her son. For example, with her approval, her half-brother Tian Fen became the commander of the armed forces and exerted power even beyond the military affairs. Initially, her influence was balanced and outweighed by that of her mother-in-law, Grand Empress Dowager Dou. With Grand Empress Dowager Dou's death in June 135 BC, Empress Dowager Wang became the paramount figure at court. Later in 135 BC Tian Fen was made prime minister, although her son gradually justified this position as he matured. For example, in 133 BC, in the aftermath of the failed attempt to capture the Xiongnu Chanyu at the Battle of Mayi, Emperor Wu wanted to execute the key strategist, Wang Hui (王恢, unrelated to her), who bribed Tian, who in turn persuaded her to speak on Wang Hui's behalf. Emperor Wu refused to accept her intercession, and forced Wang Hui to commit suicide. However, it was at her behest that Emperor Wu executed his grand uncle Dou Ying (竇嬰) (Empress Dou's cousin) in 132 BC for having insulted Tian. Empress Dowager Wang died in June 126 BC, and was buried with her second husband Emperor Jing. Media Portrayed by Li Jianqun in the 1996 Chinese television series Han Wudi. Portrayed by Xu Lin in the 2001 Chinese television series Da Han Tian Zi. Portrayed by Wang Likun in the 2011 Chinese television series Beauty's Rival in Palace. Portrayed by Yu Xiaofan in the 2014 Chinese television series The Virtuous Queen of Han. Notes References Book of Han, vol. 97, Part 1. Records of the Grand Historian, vol. 49 126 BC deaths Han dynasty empresses 2nd-century BC Chinese women 2nd-century BC Chinese people Year of birth unknown Emperor Wu of Han