Five Dynasties & Ten Kingdoms · 907 – 979

Empress Zhang Hui (Later Liang)

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

Empress Zhang (died 913) was the wife of Zhu Yougui, ruler of the Later Liang dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. She alerted Zhu Yougui to Emperor Taizu’s plan to name another heir, leading to Zhu’s conspiracy to assassinate his father in 912 and seize the throne.

While it is unclear if she was formally declared empress, historians recognize her as such. In 913, a rebellion overthrew Zhu Yougui, who committed suicide. Empress Zhang was executed shortly after.

Her Spouse: Zhu Yougui of Later Liang

Zhu Yougui (d. 913 CE) was the second emperor of the Later Liang dynasty, one of the Five Dynasties that rose after the fall of the Tang. He was the son of Zhu Wen (Zhu Quanzhong), the founder of Later Liang, and came to power by assassinating his father in 912. Though he quickly declared himself emperor, his rule was marked by political instability and a loss of legitimacy due to the patricide.