Empress Xing

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Empress Xing (1106–1139) was a Song dynasty empress consort married to Emperor Gaozong. Born in Bianjing, she was chosen as Gaozong’s primary wife and their wedding took place in 1115 when she was about eight years old.

In 1127, the Jin–Song wars led to the Jingkang Incident, and Kaifeng fell to the Jurchens. Gaozong’s family was captured and divided among the invaders. Consort Xing was taken as a captive and, after suffering abuse, attempted to commit suicide but died in captivity in 1139.

Gaozong escaped capture at first and later became emperor, founding the Southern Song dynasty. Knowing Xing was alive in captivity, he declared her Empress in absentia and kept the position vacant because he did not know if she was still alive.

Her death was kept secret by the Jurchens until Gaozong learned of it after his mother was released. Xing’s remains were returned and buried in 1139. In 1143, following advice from his mother and ministers, Gaozong appointed Consort Wu as the new Empress.