China

Queen Zhuang Zhi of Chu – The twelve-year old commoner who saved the King of Chu and became Queen

Queen Zhuang Zhi was the queen consort to King Qingxiang of Chu. They were different in both ages and status.[1] She was a twelve-year-old commoner.[2] King Qingxiang of Chu was in his forties.[3] Nevertheless, Queen Zhuang Zhi was known for wisdom, and she saved Chu from being invaded by a rival kingdom.[4] Through Queen Zhuang Zhi’s guidance, she [read more]

China

Princess Zhong Zi and Princess Rong Zi -The sisters who had contrasting reputations in Chinese history

Princess Zhong Zi and Princess Rong Zi were Princesses of the State of Song.[1] They were secondary wives to Duke Ling of Qi.[2] Even though the two were sisters, they had different aspirations.[3] Princess Rong Zi was very ambitious and wanted her nephew, Prince Ya, to become the Crown Prince of Qi.[4] However, Princess Zhong Zi feared that [read more]

China

Imperial Consort Zhao of Dai – The King of Dai’s faithful Imperial Consort who committed suicide so she wouldn’t have to marry her brother

Imperial Consort Zhao of Dai was originally a Princess of Jin.[1] She married the King of Dai and became his Imperial Consort.[2] In 475 B.C.E., Duke Zhao Xiangzi of Jin (Imperial Consort Zhao of Dai’s younger brother) killed her husband and annexed the State of Dai.[3] Duke Xiangzi of Jin wanted to marry his older sister, [read more]