Overview
Empress Xiaomu, of the Ji clan, was an imperial consort of the Ming dynasty. She was a concubine of the Chenghua Emperor and mother of the Hongzhi Emperor. Captured during a military campaign against the Yao people in Guangxi, Lady Ji was brought to the imperial palace, where she became an imperial concubine. In 1470, she gave birth to a son, Zhu Youcheng. Due to the influence of the Emperor's favorite concubine, Lady Wan, his former empress Lady Wu and the palace eunuchs concealed the child's existence. The child remained hidden until 1475, when the Chenghua Emperor formally recognized him as his heir. Lady Ji died shortly after and was posthumously honored as empress after her son ascended the throne.
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