Wang Shi

Empress Rensheng of the Wang clan, also known simply as Empress Wang, was the wife of the eighth emperor of the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty of China, Emperor Xuanzong. She was captured and taken north by Mongol forces during the siege of Bianjing. Background Lady Wang was born in Zhongdu to the commoner Wang Yanchang and a lady of the Ma clan. The History of Jin records that, before the birth of Lady Wang and her elder sister, her father dreamt of two jade combs that turned into the moon. After he died, lingzhi grew all over his coffin. In 1196, Wudubu of the imperial clan was bestowed the title of Prince of Yi, and Emperor Zhangzong, his half-brother, instructed all princes to choose women from commoner families for their harems. Wudubu thus selected Lady Wang and a Lady Pang for his harem, and, on seeing that Lady Wang's elder sister was very beautiful, he selected her as well. Xuanzong's reign When Wudubu ascended the throne as Emperor Xuanzong in 1213, Lady Wang was given the title of Consort Yuan and her sister Consort Shu. In 1214, Xuanzong bestowed on her the surname Wendun, instated her as empress, and promoted her sister to Consort Yuan. He also conferred titles on their great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents in the male line. On the day that the Wang sisters received their titles, a strong wind caused a haze, and yellow air filled the sky. At this time, Empress Rensheng had a dream where she was followed by thousands of beggars. Diviners told her, 'the empress is the mother of all under heaven. The common people are poor, to whom can they complain of this?' The empress thus ordered porridge and medicine to be distributed in the capital.