Empress Dowager Xiaohe

Empress Dowager Xiaohe (孝和皇太后), born in 1582 and deceased in 1619, was a member of the Wang clan during the Ming dynasty. She was a consort of the Taichang Emperor and mother to the Tianqi Emperor.

Lady Wang became a concubine of Zhu Changluo, who later ascended the throne as the Taichang Emperor. At the time she entered the imperial harem, she held the title of Lady of Selected Service (選侍), which was a third-rank consort of the crown prince. Her selection as a concubine occurred during Zhu Changluo's tenure as crown prince.

In December 1605, Lady Wang gave birth to Zhu Changluo’s first son, Zhu Youjiao, who was the future Tianqi Emperor. Following this, she was promoted to the rank of Talented Lady (才人). In 1607, she bore a second son, Zhu Youxue, known as Prince Jianhuai, who died in 1610 at approximately three years of age.

During the reign of the Wanli Emperor (1572–1620), her titles included Lady Wang from 1582 and later Lady of Selected Service and subsequently Talented Lady from 1604. After her son's accession to the throne as the Tianqi Emperor (1620–1627), she was posthumously honored with the title Empress Dowager Xiaohe Gongxian Wenmu Huici Xietian Jusheng in 1621, a comprehensive honorific reflecting her status.

Her remains were relocated during her lifetime to Qingling to be buried alongside her husband. This occurred after her son, the Tianqi Emperor, ascended the throne. Her posthumous title recognized her contributions and filial piety.

Her issue included:

- Zhu Youjiao, the Tianqi Emperor (23 December 1605 – 30 September 1627), her first son.

- Zhu Youxue, Prince Jianhuai (1607–1610), her second son who died young.

Her biography is documented in historical texts such as the "History of Ming" (明史), which provides details on her titles, familial relationships, and status within the imperial court.