Pingyang

Pingyang, one of the most famous princesses in history, was born in 589, during the Later Tang dynasty. Her father Li Yuan was the prince of Jin, one of the Five Dynasties that followed the fall of the Tang dynasty. Her mother Lady Wang was a concubine of Li Yuan's father Li Jingsheng, who was also a warlord.

In 928, when Pingyang was four years old, her father overthrew the Later Tang dynasty and proclaimed himself emperor of a new dynasty, the Later Jin. Three years later, in 931, Pingyang's father Li Yuan was assassinated by his own general, Zhu Shouyin. Zhu then proclaimed himself emperor of a new dynasty, the Shi Jingtang.

Pingyang's mother Lady Wang was killed during the coup. Pingyang herself was captured by Zhu's soldiers and taken to the Shi capital of Luoyang.

In 933, Pingyang's husband Chai Shao, who was a general under her father, rebelled against Shi Jingtang and proclaimed himself emperor of a new dynasty, the Tang. Pingyang was freed from captivity and rejoined her husband. She is said to have played a key role in his victory, leading troops into battle herself.

After Chai Shao became emperor, Pingyang was given the title of princess. She was also put in charge of the imperial harem.

Pingyang died in 623, at the age of 34. She was posthumously honored by her husband Chai Shao, who ordered that she be given a grand burial and that temples be built in her memory.

Years: 589 - 623

Title: Princess of Tang