China: Empress Cao (1016-1079), consort of Emperor Renzong, 4th ruler of the Song Dynasty (). Hanging scroll painting, c. 1022-1063. Empress Cao, also known as Cisheng Guangxiang, was the consort of Emperor Renzong. She ascended to the rank of empress after Renzong deposed his first empress, Empress Guo. Well respected by state officials, she helped to govern the realm when the emperor was ill. Similarly, when her adoptive son, Emperor Yingzong, ascended to the throne and was severely ill, she briefly served as regent in his stead.

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Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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