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Empress

皇后 · Empress — The Empire's Other Sun

The emperor's consort (Empress Consort) or a woman who rules the empire in her own right (Empress Regnant). In Eastern courts, the empress commands the entire inner court and forms one of the two pillars of the empire alongside the emperor. Historical figures such as Wu Zetian of Tang China and Catherine the Great of Russia exercised power that in practice exceeded the emperor's own. In fantasy, the empress is often portrayed as an absolute ruler who moves the entire empire from behind a graceful facade.

Origin

The empress systems of Eastern and Western empires developed independently. The Chinese empress was the 'Mother of All Under Heaven,' overseeing religion, court etiquette, and domestic administration. The Roman empress's political role varied greatly depending on the era.

Features

Co-supreme authority alongside the emperor, dividing the empire's rule between them
Commands the entire inner court and consort hierarchy
Bears ultimate responsibility for the education of all imperial children, including the crown prince
Holds official authority to receive diplomatic envoys and preside over imperial ceremonies
In fantasy, the empress often appears as the 'true ruler' whom even the emperor fears

Usage

The pinnacle of imperial political narratives. As hidden mastermind or as mother — the ultimate power figure who looks down upon everything.