China: Empress Dowager Xiao Chun (9 October 1593 - 28 August 1614), consort of the 15th Ming Emperor Taichang (r. 1620). Hanging scroll painting, 17th century. Empress Dowager Liu (1593-1614), formally Empress Xiaochun, was the consort of the Taichang Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Lady Liu was originally a low-level concubine, and gave birth to a son in 1611, the future Chongzhen Emperor. In a fit of rage in 1614, the Taichang Emperor - who was still crown prince at the time - ordered Lady Liu to be punished, and she was either accidentally or intentionally killed while being disciplined.

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