Consort Yang (984–1036), a Northern Song consort of Emperor Zhenzong, was posthumously titled Zhanghui. She is also known as Empress Zhanghui and Empress Dowager Zhanghui.
Life
Her native place is variously given as Kaifeng, Ba County, or Pi County in Yizhou. Her father was Yang Zhiyan, her paternal uncle was Yang Zhixin, and her husband was Zhao Heng (968–1022).
At the age of twelve, she entered the palace of the imperial prince. After Zhenzong ascended the throne in 997, she was appointed Cairen, then Jieyu—the title appears as “Jiehao” in one account—and promoted to Wanyi before receiving the rank of Shufei. She was described as intelligent and quick-witted, and served Empress Liu without coming into conflict with her.
After Zhenzong’s death, an imperial edict made her empress dowager. When Renzong had no heir, she urged the selection of a worthy close relative of the imperial clan to be raised in the palace; the person selected was Yingzong. Her recorded statuses include imperial consort and service within the inner court in 1036.
Political connections
Her political associations connect her as a faction leader with Chen Yaozuo, Fan Yong, Xia Song, Yan Shu, Zhao Ji, Qian Weiyan, and Zhang Qi; a separate association links her with Lü Yijian in terms of opposition or attack.
Posthumous remembrance
Han Qi composed a mourning poem and a ci lyric for her.