Empress Gao

Empress Gao (1032–1093) was a Chinese empress of the Song dynasty, married to Emperor Yingzong. She served as the regent of China during the minority of her grandson, Emperor Zhezong, from 1085 until her death in 1093.

Life Gao was from Mencheng in Hao Province. She was the niece of her predecessor, her maternal aunt Empress Cao, who was the empress of Emperor Renzong of Song. She was chosen as the principal consort of the heir apparent by her aunt, Empress Cao. She had four sons and four daughters.

In 1063, Emperor Yingzong succeeded Emperor Renzong, and Gao became Empress. In 1067, her spouse was succeeded by her son, Emperor Shenzong of Song, and she was named Empress Dowager. Her tenure as empress consort and empress dowager was undistinguished, and she had no power or influence during the reign of her spouse or son. She has been traditionally recommended for her intelligence and good judgement in choosing officials, and her refusal to admit any influence to her relatives. Gao was unwilling to retire when the emperor reached the age of seventeen, traditionally the age of majority. Her grandson the emperor favored the reformists of his father and resented both the conservatism and domineering ways of his grandmother.

Gao kept her position of regent until her death. On her deathbed, she advised her officials to retire.