13 Facts About Empress Meng

Empress Meng was a daughter of Meng Yuen and the Chinese empress consort of the Song dynasty, married to Emperor Zhezong of Song.

Empress Meng served as a regent of China in 1127, and during the minority of Emperor Zhang, the son of Emperor Gaozong of Song, who was temporarily placed upon the throne for 25 days in 1129.

Empress Meng played a significant political role in Chinese politics: first by legitimizing the Da Chu dynasty in 1127, and then ending it by legitimizing Emperor Gaozong of Song as the heir of the Song dynasty.

Empress Meng came from a "literati family", was very well-educated, and from her introduction to court, she was taught "wifely etiquette".

In 1096, a scandal occurred when Empress Meng was accused of witchcraft.

Empress Meng's sister brought her "talisman-water", which was used by daoist-priest to cure illness.

Empress Meng protested because such practices were banned in the palace, but the emperor commented that it was harmless.

Empress Meng's title was stripped from her and she was sent to a Daoist nunnery.

Empress Meng had his legal mother, the Dowager Empress Xiang, appointed his co-regent.

Empress Meng appointed her regent with the title Empress Dowager Yuanyou.

Empress Meng's reign lasted for two months: in mid 1127, Emperor Gaozong of Song, the 9th son of Emperor Huizong, who had fled the capital before it fell, returned to the city, and she declared him to be the rightful Emperor and stepped down from regency, thereby ending the Da Chu dynasty and state.

Empress Meng did accept the position of regent, but made it clear that she opposed the coup.

Empress Meng's reign lasted for 25 days, before Gaozong regained his throne.