Qi Shurao of the Di dynasty, courtesy name Manzhi, art name Yugu, also known as Xiezhi. Brilliant from a young age, she seemed born knowing everything and never forgot what she had seen. Her grandfather cherished her, but her parents showed her no kindness, and her life was full of hardship. As she grew older and began her studies, she excelled at refined conversation and literary composition, and her reputation as a writer spread throughout the land. She had a marvelous bearing and an exceptional spirit, though her slender, graceful form seemed too frail for fine silks. Her body was weak, but her abilities were mighty. She conquered Han, defeated Liang, quelled the rebellions of the two princes, won the surrender of Zhao and Yan, and was offered the throne by Emperor Yong. She established schools for the common people, created a cabinet, introduced new policies, and eradicated false Buddhism. From commoners to scholars, none failed to give her their hearts. She was far-sighted. In that chaotic age, conflicts ran deep between commoners and scholars, and among the great clans. The emperor evaluated the aristocratic families and examined candidates for office, appointed commoners as officials, then balanced the cabinet, the Privy Council, and the parliament against one another to resolve their disputes. Thus, the realm was spared the ravages of chaos.
The emperor was devoted to her empress. She was a daughter of the Wang family, named Die. The imperial couple lived in great harmony, and the emperor often stayed at the Tiyuan Palace. No other woman besides Lady Wang lived in the palace. Their deep and steadfast love was celebrated among the people, and became the inspiration for plays, storytelling, and popular fiction. Though she spent her days at ease and summoned the finest physicians from far and wide, her frail health remained unchanged. In the third year of Zhengshi, the emperor died before reaching twenty. People lamented, saying,
