Book of Wei · Biographies of Empresses and Consorts

The Changes says, “The man takes his proper place outside, the woman her proper place within. When men and women are rightly placed, this is the great righteousness of heaven and earth.” The wise kings of antiquity all clarified the institutions governing empresses and consorts and followed the virtue of heaven and earth. Thus two consorts married into the Gui house and the Way of Yu flourished; Tai Ren and Tai Si married into the Ji house and Zhou prospered. Decline and revival, survival and destruction, constantly depended on this. Interpretations of the Spring and Autumn Annals says that the Son of Heaven has twelve women and regional lords nine. Examined in light of human feeling and principle, this is an unchanging rule. Yet decadent ages indulged extravagance and desire, leaving men and women without partners and disturbing harmonious influences. Beauty alone was honored, without regard to goodness and virtue. Moral teaching declined and the great bonds were destroyed. Is this not lamentable? Alas, those who govern states and households should take it as an enduring warning!

Under Han institutions, the emperor's grandmother was called Grand Empress Dowager, his mother Empress Dowager, and his principal consort Empress; the remaining palace offices comprised fourteen grades. Wei followed Han law, retaining the titles of imperial mothers and empresses. Below Lady, ranks were added or removed in successive reigns. When Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a posthumous temple name> established his state, he first appointed a queen, with five grades below her: Lady, Zhaoyi, Jieyu, Ronghua, and Beautiful Lady. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous title> added Guipin, Shuyuan, Xiurong, Shuncheng, and Liangren. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous title> added Shufei, Zhaohua, and Xiuyi, abolishing Shuncheng. During Taihe, the rank of Lady was restored and placed above Shufei.

The consort hierarchy below the principal consort comprised twelve grades: Guipin, Honored Concubine, and Lady ranked immediately below the empress, with no corresponding external noble rank; Shufei, Virtuous Consort, matched the Chancellor of State in standing and regional kings in rank; Shuyuan, Virtuous Lady, matched the Censor-in-Chief in standing and county dukes in rank; Zhaoyi, Lady of Luminous Deportment, matched county marquises; Zhaohua, Lady of Luminous Splendor, matched district marquises; Xiurong, Lady of Cultivated Countenance, matched village marquises; Xiuyi, Lady of Cultivated Deportment, matched Marquises within the Passes; Jieyu, Lady of Fair Deportment, matched officials of fully two thousand shi; Ronghua, Lady of Glorious Splendor, matched those of true two thousand shi; Beautiful Lady matched those equivalent to two thousand shi; and Liangren, Good Lady, matched those of one thousand shi. [Translator's note: Shi here identifies salary-based official grades, not a conversion into a modern salary.]

Empress Wuxuan (Lady Bian) <Martial and Proclaiming; a posthumous imperial title>, mother of Emperor Wen (Cao Pi), was from Kaiyang in Langye. She originally belonged to a household of professional entertainers.

At twenty, she was taken as a concubine by Taizu (Cao Cao) at Qiao. She later accompanied Taizu (Cao Cao) to Luoyang. When Dong Zhuo caused disorder, Taizu (Cao Cao) escaped east in disguise. Yuan Shu spread news that Taizu (Cao Cao) had died. His followers who had reached Luoyang all wished to go home, but she stopped them: “We do not yet know whether Lord Cao (Cao Cao) is safe or dead. If you go home today and he is alive tomorrow, how could you face him again? Even if disaster has struck, what hardship would there be in dying together?” They followed her advice. Taizu (Cao Cao) heard and approved. Early in Jian'an, Lady Ding was dismissed, and Lady Bian became his succeeding principal wife. Taizu (Cao Cao) entrusted her with raising all his sons whose mothers were absent.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) became heir apparent, the senior palace women congratulated her: “The general has been appointed heir, and everyone rejoices. Your Highness should empty the treasury in rewards.” She said: “The King (Cao Cao) chose Pi because he was older. I should simply be grateful to escape blame for failing to educate him. Why should I give lavish rewards?” The senior attendants returned and told Taizu (Cao Cao) everything. Pleased, Taizu (Cao Cao) said: “To keep one's countenance in anger and one's measure in joy is truly most difficult.”

In the twenty-fourth year, she was appointed queen. The investiture said: “Lady Bian has raised the sons with the virtue of an exemplary mother. Advance her to queen. Let the heir apparent and regional lords attend, and the ministers offer congratulations for long life. Reduce capital sentences within the state by one degree.” In the twenty-fifth year, Taizu (Cao Cao) died and Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) succeeded as king, honoring her as Queen Dowager. On ascending the imperial throne, he honored her as Empress Dowager, her residence being called Yongshou Palace.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) ascended the throne, he honored her as Grand Empress Dowager.

During Huangchu, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) wished to enfeoff the Empress Dowager (Lady Bian)'s parents posthumously. Master of Writing Chen Qun memorialized: “Your Majesty's sage virtue answered the appointed time and received the mandate. In founding a dynasty and reforming institutions, you should establish an enduring model. The classical texts contain no institution granting women territory and noble rank. Under ritual, a woman's rank follows her husband's. Qin violated ancient law, and Han followed it. This is no excellent institution of the former kings.” The Emperor (Cao Pi) said, “This judgment is correct. Do not implement the proposal. Make this a permanent edict, store it in the government archives, and establish it as a model forever.” Yet in spring of Taihe 4, Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) posthumously designated her grandfather Bian Guang Marquis Gong of Kaiyang (Bian Guang) <Reverent Marquis>, and her father Bian Yuan Marquis Jing (Bian Yuan). Her grandmother Lady Zhou was enfeoffed as Lady of Yangdu, and the wife of Marquis Jing (Bian Yuan) was likewise honored; all received seals and ribbons. In the fifth month that year, the Empress Dowager (Lady Bian) died. In the seventh month, she was buried jointly at Gaoling.

Her younger brother Bian Bing had earlier been enfeoffed for merit as Marquis of the Capital District. In Huangchu 7 he was advanced to Marquis of Kaiyang, with twelve hundred households, and became General of Manifest Brilliance.

Bian Bing died and his son Bian Lan succeeded. From youth, Bian Lan possessed talent and learning.

He became Commandant of Attendant Carriages and General of Flying Cavalry, additionally Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. Bian Lan died and his son Bian Hui succeeded.

Bian Bing's fief was also divided to enfeoff Bian Lan's younger brother Bian Lin as a ranked marquis. He rose to Colonel of Infantry. The daughter of Bian Lan's son Bian Long became empress to the Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao) <his ducal title before accession>. As her father, Bian Long became Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, with the rank Specially Advanced, and Marquis of Suiyang District; his wife Lady Wang became Lady of Xianyang District. His former wife Lady Liu, the empress's birth mother, was posthumously enfeoffed as Lady of Shunyang District. Bian Lin's daughter also became empress to the King of Chenliu (Cao Huan) <his royal title after abdication>. Bian Lin had already died, and his wife Lady Liu was enfeoffed as Lady of Guangyang District.

Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen) <Civil and Illustrious; a posthumous imperial title>, mother of Emperor Ming (Cao Rui), was from Wuji in Zhongshan. She descended from Han's Grand Guardian Zhen Han, and her family had held offices of two thousand shi for generations. Her father Zhen Yi was Magistrate of Shangcai. She lost him at three.

Later, warfare and famine spread throughout the realm. People sold gold, silver, pearls, jade, and treasures. Her family had abundant grain and bought many valuables. Still only in her teens, she told her mother: “In this troubled age, buying so many treasures makes an innocent commoner guilty merely for possessing jade. Moreover, people around us are starving. Better distribute grain to relatives and neighbors, spreading kindness.” The whole family approved and followed her advice.

During Jian'an, Yuan Shao took her as wife for his middle son Yuan Xi. When Yuan Xi went out to govern You Province, she stayed to care for her mother-in-law. After Ji Province was pacified, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) took her at Ye. Favored by him, she bore Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) and the Princess of Dongxiang (Cao Pi's daughter; personal name unrecorded).

In the first month of Yankang 1, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) succeeded as king. In the sixth month, he campaigned south, leaving her at Ye. In the tenth month of Huangchu 1, he ascended the imperial throne. Afterward, the Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) <the former Han emperor's title after abdication> offered two daughters as consorts to Wei. Empress Guo (Guo Nüwang) and Noble Ladies Li and Yin were all favored, while Lady Zhen became increasingly dissatisfied and voiced resentment. The Emperor (Cao Pi) was furious. In the sixth month of the second year, he sent an envoy ordering her death. She was buried at Ye.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) ascended the throne, officials requested a posthumous title for her. Minister of Works Wang Lang carried credentials and the investiture document to announce it at her tomb with an ox, sheep, and pig. A separate mortuary temple was also established.

In the third month of Taihe 1, a thousand households of Ancheng District in Weichang, Zhongshan, were assigned to a posthumous fief for Zhen Yi, titled Marquis Jing (Zhen Yi). His senior-line grandson Zhen Xiang inherited. In the fourth month, when work first began on the ancestral temple, a jade seal was dug up, measuring one cun nine fen square. Its inscription read, “The Son of Heaven longingly remembers his loving parent.” Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) became solemn and announced it at the temple with an ox, sheep, and pig. He also dreamed of her and thereafter graded his maternal relatives by closeness and seniority, appointing them accordingly and granting rewards totaling vast sums. Zhen Xiang became General of the Household of the Tiger Guards. That month her mother died. The Emperor (Cao Rui) wore fine-hemp mourning, attending the funeral with the officials in attendance. In the eleventh month of the fourth year, because her old tomb lay low, Zhen Xiang was made acting Grand Commandant and sent with credentials to Ye to announce the matter to the earth spirit. In the twelfth month she was reburied at Chaoyang Mausoleum. Returning, Zhen Xiang became Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. In spring of Qinglong 2, her elder brother Zhen Yan was posthumously designated Marquis Mu of Ancheng District (Zhen Yan) <Solemn Marquis>. In summer, when Wu invaded Yang Province, Zhen Xiang became General Who Subdues the Waves and carried credentials to supervise the generals campaigning east. Returning, he again became Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound. He died in the third year and was posthumously granted General of the Guards, his fief changed to Weichang County and his posthumous title to Marquis Zhen (Zhen Xiang) <Steadfast Marquis>. His son Zhen Chang succeeded. Zhen Chang's younger brothers Zhen Wen, Zhen Wei, and Zhen Yan were all enfeoffed as ranked marquises. In the fourth year, Zhen Yi's and Zhen Yan's original fiefs were both renamed Marquis of Weichang, retaining their former posthumous designations. Zhen Yan's principal wife Lady Liu became Lady of Dongxiang, and Zhen Yi's principal wife Lady Zhang was posthumously enfeoffed as Lady of Anxi. [Translator's note: The younger Zhen Yan here is 艷; the empress's brother is 儼.]

In summer of Jingchu 1, officials settled the arrangements for seven ancestral temples. In winter they further memorialized: “For an imperial dynasty to arise, there must be both a ruler receiving the mandate and a sage consort in harmony with the spirits. Only then can their lineage flourish and the royal enterprise be accomplished. Formerly Gaoxin (Di Ku) divined that the sons of all four consorts would possess the realm, and Di Zhi, Taotang (Yao), Shang, and Zhou arose in succession. The Zhou people traced their origins to Hou Ji, associating him with august Heaven in sacrifice. Recalling their royal beginnings, they rooted them in Jiang Yuan, establishing her separate temple with offerings for generations. This is what the Rites of Zhou means by ‘playing Yize, singing Zhonglü, and dancing the Great Huo to offer to the founding mother.’ The poet praised her: ‘The first birth of our people was through Jiang Yuan,’ describing the origin of royal influence and the source of the people. Again: ‘The secluded temple is still, solid and stately; glorious Jiang Yuan, her virtue never deviating.’ Such is the excellence with which the Odes and Rites describe the flourishing Ji lineage. “Great Wei's appointed succession follows Yu, yet its imperial Way has grown more splendid through three generations, and its number of ancestral temples equals Zhou's. Empress Wuxuan (Lady Bian) and Empress Wende (Guo Nüwang) <Civil and Virtuous; a posthumous title> each share their spouses' everlasting sacrifices. Empress Wenzhao (Lady Zhen), receiving Heaven's spiritual sign, bore an enlightened sage. Her achievements benefited the people, her virtue filled the universe, and she opened the succession for later generations: from her arose this transforming Way. Her separate mortuary temple is likewise Jiang Yuan's secluded temple. Yet no rule ensuring its permanent preservation has been established. We fear that the duty to acknowledge achievement and repay virtue may eventually lapse, failing to display filial reverence to posterity. Her temple should receive sacrifices and music generation after generation, like the ancestral temple. Establish forever that it shall not be demolished, spreading the influence of her sage goodness.” This and the seven-temple arrangements were engraved on golden documents and stored in a golden coffer.

The Emperor (Cao Rui) constantly thought of his maternal relatives. Though Zhen Chang was still young, late in Jingchu he was appointed Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound and additionally Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. A great mansion was specially built for him, and the Emperor (Cao Rui) visited it himself. A shrine pavilion was built in its rear garden for Zhen Xiang's mother, and the neighborhood was named Weiyang Ward, in remembrance of the Emperor (Cao Rui)'s maternal family. In the first month of Jiaping 3, Zhen Chang died and was posthumously appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the title Marquis Gong (Zhen Chang) <Respectful Marquis>. His son Zhen Shao succeeded. In Taihe 6, Emperor Ming (Cao Rui)'s beloved daughter Cao Shu died. She was posthumously designated Princess Yi of Pingyuan (Cao Shu) <Admirable Princess>, and a temple was established for her. Zhen Huang, a deceased collateral grandson of the empress's family, was buried with her and posthumously made a ranked marquis. Guo De, a younger male cousin of Lady Guo, was adopted as his heir, assumed the Zhen surname, and became Marquis of Pingyuan, inheriting the princess's rank.

During Qinglong, the empress's elder cousin's son Zhen Yi and three younger brothers of Zhen Xiang were also enfeoffed as ranked marquises. Zhen Yi repeatedly memorialized on contemporary government and rose to Colonel of Elite Cavalry. During Jiaping, two sons of Zhen Chang were also made ranked marquises. A granddaughter of the empress's elder brother Zhen Yan became empress to the King of Qi (Cao Fang) <the title held before accession and after deposition>. Her father had died, and her mother became Lady of Guangle District. [Translator's note: This Zhen Yi is 毅, distinct from the empress's father 逸.]

Empress Wende (Guo Nüwang) was from Guangzong in Anping. Her ancestors had served as senior local officials for generations.

When she was young, her father Guo Yong marveled at her: “She is the king among my daughters.” He therefore gave her the courtesy name Nüwang, “Woman King.” Losing both parents early, she was displaced in the disorder and ended up in the household of the Marquis of Tongdi [personal identity uncertain]. While Taizu (Cao Cao) was Duke of Wei, she entered the Eastern Palace. Intelligent and resourceful, she sometimes offered advice; she contributed to Emperor Wen (Cao Pi)'s establishment as heir. When the heir succeeded as king, she became Lady; after his imperial accession, Honored Concubine. Empress Zhen (Lady Zhen)'s death resulted from her favor. In Huangchu 3, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) wished to establish her as empress. Gentleman of the Household Zhan Qian memorialized: “When ancient emperors governed, they relied on assistance both outside and within. Order and disorder, prosperity and decline followed from this. Xiling's daughter married the Yellow Emperor, and Ying and E married into Gui: through wisdom and virtue, all left a fragrant name. Jie fled to Nanchao, his disaster beginning with Moxi; Zhou delighted Daji with the burning-pillar punishment. Sage rulers therefore cautiously selected principal consorts from established houses of earlier generations, choosing good and virtuous women to govern the six palaces, reverently serve the ancestral temples, and cultivate instruction within. The Changes says, ‘When the household's Way is correct, the realm is settled.’ Proceeding from within outward is the former kings' excellent rule. The Spring and Autumn Annals records the ritual officer Xin Xia's statement that there is no rite for making a concubine principal wife. Duke Huan of Qi (Jiang Xiaobai)'s covenant at Kuiqiu likewise said, ‘Do not make a concubine your wife.’ Now the favored women of the palace are constantly beside the imperial carriage. If affection raises one to empress and suddenly ennobles a lowly woman, I fear posterity will see inferiors overbearing superiors, improper practices spreading, and disorder originating above.” Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) did not follow this advice and established her as empress.

Having lost her brothers early, she made her elder male cousin Guo Biao heir to Guo Yong and appointed him Commandant of Attendant Carriages. Her maternal relative Liu Fei arranged marriage with a family in another state. Hearing this, she instructed: “Relatives should marry appropriate local households, matching their standing. They must not exploit power to force marriages with people elsewhere.” Her sister's son Meng Wu returned home and sought a secondary wife, but she stopped him. She then instructed the families: “Women are scarce nowadays and should be matched with officers and soldiers. Do not use connections to take them as concubines. Be cautious and do not become the first to incur punishment.”

In the fifth year, the Emperor (Cao Pi) campaigned east while she remained at Yongshi Terrace in Xuchang. Continuous rain lasted more than a hundred days, damaging many towers. Officials requested that she move. She said: “When King Zhao of Chu (Xiong Zhen) traveled away, Zhen Jiang remained at Jiantai. As the river rose, an envoy came to fetch her without the proper token; she refused to leave and drowned. The Emperor (Cao Pi) is far away. Fortunately I face no such danger, so how could I immediately move?” No minister dared speak again. In the sixth year, the Emperor (Cao Pi) campaigned east against Wu as far as Guangling, while she stayed in Qiao Palace. Guo Biao remained on guard and wanted to dam a waterway to catch fish. She said: “The water must remain open for grain transport. Timber is scarce, and your servants and retainers are not here, so you would again privately take official bamboo and wood for the dam. Is fish really what the Commandant of Attendant Carriages lacks?”

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) ascended the throne, he honored her as Empress Dowager, her residence being called Yong'an Palace. In Taihe 4, Guo Biao was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anyang Village, then advanced to district marquis, his fief increased to five hundred households, and appointed General of the Central Rampart. His son Guo Xiang became Commandant of Cavalry. That year, the Emperor (Cao Rui) posthumously designated her father Guo Yong Marquis Jing of Anyang District (Guo Yong), and her mother Lady Dong Lady of the Capital District. Guo Biao became General of Manifest Virtue, with gold seal and purple ribbon and the rank Specially Advanced; his second son Guo Xun became Commandant of Cavalry. When Meng Wu's mother died, he wished to arrange a lavish burial and erect a shrine. The Empress Dowager (Guo Nüwang) stopped him: “Since the disorder, graves have all been opened because their burials were lavish. Shouyang Mausoleum should be your model.” In spring of Qinglong 3, she died at Xuchang. Her tomb was prepared according to her final instructions. On gengyin in the third month she was buried west of Shouyang Mausoleum.

The Emperor (Cao Rui) advanced Guo Biao to Marquis of Guanjin, adding five hundred households for a total of one thousand, and appointed Guo Xiang Commandant of Attendant Horses. In the fourth year, Guo Yong's posthumous fief was changed to Marquis Jing of Guanjin (Guo Yong), and his principal wife Lady Dong became Lady of Tangyang. The empress's elder brother Guo Fu was posthumously designated Marquis Dai of Liangli Village (Guo Fu) <Dai; posthumous designation, exact sense requiring review>, Guo Du Marquis Xiao of Wucheng Village (Guo Du) <Filial Marquis>, and Guo Cheng Marquis Ding of Xinle Village (Guo Cheng) <Settled Marquis>. Envoys carried investiture documents and offered an ox, sheep, and pig to each. Guo Biao died and his son Guo Xiang succeeded. Part of the fief was divided to make Guo Xiang's younger brother Guo Shu a ranked marquis. Guo Xiang died and his son Guo Zhao succeeded.

Empress Mingdao (Lady Mao) <Bright and Lamented; a posthumous title> was from Henei. During Huangchu she was selected for the Eastern Palace. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui), then King of Pingyuan (Cao Rui), favored her, sharing his carriage whenever they traveled. After his imperial accession, she became Honored Concubine. In Taihe 1 she was established as empress. Her father Mao Jia became Commandant of Cavalry, and her younger brother Mao Zeng Gentleman of the Palace.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) was a king, he had first taken Lady Yu of Henei as consort. After he became emperor, she was not made empress. Grand Empress Dowager Bian comforted her. Lady Yu said: “The Cao house likes establishing lowborn women; none has made its choice according to righteousness. The empress manages internal affairs and the ruler hears external government; these ways complete one another. If the beginning is not good, the end cannot be excellent. This will surely bring destruction to the state and extinction to its sacrifices!” Lady Yu was dismissed and sent back to Ye Palace. Mao Jia advanced to Commandant of Attendant Carriages and Mao Zeng to Commandant of Cavalry, receiving lavish favors and gifts. Soon Mao Jia became Marquis of Boping District and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Mao Zeng Commandant of Attendant Horses. Mao Jia had originally been a carriage craftsman employed in the official park administration. Suddenly rich and noble, he was given banquets at his home attended by court ministers at Emperor Ming (Cao Rui)'s command. His manner was extremely uncouth, and he always called himself “this marquis-person,” making people laugh.

Later, Mao Jia additionally received the rank Specially Advanced, and Mao Zeng became Cavalier Gentleman Attendant. In Qinglong 3, Mao Jia died, receiving posthumously Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, a changed fief as Marquis of Anguo, five hundred additional households for a total of one thousand, and the posthumous title Marquis Jie (Mao Jia) <Principled Marquis>. In the fourth year, the empress's mother Lady Xia was posthumously enfeoffed as Lady of Yewang.

As the Emperor (Cao Rui) favored Empress Yuan (Lady Guo of Xiping) <Yuan; her later posthumous designation>, Empress Mao (Lady Mao)'s favor declined daily. In Jingchu 1, the Emperor (Cao Rui) enjoyed a private feast in the rear gardens with palace women of the grade Talented Lady and above. Empress Yuan (Lady Guo of Xiping) said, “The Empress (Lady Mao) should be invited,” but he refused and forbade attendants to tell her. She learned of it nonetheless. The next day, when the Emperor (Cao Rui) saw her, she asked, “Was yesterday's feast in the northern gardens enjoyable?” Believing his attendants had leaked it, he killed more than ten. He ordered the Empress (Lady Mao) to die, yet still gave her a posthumous title and buried her at Minling. Mao Zeng became Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, later General of the Household of the Feathered Forest and Tiger Guards, and Agricultural Supervisor of Yuanwu.

Empress Mingyuan (Lady Guo of Xiping) <Bright and Yuan; a posthumous title> was from Xiping, her family a great clan west of the Yellow River for generations. During Huangchu, her home commandery rebelled, and she was confiscated into the palace. After Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) ascended the throne, he greatly favored her and appointed her Lady. Her paternal uncle Guo Li became Commandant of Cavalry, and her paternal kinsman Guo Zhi General of the Household of the Tiger Guards. When the Emperor (Cao Rui) was gravely ill, he established her as empress. When the King of Qi (Cao Fang) ascended the throne, he honored her as Empress Dowager, her residence being called Yongning Palace. Her father Guo Man was posthumously designated Marquis Ding of Xidu (Guo Man), and Guo Li's son Guo Jian inherited the title. Her mother Lady Du became Lady of Heyang. Guo Zhi became Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and Colonel of the Changshui Cavalry.

Guo Li became General Who Proclaims Virtue; both were enfeoffed as ranked marquises. Guo Jian's elder brother Guo De was adopted into the Zhen house. Zhen De and Guo Jian both became Generals Who Guard and Protect, were enfeoffed as ranked marquises, and controlled the palace guards. Since three rulers were young and weak while chief ministers governed, all great matters of granting and removing authority were first submitted to the Empress Dowager (Lady Guo of Xiping) before implementation. Guanqiu Jian, Zhong Hui, and others all invoked her commands as justification when they rebelled. She died in Jingyuan 4, on the date written in this source as “the twelfth day.” In the second month of the fifth year she was buried west of Gaoping Mausoleum. [Translator's note: The source reads 十二日, ‘twelfth day,’ without a month; volume 4 places her death in the twelfth month. The discrepancy is retained.]

The appraisal says: Although the families of Wei's empresses and consorts were wealthy and noble, none usurped positions beyond their proper standing or dominated court government as those of declining Han had done. Taking warning from the past and changing course deserves praise. Looking back at Chen Qun's judgment and Zhan Qian's argument, they are fully sufficient as rules for a hundred kings and models to transmit to later generations.