Empress Dowager Xiaochun

Empress Dowager Xiaochun (1588–1615), whose surname was Liu, was a concubine of the Taichang Emperor of the Ming dynasty and the biological mother of the Chongzhen Emperor. Her personal titles and posthumous honors reflect her status within the imperial court across different reigns.

Liu held the rank of lady (淑女, shūnǚ), a designation for low-ranking concubines, when she was associated with the Taichang Emperor Zhu Changluo, who was then the crown prince. In February 1611, she gave birth to Zhu Youjian, who would later become the Chongzhen Emperor. During the period of her life, her status was primarily recognized as Lady of Gentleness (淑女).

In 1614, an incident occurred where her husband, the crown prince, became infuriated with her for reasons that remain unknown. He ordered her punishment, during which she was killed. Historical debates question whether her death was a direct order from the crown prince or an accidental outcome during her punishment. To avoid displeasing his father and to honor the spirits and ancestors, the crown prince forbade palace staff from discussing the incident and arranged for her burial in the Western Hills near Beijing.

Following the accession of the Tianqi Emperor in 1620, Zhu Youjian was granted the title Prince of Xin (信王). During this time, Lady Liu was posthumously awarded the title Consort Xian (賢妃). It is noted that Zhu Youjian later uncovered her burial site from his attendants. When Zhu Youjian ascended to the throne as the Chongzhen Emperor in 1627, he conferred upon his mother the posthumous title Empress Dowager Xiaochun Gongyi Shumu Zhuangjing Pitian Yusheng (孝純恭懿淑穆莊靜毘天毓聖皇太后). Additionally, her tomb was moved to Qingling to be buried alongside her husband.

Throughout her life and posthumous recognition, Liu’s titles evolved with the changing imperial reigns. During the reign of the Wanli Emperor (1572–1620), she was known as Lady Liu (劉氏) and held the title Lady of Gentleness (淑女). Under the Tianqi Emperor (1620–1627), she was honored as Consort Xian (賢妃) from 1621. Her final and most illustrious title came during the Chongzhen Emperor's reign, when she was recognized as Empress Dowager Xiaochun (孝純恭懿淑穆莊靜毘天毓聖皇太后).

She was the mother of Zhu Youjian (1611–1644), the fifth son of the Taichang Emperor, who later became the Chongzhen Emperor.