The only blind queen in history, without an heir, still cherished by the emperor until the end of her life

The deep bond and unwavering loyalty of Empress Tienthi have always endeared her to the Emperor, despite her physical imperfections.

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Bowing continuously, grieving for her captured husband, one leg Empress Tien Hoang was seriously injured, leading to disability, and one eye was blinded. In exchange, even without descendants, she was still respected and cherished by the emperor until the end of her life.

Eloquent Empress Hieu Trang Due, a blind Empress with a beautiful love

Minh Anh Tong was regarded as a loyal king, with affection, especially towards his first wife. Despite her later illness and disability, Minh Anh Tong still kept the Empress position for her and treated her with even more affection. In fact, before leaving, he even ordered to be buried with her in the same tomb. That woman is Empress Hieu Trang Due or Empress Tien.

Eloquent Empress Hieu Trang Due

Empress Tien, born in Hai Chau region, had a father who was a military official belonging to the Second Rank. In the spring of the 7th Chinh Tong year (1442), Tien passed the imperial selection process and was chosen as the Empress at the age of 15.

The grand enthronement ceremony was quickly held; as for the king, having an intelligent and well-behaved wife made him very happy. The two of them lived the early days of their marriage in great happiness and joy. Once, Minh Anh Tong noticed that the Empress’s family members all held relatively low positions and were unimportant officials. Therefore, he wanted to promote and award some people in the Empress’s family so that she could be proud. However, when the king mentioned this to the Empress, she immediately refused.

She said that no one in her family had made a great contribution or had outstanding talents worthy of receiving honors. Later, the king mentioned this matter several times, and each time the Empress declined. Through this, Anh Tong came to understand even more the fair and righteous nature of the Empress. The love between the Emperor and the Empress became deeper and more profound.

Despite many hardships, Eloquent Empress Hieu Trang Due still held the number one position in the king’s heart

During the time of Minh Anh Tong, the Ming army became weaker. Meanwhile, the Mongol army was strong and always threatened the country. Minh Anh Tong decided to personally lead the army, despite the opposition of the court officials. However, due to the wrong information given by flatterers, the soldiers suffered heavy losses, and Minh Tong was even captured.

Her husband was taken as a prisoner of war, her son and younger brother both died on the battlefield, and Empress Tien could do nothing to save the situation. As a woman, she couldn’t do anything to save her captured husband, so she confined herself within the palace, kneeling before Buddha day and night, praying earnestly for her husband’s safe return. She continued to kneel and cry for her captured husband, which led to a serious leg injury and blindness. At that time, she was only 24 years old.

Despite many hardships, Eloquent Empress Hieu Trang Due still held the number one position in the king’s heart

During Minh Anh Tong’s capture, Queen Ton quickly placed Minh Anh Tong’s younger brother, Chu Ky Ngoc, on the throne. Although there was a new emperor, some officials continued to make efforts to rescue Anh Tong. After many years, they finally succeeded in bringing the king back. When they reunited with Empress Tien, the king couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She was now disabled and her appearance was pitiful, but her sincere heart was greatly treasured.

A few years later, Minh Dai Tong fell ill. The situation became critical, and some officials urgently requested Minh Anh Tong to return to reign over the country. Once again, Minh Anh Tong ascended the throne and became Emperor. After Minh Anh Tong ascended the throne, he needed to appoint a new Empress. Although the king loved her deeply, during their time together, Empress Tien still couldn’t give birth to a son for him. Minh Anh Tong still bestowed the Empress title upon her. The deep affection and strong character of Tien earned the emperor’s constant admiration and love, despite her disabilities.

When Emperor Minh Anh Tong became weak and fell ill, he worried about Tien’s life without him. He gave instructions that when Tien passed away, she must be buried with the title of Empress and laid in a tomb alongside him. However, Empress Chu secretly instructed someone to block the passage between Minh Anh Tong’s palace and Tien’s grave. When the truth was revealed, Minh Hieu Tong intended to make changes but was unsuccessful, so the tomb of Empress Tien was forever separated from her husband’s tomb.

Frequently asked questions

Empress Tien was born in the Hai Chau region and came from a relatively modest background. Her father was a military official of the Second Rank. At the age of 15, she went through an imperial selection process and was chosen as the Empress by Minh Anh Tong. Despite her family’s low positions, the king recognized her intelligence and good behavior, and he was determined to promote and honor her family.

Empress Tien displayed her fairness and righteousness by refusing the king’s offer to promote and award members of her family. She believed that no one in her family had made significant contributions or possessed outstanding talents worthy of receiving such honors. This response further impressed the king and deepened his love and respect for her.

Empress Tien was deeply affected by the capture of her husband and the deaths of her son and younger brother. She confined herself within the palace, praying earnestly for her husband’s safe return. Her grief was so profound that she knelt and cried continuously, resulting in a serious leg injury and blindness. Despite these hardships, she remained the king’s most beloved, even after he returned and ascended the throne again.

Despite Empress Tien’s inability to bear a son and her later disability, Minh Anh Tong continued to hold her in the highest regard. He appointed her as the Empress again when he returned to the throne. Additionally, he expressed his deep affection by ordering that they be buried in the same tomb when she passed away.

Yes, unfortunately, there was a secret instruction given by Empress Chu to block the passage between Minh Anh Tong’s palace and Empress Tien’s grave, separating their tombs forever. This action went against the king’s wishes to be buried alongside his beloved Empress.
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