| Emperor Dowager Li, the high-ranked imperial concubine of Emperor Longqing, was named "Xiaoding" after her death in 1614. She was a good mother and educator of Emperor Wanli, a strong supporter of Zhang Juzheng, a enthusiastic Buddhist and a merciful but solemn woman.Based on historical data obtained, after an overview of Empress Dowager Li's life, I want to discuss her affect to Emperor Wanli before and after he reigned, in early period focusing on Emperor's education and interaction with ministers and later focusing on her influence as Emperor and ministers'common excuse. Her influence after Emperor Wanli reigned, I think play a positive role, but I don't want to give it an excessive laudation, just an excuse more often.I also specially discuss the source of Empress Dowager Li's influence in chapter 5, Institutional factors and non- Institutional factors. Comparing with the other concubines, I believe the affection between the Emperor and herself is the most important.Empress Dowager Li respected and imitated the former virtuous concubines and made every effort to set up a new self according to the classic works. Because of her son's love and belief, she could have the opportunity make the ideality come ture. For the same reason, she could affect Emperor Wanli's decision in this process more or less. |
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