Empress Cao (Han dynasty)

Empress Cao (曹皇后, personal name unknown) was the wife of Emperor Xian of Han, the last emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty. She held the title of Empress from 214 to 220, during the period when her father, Cao Cao, held Emperor Xian under his control. After Cao Cao's death and the subsequent ascension of Cao Pi (Cao Cao's son and Cao Cao's successor) to the throne, establishing the state of Cao Wei, she was demoted to the title of Shanyang Princess.

Cao Cao initially wanted to marry his daughter to Emperor Xian to further solidify his power. He presented several of his daughters as potential candidates. Ultimately, Cao Jie and Cao Hua were selected and entered the imperial harem. After Empress Fu Shou was executed for plotting against Cao Cao, Cao Jie was elevated to the position of Empress in 214.

Empress Cao was known for her strong personality and loyalty to the Han dynasty. When Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian to abdicate in 220, ending the Han dynasty and establishing the Wei Dynasty, Empress Cao is said to have been furious and expressed her disapproval. Despite the change in dynasty, she remained the Princess of Shanyang and was treated with respect by the Wei court.

She died sometime after her husband, Emperor Xian, who passed away in 234. She was buried with him using imperial honors, a gesture of respect despite the previous dynastic transition.