Five Dynasties & Ten Kingdoms · 907 – 979

Empress Liu (Later Tang)

Artist: Xiang Li
Medium: watercolor on silk
Dimension: 36×79 in

Empress Liu (died 926) was the second wife and only empress of Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang (Li Cunxu), the founding emperor of the Later Tang dynasty during China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Captured as a child during a raid, she was raised in the Jin palace, where she became skilled in music and dance, eventually becoming Li Cunxu’s favored consort. Known for her beauty and intelligence, she bore him a son, Li Jiji. As empress, she wielded significant influence, with her orders carrying the same weight as the emperor’s. Her decision to order the execution of the general Guo Chongtao in 926 led to widespread military rebellions, culminating in Emperor Zhuangzong’s downfall and death.

Her Spouse: Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang

Li Cunxu (885–926 CE), known posthumously as Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang, began as the Prince of Jin after succeeding his warlord father Li Keyong. He skillfully rebuilt and expanded his realm, leading the conquest of Later Liang and founding the Later Tang dynasty in 923, with plans to revive the legacy of the Tang dynasty by restoring its name and relocating the capital to Luoyang. Although a formidable military leader admired for his bold campaigns, Li Cunxu’s rule was ultimately undermined by poor administration, favoritism toward entertainers and eunuchs, and alienation of loyal generals and soldiers—decisions that triggered widespread revolts. He was killed during a mutiny in Luoyang in 926, ending his short-lived dynasty