Empress Xiaojingyi

Empress Xiaojingyi (1492 – 26 February 1535) was a Chinese empress consort of the Ming dynasty. She was married to the Zhengde Emperor.

Born in 1492 into the Xia clan, she was the daughter of Xia Ru. Her place of origin was Shangyuan, an area in present-day Nanjing. Known for her virtue and elegance, Lady Xia was selected to become the first consort of the Zhengde Emperor in 1506.

In 1506, she was granted the title of Emperor's consort and subsequently elevated to Empress during the reign of the Zhengde Emperor, who ruled from 1505 to 1521. However, she did not have any children. When the Zhengde Emperor died in 1521, having died childless, his successor was his cousin, Jiajing.

Following the death of the Zhengde Emperor, Lady Xia was given the title Empress Zhuangsu on 27 May 1521, as she was not eligible to become the Empress Dowager.

Her titles evolved after her husband's death. In 1535, she was known as Empress Xiaojing Zhuanghui Ansu. Her full posthumous titles from 1536 included Empress Xiaojing Zhuanghui Ansu Wencheng Shuntian Xiesheng Yi, reflecting an honorific style consistent with imperial customs.

Throughout her life, she was associated with various official titles corresponding to different reigns and posthumous honors, including her initial elevation to Empress during her husband's reign and later posthumous titles.

Lady Xia passed away on 26 February 1535. Her life was marked by her marriage, her status as empress consort, and her posthumous recognition within the Ming dynasty's imperial court.

No further information is available regarding her activities after her husband's death or her involvement in court affairs.