China: Empress Dowager Zhaoxian (902 - 17 July 961), mother of the first two Song emperors Taizu and Taizong. Hanging scroll painting, Song Dynasty (960-1279). Lady Du, formally known as Zhaoxian, was an empress dowager of the Song Dynasty. She was the wife of general Zhao Hongyin and mother of the first two Song emperors Taizu and Taizong. Emperor Taizong claimed legitimacy to the throne through her apparent will, allegedly sealed in a golden shelf at her death, though many historians believe he fabricated this.

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