The existence of Empress Dowager Dou had a profound impact on the history of the Han Dynasty. As the wife of Emperor Wen of Han Liu Heng and the mother of Emperor Xiaojing, she was revered as the empress dowager and became the de facto ruler of the Linzhao dynasty after her son's accession to the throne.
When her grandson, Emperor Wu of Han, ascended the throne, Empress Dowager Dou was not actually directly involved in political decision-making. Although she sometimes interferes in government affairs, it is often out of concern and protection for her loved ones, rather than a real power struggle or power struggle.
Is it possible that if Empress Dowager Dou had enough ability and willingness, would she have tried to depose Emperor Wu of Han?
Historically, no mother, in ancient or modern times, wants to see her child in danger. Unless there were extremely serious reasons, such as the actions of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty causing turmoil in the country and difficulties in the lives of the people, it was unlikely that Empress Dowager Dou would have taken such drastic action.
Judging from the political environment at that time, if Empress Dowager Dou wanted to interfere in politics, she needed the support of other powerful people. At that time, two major camps had been formed in the court, the group of relatives headed by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and the palace forces represented by Empress Wei Zifu. In this context, if Empress Dowager Dou wants to successfully overthrow Emperor Wu of Han, she needs to coordinate these two forces, which is undoubtedly very difficult.
From the perspective of personal relationships, although Emperor Wu of Han was not the biological son of Empress Dowager Dou, he always regarded him as a father-like relative and had a special affection for him. With this in mind, even if Emperor Wu of Han was at fault, it is unlikely that Empress Dowager Dou would choose to punish him in this way.
Although Empress Dowager Dou had some influence, she did not have enough motivation and conditions to try to depose Emperor Wu of Han. As a grandmother who loves her child dearly, she prefers to help him solve his problems through guidance and support rather than trying to deprive him of his rights.