Empress Xiaohui

Empress Xiaohui (孝惠皇后), of the Shao clan, died on 5 December 1522. Her birth date is not recorded in official historical texts. She was born into the Shao family, which was previously wealthy and well-educated. At some point, her father, Shao Lin, lost his fortune unexpectedly, which led to her being sold. She was sold to a eunuch guarding Hangzhou, who brought her to the palace after recognizing her beauty.

In the fourth year of Tianshun (1460), Lady Shao was selected to serve within the imperial court. In the eighth year of Tianshun (1464), the seventeen-year-old Zhu Jianshen ascended the throne as the Chenghua Emperor. Lady Shao was presented to him after receiving training in calligraphy and literature. The circumstances of her becoming his concubine are unknown; legends mention that she recited a poem under the moon and was heard by the emperor.

In 1476, during the 12th year of Chenghua, Lady Shao gave birth to Zhu Youyan, Prince of Xin. Later that year, she was granted the title of Concubine (嬪). In 1478, she had her second son, Zhu Youlin, Prince Hui of Xin. Her third son, Zhu Youyun, Prince Jing of Yong, was born in 1481.

Throughout her life, her titles evolved as follows:

- During the reign of the Zhengtong Emperor (1435–1449), she was known simply as Lady Shao.

- Under the Chenghua Emperor (1464–1487), she was titled Concubine (嬪) after 1464, then promoted to Consort Chen (宸妃) in 1476, and later to Noble Consort (貴妃) in 1487.

- When Jiajing Emperor (1521–1567) ascended the throne, she was honored as Empress Dowager Shou'an in 1521, then Empress Dowager Xiaohui Kangsu Wenren Yishun Xietian Yousheng in 1522, and subsequently received further posthumous titles, including Grand Empress Dowager Xiaohui in 1528 and Empress Xiaohui Kangsu Wenren Yishun in 1536.

Her descendants included her sons Zhu Youyuan, Prince of Xing; Zhu Youlun, Prince Hui of Qi; and Zhu Youyun, Prince Jing of Yong. Zhu Youyuan was the father of Zhu Houcong, who later became the Jiajing Emperor.

As the mother of Zhu Houcong, Lady Shao was posthumously honored when her grandson ascended the throne. Her son Zhu Youyuan was the fourth son of the Chenghua Emperor and died in 1519. When Zhu Houcong became emperor, he honored her as Empress Dowager Shou'an. She died a year later in 1522, and her posthumous titles reflect her status and reverence within the imperial family hierarchy.