| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 卫子夫, 衛子夫, Wèi Zǐfū |
| Other name | Vệ Tử Phu |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 155 BC |
| Birth Place | Linfen, Hedong Commandery (河东郡临汾; huyện Lâm Phần, quận Hà Đông) |
| Died | 91 BC |
| Death Reason | Suicide during the Witchcraft Calamity |
| FAMILY | |
| Spouse | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Western Han Dynasty |
Wei Zifu (卫子夫, Vệ Tử Phu; d. 91 BC; posthumously Empress Xiaowusi 孝武思皇后), native of Pingyang in Hedong, was the legendary empress of Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che), reigning upon the phoenix throne for thirty-eight years as one of the most benevolent and culturally celebrated empresses in Chinese history.
Originally a humble singing girl in the estate of Emperor Wu’s elder sister Princess Pingyang, Wei Zifu captivated the young Emperor with her flowing hair and radiant charm during a spring banquet in 139 BC. Entering the Weiyang Palace, she bore Emperor Wu three princesses and his beloved firstborn son, Crown Prince Liu Ju (刘据). In 128 BC, she was formally consecrated Empress of Han. For nearly four decades, Empress Wei managed the imperial inner palace with exceptional grace, humility, and modesty, never abusing power or indulging in luxury.
Her family connections brought forth China’s greatest generals: her younger brother Wei Qing and nephew Huo Qubing shattered the Xiongnu Empire. Tragically, in 91 BC, when the paranoid, aging Emperor Wu fell victim to the horrific Witchcraft Scandal (巫蛊之祸) concocted by the vile inquisitor Jiang Chong (江充), Crown Prince Liu Ju was framed for sorcery. Knowing her son faced certain murder, Empress Wei opened the armories to help Liu Ju defend himself. When the resistance collapsed, Empress Wei refused to face the humiliation of palace inquisitors and hanged herself in her palace. Years later, realizing her total innocence, Emperor Wu built the Palace of Grieving Regret and the Tower of Longing for His Son, and her great-grandson Emperor Xuan restored her imperial title as Empress Xiaowusi.
Role in History (Shiji & Han Shu)
Book of Han (Han Shu, vol. 97, Biographies of Empresses): “Empress Wei reigned for thirty-eight years; her demeanor was serene and devout, and she earned the boundless love of the inner palace. From her family arose generals who swept the steppe, yet she never took pride in her station.”
Han Folk Ballad: “Do not grieve for bearing daughters, do not rejoice for bearing sons; look upon Wei Zifu, who adorned the empire with glory!”
Wei Zifu — Historical & Literary Timeline
139 BC
Meeting Emperor Wu
Singing girl in Princess Pingyang’s estate; enters Weiyang Palace with Emperor Wu.
128 BC
Consecrated Empress of Han
Gives birth to Crown Prince Liu Ju; crowned Empress of Han.
128–91 BC
Thirty-Eight Years of Benevolence
Presides over the Golden Age of Western Han; family defeats the Xiongnu.
91 BC
The Witchcraft Tragedy & Suicide
Defends Crown Prince Liu Ju during Jiang Chong’s false witchcraft accusations; takes her own life.
74 BC
Posthumous Imperial Vindication
Posthumously honored as Empress Xiaowusi by her great-grandson Emperor Xuan.
Key Relationships
Family
- Husband Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che): Emperor who loved her and later built the Palace of Grieving Regret in remorse.
- Son Crown Prince Liu Ju (刘据 – Prince Li): Rightful crown prince framed in the Witchcraft Scandal.
- Brother Wei Qing (卫青 – Grand General): Supreme Commander of Han armies.
- Nephew Huo Qubing (霍去病 – Champion Marquis): Supreme cavalry conqueror.
- Sister Wei Shaor (卫少儿): Mother of Huo Qubing.
Friends
- Imperial Sister-in-law Princess Pingyang (平阳公主): Introduced Wei Zifu to Emperor Wu.
Enemies
- Corrupt Inquisitor Jiang Chong (江充, Giang Sung): Villain who fabricated the false witchcraft accusations.
- Jealous Predecessor Empress Chen Jiao (陈阿娇): Deposed empress who practiced sorcery against Wei Zifu.
Other
- Great-Grandson Emperor Xuan of Han (刘询 / 刘病已): Vindicated her memory and restored her imperial tomb.
In Han Shu
The Dignity of the Empress
"In her final hour, Empress Wei faced the south and adjusted her phoenix robes: 'I have served His Majesty for thirty-eight years without stain; today, I die to preserve the dignity of the imperial crown!'"
Historical Significance
Wei Zifu was the longest-reigning empress of the Han Dynasty and the matriarch of the Wei-Huo military lineage that permanently established China's northern frontier security.
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