When it comes to the famous female rulers in history, the first people will think of Wu Zetian, who is the only female emperor who is universally recognized and well known. In addition, there was Empress Dowager Cixi, who held power for decades and was the de facto ruler of the Qing Dynasty. Everyone does not know that in the history of our country, there is actually a woman who is qualified to become a ruler, and she is Liu E, the empress of Song Zhenzong. However, she had no idea of taking power and was bent on paving the way for her adopted son Song Renzong. So, what kind of queen is this?
Liu E was born into a wealthy family, and her father was an envoy under the command of Hu Jiedu, who was out on expeditions all year round. Later, her father died tragically, and the family fell into the middle of the road, and Liu E could only marry a silversmith as a wife. This person's name was Gong Mei, and his skills were outstanding, so the two of them came to the capital together to make a living. Liu E was beautiful and talented, and was soon favored by Zhao Huan, the king of Xiang at the time. After Gong Mei heard about it, for the sake of money and did not dare to offend Wang Ye, so she changed her name to Liu E's cousin and sent her to the palace.
After Liu E entered the palace, she and Zhao Huan were in love with each other, like glue like lacquer. The good times did not last long, and the affairs of the two were soon known to Emperor Taizong of Song, and forced by the emperor's orders, Zhao Huan had to send Liu E out of the palace. However, in private, the two will often sneak up on dates. And so, fifteen years have passed. After Emperor Taizong of Song died and Zhao Huan succeeded to the throne, he soon took Liu E into the imperial palace, often accompanying him. After Empress Guo's death, Zhao Huan very much wanted to make Liu E empress, but the ministers felt that Liu E was both childless and from a humble origin, and they did not approve very much.
In desperation, I had to come up with a way to "borrow my belly to give birth to a child". Zhao Huan claimed that Li's child was born to Liu E, which concealed the chancellor and crowned the 44-year-old Liu E as the empress of the Great Song Dynasty. Later, Zhenzong fell ill, and state affairs were handled by Liu E, and the Qunchen began to become restless. Before Emperor Zhenzong of Song died, he issued a will and testament passing the throne to the crown prince Zhao Zhen, assisted by Liu E.
During this period, Liu E's power became more and more powerful, and later she also put on the Tianzi costume, and Liu E also thought of calling herself emperor, but when she thought of Wu Zetian, she said that she absolutely could not do anything to apologize to her ancestors. From then on, Liu E devoted herself to assisting Song Renzong until her own death. Only then did Emperor Renzong of Song learn of Liu E's good intentions and change her courtesy name to Empress Zhuang Xianmingsu to show his respect.