Noble Consort Zhang (Renzong)

Noble Consort Zhang (張貴妃; 1024–1054), personal name unknown, posthumously Empress Wencheng (溫成皇后), was a concubine of Emperor Renzong of Song. She was the emperor's favorite, but did not become an empress (at least during her life). Noble Consort Zhang, a native of Yong'an, Henan (located today in the south of Gongyi, Henan), was an important figure in the Kunning Palace Incident and the birth mother of Princess Anshou, Princess Baohe, and Princess Tangguo.

Childhood

Lady Zhang was the daughter of Zhang Yaofeng (張堯封) and Lady Cao (曹氏), and she had two younger sisters. Zhang Yaofeng was a scholar and died early, and Lady Cao wanted to take her daughters to Zhang Yaofeng's brother, Zhang Yaozuo (张尧佐). Zhang Yaozuo stated that the distance too long and refused. Lady Cao eventually became a courtesan for the then-Eldest Grand Princess Jingguo.The Grand Princess was the daughter of Emperor Taizong and Noble Consort Fang, and was known for her similarities to her father. She noticed that Lady Zhang was beautiful, and took her into the palace at the age of 8 along with her sisters. Lady Zhang was raised by Lady Jia (賈氏), a palace attendant.

Imperial consort

As the clouds disperse and years flow by, yet your kindness remains as it was in the past.

It's not because you hide your face and leave behind your love, but it is hard to forget your grace and virtue.

— Elegy by Ouyang Xiu, a writer in the Northern Song dynasty, for Empress Wencheng

Lady Zhang was clever and intelligent, and renowned for her beauty. She attracted the attention of Emperor Renzong at a banquet and was favored because of her outstanding appearance, graceful bearing and attentiveness, becoming Renzong's favorite among all the imperial consorts. After giving birth to her first daughter, Princess Anshou (安壽公主; 1040–1042), she received the rank of cairen. Princess Anshou was Renzong's favorite daughter until her death. Lady Zhang was later promoted to the rank of xiuyuan and gave birth to her second daughter Princess Baohe (寶和公主; 1042–1043), but she soon died too. As a result, Lady Zhang was demoted to the rank of meiren. She gave birth to her third daughter Princess Tangguo (唐國公主; 1044–1045), but her last child also died in infancy.

Lady Zhang's mother, Lady Cao, was styled "Madame of Qinghe Commandery" (清河郡夫人) by Renzong. Her uncle Zhang Yaozuo was appointed as an official at the Southern Court of Xianhui. Zhang Yaozuo was constantly promoted, and went from being a 7th rank to a 6th rank official. This led to the opposition of several officials, such as Bao Zheng. That same year, Consort Zhang was elevated to guifei, one rank below the empress. She was known to love eating kumquat, and this sparked competition in the markets.

Lady Zhang passed away at the age of 31, around the new year. Renzong mourned her for seven days and composed poems for her. He dressed her in the robes of an empress, which caused the opposition of many officials since Empress Cao was alive. On the fourth day of the funeral, Renzong gave her the posthumous name "Empress Wencheng". Renzong bestowed the title "Madame of Qi State" (齐国夫人) upon her mother, while Zhang Yaozuo became senior advisor.

Titles

• During the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song (24 March 1022 – 30 April 1063)
  • Lady Zhang (張氏)
  • Cairen (才人)
  • Xiuyuan (修媛)
  • Meiren (美人)
  • Guifei (贵妃)
  • Empress Wencheng (温成皇后)

Media

• Noble Consort Zhang is played by Xiao Han in the 2017 Chinese web series Oh My General.
• Noble Consort Zhang is played by Wang Churan in the 2020 Chinese television series Serenade of Peaceful Joy. The series chronicles the life of Emperor Renzong, his consorts, and his daughters.