded significant influence over the Qing court during the rule of her son and grandson. Known for her wisdom and political ability, Xiaozhuang has become a largely respected figure in Chinese history, strictly in contrast to the despotic reputation of Empress Dowager Cixi.<br/><br/> Empress Xiao Zhuang Wen was a daughter of a prince of Borjigit clan of the Khorchin Mongols, Prince Jaisang, and thus was a descendant of Genghis Khan's younger brother Jochi Khasar. Her given name was Bumbutai.
The Empress Xiaozhuang (March 28, 1613 - January 27, 1688), known for most of her life by the title 'Grand Empress Dowager', was the concubine of Emperor Huang Taiji, the mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty in China.<br/><br/> She wielded significant influence over the Qing court during the rule of her son and grandson. Known for her wisdom and political ability, Xiaozhuang has become a largely respected figure in Chinese history, strictly in contrast to the despotic reputation of Empress Dowager Cixi. Empress Xiao Zhuang Wen was a daughter of a prince of Borjigit clan of the Khorchin Mongols, Prince Jaisang, and thus was a descendant of Genghis Khan's younger brother Jochi Khasar. Her given name was Bumbutai.
Kulug Khan (August 4, 1281 – January 27, 1311), was an Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, and is regarded as the seventh Khagan of the Mongols in Mongolia.<br/><br/> Also styled Haisan Huleg Khan, the son of Darambal, the son of Chingem, he was born in 1281, the white snake year. He was enthroned in 1308,the white pig year.
Rinchinbal (1326-December 14, 1332), was a son of Kusala who was briefly installed to the throne of the Yuan Dynasty, but died soon after he seized the throne of Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of China. He was the shortest-reigning monarch in the imperial history of Mongolia.<br/><br/> Rinchinbal Khan, the son of Huslen Khan, was born in 1325, the red tiger year. In1332, the black monkey year, he assumed the throne and two months later he passed away.
Temur Khan (October 15, 1265-February 10, 1307), also spelled Timur, was the second leader of the Yuan Dynasty between May 10, 1294 and February 10, 1307, and is considered as the sixth Great Khan of the Mongols in Mongolia. He was a son of the Crown Prince Zhenjin and the grandson of Kublai Khan. During his rule, the Tran, Pagan and Champa dynasties and western khanates of the Mongol Empire accepted his supremacy.<br/><br/> Temur Khan,the third son of Chingem who was the eldest son of Kub lai Khan, was born in 1265, the blue cattle year. In 1294, the blue horse year, he became Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty and in 1007, the red sheep year, he passed away.
Rinchinbal (1326-December 14, 1332), was a son of Kusala who was briefly installed to the throne of the Yuan Dynasty, but died soon after he seized the throne of Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of China. He was the shortest-reigning monarch in the imperial history of Mongolia.<br/><br/> Rinchinbal Khan, the son of Huslen Khan, was born in 1325, the red tiger year. In1332, the black monkey year, he assumed the throne and two months later he passed away.
Kulug Khan (August 4, 1281 – January 27, 1311), was an Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, and is regarded as the seventh Khagan of the Mongols in Mongolia.<br/><br/> Also styled Haisan Huleg Khan, the son of Darambal, the son of Chingem, he was born in 1281, the white snake year. He was enthroned in 1308,the white pig year.
Gegeen Khan (February 22, 1303 – September 4, 1323), was the successor of Ayurbarwada and ruled as Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. He is regarded as the ninth Borjigin Khagan of the Mongols in Mongolia.<br/><br/> Shidubal Gegeen, the son of Buyant Khan, was born in 1303, the black horse year. He was enthroned in 1321 and passed away in 1024, the blue rat year.
Temur Khan (October 15, 1265-February 10, 1307), also spelled Timur, was the second leader of the Yuan Dynasty between May 10, 1294 and February 10, 1307, and is considered as the sixth Great Khan of the Mongols in Mongolia. He was a son of the Crown Prince Zhenjin and the grandson of Kublai Khan. During his rule, the Tran, Pagan and Champa dynasties and western khanates of the Mongol Empire accepted his supremacy.<br/><br/> Temur Khan,the third son of Chingem who was the eldest son of Kub lai Khan, was born in 1265, the blue cattle year. In 1294, the blue horse year, he became Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty and in 1007, the red sheep year, he passed away.
Empress Xiao Xian Chun, also known as Empress Xiao Xian, (28 March 1712 – 8 April 1748). Xiao Xian Chun was a daughter of Li Rongbao, and the elder sister of Fu Heng of the Manchu Fuca clan. She was the first Empress Consort of the Qianlong Emperor of China (1711 - 1799). Lady Fuca married Prince Hong Li (the future Qianlong Emperor) in the fifth reign year of the Yong Zheng Emperor in 1727 and was made Empress in 1736 with the title of Empress Xiao Xian. In 1728 she gave birth to the Qianlong Emperor's first daughter. Two years later, Fuca gave birth to the Emperor's second son and one year later another daughter. In 1746, she gave birth to the Emperor's seventh son. The Empress often joined the Emperor on his trips. In 1748, during one of these trips, the Empress fell ill on board a boat and died on it. She was only 36 years old. After Empress Xiao Xian Chun was interred in the Yuling Mausoleum, the Qianlong Emperor would often visit her grave.
Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.
Nuwa, sometimes also known as Nugua, is an ancient Chinese goddess who is most famous for the creation of mankind and repairing the pillar of heaven. She is often depicted as either a woman with a serpentine lower body or even just a woman's head on a serpent's body, earning her the name 'Snake Goddess'. Nuwa and her brother/husband Fuxi forged humanity out of clay, breathing life into them.<br/><br/> After a fight between the fire god Zhurong and the sea monster Gong Gong caused the latter to smash into Buzhou Mountain, one of the pillars holding up the sky, which resulted in calamity. Great floods and much suffering affected the people, and Nuwa is said to have cut the legs off the giant turtle Ao, using them in place of the fallen pillar to end the disaster. However, she was not able to fully correct the tilted sky and earth, thus explaining why Chinese rivers generally flow to the southeast while the sun, moon and stars move towards the northwest.<br/><br/> Nuwa also plays an important role in the Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. After King Zhou of Shang Dynasty insulted the goddess by lusting after her and writing an obscene poem on the wall of her temple. In vengeance, she sent three spirits to bewitch King Zhou, eventually causing the downfall of the Shang Dynasty.
Empress Xiao Ci Gao, consort of the 1st Ming Emperor Hongwu (r. 1368-1398), mother of the 3rd Ming Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424).