the order of the Grand Empress Dowager", she had them investigated and tried for corruption, and they committed suicide. Early in Emperor Wu's reign, then, even though there was an official shift in ideology, the policies remained largely constant to the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing. This would change after Grand Empress Dowager Dou's death in 135 BC. She was buried with her husband Emperor Wen. In her will, she left her possessions to her daughter, Princess Liu Piao. Impact on Chinese history Empress Dou was one of the earliest politically dominating female figures in Chinese history. Unlike her stepmother-in-law Empress Dowager Lü, despite her shortcomings in nepotistic behaviour, she is largely viewed positively, for her impact on her husband and son and the consequent benefit to the people. Media She is portrayed by Ruby Lin in the 2010 Chinese television series Beauty's Rival in Palace. She is portrayed by Sally Chen in the 2014 Chinese television series The Virtuous Queen of Han. Notes Book of Han, vol. 97, part 1. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. References Han dynasty empresses 135 BC deaths 2nd-century BC Chinese women 2nd-century BC Chinese people Han dynasty Taoists Year of birth unknown Han dynasty empresses dowager Chinese grand empresses dowager