Ep. 286 | The Tang Empress Zhangsun

Though the villainous empresses always seem to generate the most popular interest, this time we'll look at the life of one of the many good ones, an outstanding one if I may add. Empress Zhangsun was the bride of Tang Dynasty heavy Li Shimin. When he became the second Tang emperor following one of the most dramatic events in early Chinese history, he reigned as Emperor Taizong.

We remember Empress Zhangsun for her decency and for deporting herself in a manner that Yao and Confucius both would have approved. She became the gold standard for future empresses and was often imitated but seldom replicated. Come relive those early years of Zhenguan Era (貞觀) Tang history.

As always, the terms from the episode are listed below, or available to download!

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast Player


Terms in Episode

Pinyin/TermChineseEnglish/Meaning
Empress Zhǎngsūn长孙皇后601-636, also known as Empress Wende (文德),wife and empress of Tang Emperor Taizong
YáoMythical Chinese ruler, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. 2324-2206 BC
Wǔ Zétiān武则天624-705, Empress of China 690-705, one of the greatest and most popular figures from Chinese history. Was also the wife of Tang Emperor Gaozong
Táng Gāozōng唐高宗Tang emperor from 649-683
Xuánzōng Emperor唐玄宗Tang emperor from 713-756
Lǐ Shìmín李世民The Tang Taizong Emperor who reigned 626-649. Husband of Empress Zhangsun
Tàizōng Emperor唐太宗See above Li Shimin
Zhǎngsūn Wújì长孙无忌Died 659, brother of Empress Zhangsun and longtime close comrade to Li Shimin. Also served as Taizong's chancellor
Incident at Xuánwǔ Gate玄武门之变A premptive coup d’état on July 2, 626 led by Lǐ Shìmín that saw his two brothers killed, one of whom was the Crown Prince, Lǐ Jiànchéng. This event was covered in CHP episode 129
Lǐ Jiànchéng李建成The Tang Crown Prince. Older brother to Li Shimin
Zhǎngsūn Shèng长孙晟Father of Empress Zhangsun
Northern Zhōu北周The Northern Zhou Dynasty, 557-581. One of the Northern Dynasties of the Southern and Northern Dynasties Period. Followed the Western Wei. Overthrown in 581 and succeeded by the Sui Dynasty
Suí Dynasty隋朝The Sui Dynasty 581-618
Chéngyǔ成语A chinese idiom or saying
Yī Jiàn Shuāng Diāo一箭双雕Two hawks with one arrow, the Chinese version to the English "Two birds with one stone"
Yáng Jiān杨坚Founder of the Sui Dynasty who reigned as Sui Wendi
Xīnjiāng新疆China's province in the northwest
Yuán Jiāo Jì Gōng远交近攻An ancient strategy employed by the state of Qín during the Warring States Period, Zhǎngsūn Shèng cleverly used this Yuán Jiāo Jì Gōng strategy of befriending distant states while attacking states that were close-by in order to cause internal strife
Zhǎngsūn Shì长孙氏Madame Zhangsun
Xiānbēi鲜卑Called a "proto-Mongolic" people. They were nomads from the steppe who may have originated from the Donghu People who later split up into the Xianbei and Wuhuan
Tuòbá拖把The Tuoba's were a Xianbei Imperial clan who later went on to found the Northern Wei Dynasty
Northern Wèi北魏One of the dynasties of the Southern and Northern Dynasties Period that ran 386-535
Emperor Xiàowén of Northern Wèi孝文帝Northern Wei emperor who reigned from 471-499. He was a big fan of Chinese culture and political systems yiou can say.
Luòyáng洛阳Ancient city in northern Henan. It was capital to a number of Chinese dynasties
Gāo Shìlián高士廉Served as Tang Taizong's chancellor and a major politician and official of his day.
Lǐ Chéngqián李承乾Oldest son of Taizong and Empress Zhangsun
Lǐ Tài李泰Second son of Taizong anf Empress Zhangsun
Lǐ Zhì李治Youngest son of Taizong and Empress Zhangsun. He's the one who became the next emperor: Gaozong
Emperor Gāozǔ唐高祖The founder of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan, reigned from 618-626
Lǐ Yuān李渊See above
Princess Chánglè长乐公主Born Li Lizhi 李丽质, 621. Daughter of Tang Taizong and Empress Zhangsun
Wèi Zhēng魏徵Tang politician, historian and chancellor of Taizong. he lived 580 to 643
Hàn Emperor Gāozǔ汉高祖Han Dynasty founder (a.k.a. Liu Bang),reigned 202-195 BC
Empress Lǚ吕后241-180 BC, Empress of Emperor Gaozu, later Empress Dowager
Qí Jǐng Gōng齐景公Ruler of Qi State ferom 547-490 BC
Yànzǐ / Yàn Yīng晏子 / 晏婴578-500, Prime Minister of Qi
Zībó淄博Located in Shandong Province, it served as th ancient capital of Qi State
One of the states during the Eastern Zhou
Nǚ Zé女则A work of ten scrolls credited to Empress Zhangsun that concerned the lives of noble women from days past
Zhāolíng昭陵The Tomb of Emperor Taizong located near Xian
Empress Dowager Xiàozhuāng孝庄文皇后1613-1688, Consort of Qing ruler Hong Taiji. Mother to Qing Emperor Shunzhi

Enjoy the show and want to support the CHP?

Join the Teacup Patreon

Make a Direct Donation

Buy Laszlo a Cup of Coffee


Previous
Previous

Ep. 287 | China’s Himmler, Dai Li (Part 1)

Next
Next

Ep. 285 (Addendum) | Reading of an 1894 Article on the L.A. Chinatown Massacre