Empress Liu (Li Cunxu's wife)

Empress Liu (劉皇后, died 926), formally Empress Mingde (明德皇后), was the wife of Li Cunxu, the first emperor of the Later Tang dynasty, a state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history.

Little is known about Empress Liu's early life. She was of humble origins, but her beauty and skill in needlework attracted the attention of Li Cunxu while he was still a prince under his father, Li Keyong, the Prince of Jin. She became his concubine and was favored by him.

After Li Cunxu declared himself emperor of Later Tang in 923, he initially did not create an empress. However, due to the urging of his officials and his own affection for Lady Liu, he eventually named her empress later that year.

Empress Liu was known for her extravagance and influence over Li Cunxu. She frequently interfered in state affairs and was accused of accepting bribes. Her brothers and relatives were given positions of power, which further fueled resentment within the court. She also advocated for harsh punishments against those who displeased her.

During the later years of Li Cunxu's reign, his administration became increasingly corrupt and ineffective. Rebellions erupted across the empire, and Li Cunxu's own troops grew discontented. In 926, a mutiny broke out in Wei Prefecture (魏州, modern Handan, Hebei). Li Cunxu was killed while trying to quell the rebellion.

Empress Liu died in the aftermath of Li Cunxu's death, possibly by suicide to avoid capture or mistreatment by the rebel forces. She was given the posthumous title of Empress Mingde by Li Siyuan, Li Cunxu's adoptive brother and successor. Her legacy is largely negative, as she is often blamed for contributing to the decline and eventual downfall of Li Cunxu's reign due to her extravagance and political interference.