Consort Yang (Emperor Zhenzong)

Consort Yang (died after 1033), was a imperial consort concubine of Emperor Zhenzong. She was the de facto foster mother of Emperor Renzong of Song, and had the title Empress Dowager during his later reign.

Yang was made concubine of Emperor Zhenzong, but though well liked by the emperor, she did not reach a higher rank than shufei during his reign. When the heir to the throne, the future Emperor Renzong of Song, was born by the Consort Li (Zhenzong) in 1010, Yang assisted Empress Liu (Zhenzong) to claim him as her own and be regarded his mother. Yang, on the other hand, was given the actual responsibility for his upbringing. She was described as submissive and loyal toward Empress Li, and gentle and tender toward Renzong.

Yang was promoted to the rank of grand consort or taifei in the will of Emperor Zhenzong upon his death in 1022. Empress Li took the role of regent during the minority of Emperor Renzong, but she also kept it until her own death, even after he reached legal majority. Upon her death in 1033, Empress Li proclaimed Consort Yang Empress Dowager and declared that she would succeed her as the regent of the emperor. Emperor Renzong refused to accept Yang as regent, however, he did allow her the rank of empress dowager, though no political position.

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