Wu Shun

Wu Shun (武顺) (623-665, common era) was the Lady of Han during the Tang dynasty and the older sister of Wu Zetian. The Lady of Han was an honorable title for relatives of the Emperor and Empress. Wu Shun was allegedly the mother of Li Xian, the crown prince, and the rumors eventually led to his demise. In all likelihood, her sister Empress Wu, who had become a full-fledged power behind the throne after January 665, ordered her poisoning. Background Wu Shun was the daughter of Wu Shiyue and Lady Yang. Wu Shiyue was an army commander of Yingyang Prefecture during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui and Minister of Revenue during the reign of Taizong of Tang. Lady Yang was from the noble Yang family of the Hong Nong region. Wu Shun had two half brothers from Wu Shiyue's previous marriage and two sisters: Wu Zhao and the Lady of Guo. She married Helan Yueshi, the son of the Duke of Yingshan . They had two children, a son Helan Minzhi and a daughter Lady Helan. Her husband Helan Yueshi had died early leaving Wu Shun a widow. Her younger sister was created the empress consort to Emperor Gaozong And then becomes the power behind the throne. Since she was the sister of Empress Wu, she was able to visit the palace frequently. As a result, Wu Shun met Emperor Gaozong several times. She and her daughter were beautiful, and were favored by Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong eventually created her the Lady of Han and wanted to let her live in the palace. Lady of Han On 29 January 655, Wu Shun's sister, Consort Wu gave birth to Li Xian. Li Xian was Emperor Gaozong's sixth son. After an intense power struggle involving Consort Wu, Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, Consort Wu became Empress. Li Xian was created the Prince of Lu. However, there were rumors inside the palace that the Crown Prince was not actually born of Consort Wu but of Wu Shun, Lady of Han.