Empresses

Empresses usually acquired their power after the death of their Emperor husband. After an emperor died, empresses would get the title of Dowager Empress. As a Dowager Empress, these women would sometimes act as regent.

Lu of Han

I was the wife of Hui-ti, who died in 188 B.C. I had no children of my own, so the child of one of Hui-ti's consorts was made emperor. His name was Shao-ti Kung. After 3 years, he was replaced by another child who was still an infant, named Shao-ti Hung. Because of the child emperors, I was able to act as regent.

(Cambridge History, vol 1 1986: 135-136)

Wu Zetian of Tang

I was a concubine of Gaozong. I influenced him so much in the years from 650 C.E. and 683 C.E., that I replaced his first Empress. Gaozong suffered from a stroke in 660 C.E. and I took control of the Empire. Gaozong died in 683 C.E, but I maintened power through my two sons.

I deposed both of my sons and proclaimed myself Emperor of a new dynasty. This new dynasty was known as Zhou. I was the only woman in Chinese history to proclaim the title of "Emperor."

(Ebrey 2010: )