China Archives - Page 2 of 27 - History of Royal Women

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

Monday, 17 February 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

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]

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

Monday, 10 February 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

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]

Imperial Consort Yue Ji of Chu – King Zhao of Chu’s Imperial Consort who willingly died with him

Monday, 3 February 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Imperial Consort Yue Ji of Chu was the daughter of King Goujian of Yue. She was the Imperial Consort to King Zhao of Chu. One day King Zhao of Chu asked if Imperial Consort Yue Ji would die with him.[1] However, she refused.[2] This cost her the love of her husband.[3] When King Zhao of Chu proved [read more]

Princess Wei Guafuren – The mourning Princess

Monday, 27 January 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Princess Wei Guafuren (also known as The Widow of Wei) had a tragic life. Her life is still largely unknown.[1] If it hadn’t been for the beautiful and sad poem that she had composed, she would have been entirely forgotten in history.[2] Princess Wei Guafuren was engaged to the Duke of Wei.[3] Once she arrived, her betrothed [read more]

Princess Huai Ying – The Princess who helped her hostage husband escape captivity from her father

Wednesday, 8 January 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Princess Huai Ying was the wife of Duke Huai of Jin. During the year of 638 B.C.E., Princess Huai Ying was forced to choose between her father and her husband.[1] In the end, Princess Huai Ying handled the tough predicament wisely.[2] Her decision earned her praise from ancient chroniclers for being unbiased.[3] Princess Huai Ying was also known [read more]

Queen Jiang – The virtuous Queen of the Western Zhou Dynasty who reprimanded her husband

Wednesday, 1 January 2025, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Jiang was known to be a virtuous queen. She was Queen to King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty. She was also the mother of King You of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Queen Jiang is known for reprimanding her husband for neglecting his state affairs for his Consorts.[1] After her reprimand, King Xuan of the Western [read more]