Empress Guo (simplified: 郭皇后, traditional: 郭皇后, pinyin: Guō Huánghòu), styled Nüwang (女王), was from Xiping in Anping. Her father Guo Yong (郭永) was impressed by her intelligence and gave her the unusual style name Nüwang (‘queen regnant’). She became Cao Pi’s consort and, after Empress Zhen was forced to commit suicide in 221, was made empress. She had no son; Cao Rui, Empress Zhen’s son, remained crown prince and succeeded as Emperor Ming in 226. Historical accounts record that Empress Guo was involved in spreading doubts about Cao Rui’s paternity during Cao Pi’s reign. She died in 235 and was posthumously honoured as Empress Wende (文德皇后). Cao Rui had her buried with honours but later, in a dispute over her niece, had her tomb desecrated—an act for which he was criticised.
See also
- Cao Pi
- Cao Rui
- Empress Zhen
- Cao Wei