Empress Xiaolie

Empress Xiaolie (1516–1547), of the Fang clan, was a Chinese empress consort of the Ming dynasty and the third empress to the Jiajing Emperor.

Early Life:

Fang was originally from the Nanjing area. In 1531, she was selected for palace service and was chosen as a concubine for the emperor. Contemporary descriptions note her as both beautiful and talented. She declined to use bribes to enhance her chances of being selected to share the emperor's bed. The Jiajing Emperor did not wish to engage in sexual relations with women over the age of fifteen, which meant she did not have the opportunity to become his sexual partner, reportedly causing her emotional distress.

Ascension to Empress:

On January 28, 1534, nine days following the deposition of Empress Zhang, Fang was elevated to empress consort. Her selection was influenced by her alignment with the emperor during a dispute with officials over rituals honoring the imperial ancestors.

Renyin Palace Rebellion:

Fang was described as the emperor’s favored spouse. During the Renyin palace rebellion in October 1542, she played a crucial role. The emperor, known for his strictness and occasional violent outbursts, reportedly inflicted harsh punishment on palace staff, with an estimated 200 women beaten to death over his reign. The conspiracy involved sixteen palace maids intending to assassinate the emperor as a response to his abuses. The attack occurred while the emperor was in bed with his favorite concubine, Consort Duan. The maids attempted to strangle him, including stabbing and tying silk cords around his neck. One maid, Zhang Jinlian, left the scene in fear to alert Empress Fang, who then intervened by untying the knot and saving the emperor's life. The emperor, unable to speak and in shock, was cared for by Fang, who later ordered the execution of the conspirators and Consort Duan. Despite her heroism, the emperor was grateful yet blamed her for Duan’s death, leading to strained personal relations. Fang is believed to have suffered from depression after these events.

Death:

In 1547, Empress Fang died in a fire. According to records, when a eunuch inquired whether the emperor wished her to be rescued from the blaze, the emperor did not respond, and she perished. Following her death, she was granted all imperial honors.

Titles:

During the Zhengde Emperor's reign (1505–1521), she was known as Lady Fang (方氏). Upon becoming a concubine, she was titled Concubine De (德嫔) from 1531. She was promoted to Empress (皇后) in 1534 and later designated Empress Xiaolie (孝烈皇后) from 1547. In 1556, she received an additional ceremonial title, Jiutian Jinque Yutang Fusheng Tianhou Zhangxian Miaohua Yuanjun (九天金闕玉堂輔聖天后掌仙妙化元君). During the reign of the Longqing Emperor (1567–1572), she was posthumously honored with the full title Empress Xiaolie Duanshun Minhui Gongcheng Zhitian Weisheng (孝烈端順敏惠恭誠祗天衛聖皇后).