Deep Love, No Regrets

Historical records say that Empress Ma, posthumously titled Empress Xiaomingde, was the sole empress of Emperor Ming of Han, Liu Zhuang, and was especially favored by him.

Yin Lihua praised her, saying, “Her virtue surpasses all in the imperial harem; she should be made empress.”

The Dongguan Records say, “Empress Ma of Emperor Ming often claimed to be ill, yet enjoyed a life of contentment.”

How did Empress Xiaomingde secure her place at the heart of the palace and earn such a good name? How did she win the devoted filial piety of her adopted son and become the most honored empress dowager?

Secrets from the history books…