Empress Deng Sui: Regency and Reform in Eastern Han China

發佈者 Anthony
於 11 月 11, 2026

Read how Empress Deng Sui governed under two young emperors, responded to floods and famine, and promoted classical education at the Han court.

Quick Answer: Who Was Empress Deng Sui?

Deng Sui (邓绥, Dèng Suí, 81–121) was an empress and regent of the Eastern Han (东汉, Dōng Hàn). After her husband Emperor He (和帝, Hédì) died, she governed as empress dowager under Emperor Shang (殇帝, Shāngdì) and Emperor An (安帝, Āndì). She held authority until her death in 121.^[1][6]

Succession: She backed two young rulers who took the throne in 106.^[1][6]
Relief: Her court reviewed flood losses and ordered tax relief.^[8]
Learning: She studied with Ban Zhao (班昭, Bān Zhāo), who also advised her on government.^[1][5]

As empress dowager, Deng could act in the name of the imperial household even as her prolonged authority drew objections.

Four stations trace Deng Sui’s regency through succession, flood relief, classical learning and the transfer of authority.

A new emperor was barely on the throne when reports of flooding arrived. Deng’s regency had to manage the transfer of power and decide how to help households facing hunger.

Two Successions in One Year

After Emperor He died in 106, his infant son Liu Long (刘隆, Liú Lóng) succeeded him as Emperor Shang.^[7] Deng, Emperor He’s second empress, became regent. The child died that year.^[5]

Deng and her brother Deng Zhi (邓骘, Dèng Zhì) then chose Liu Hu (刘祜, Liú Hù), Emperor He’s nephew. He took the throne as Emperor An. Deng continued to preside at court.^[8]

How Deng’s Court Responded to Floods and Hunger

The Book of the Later Han (后汉书, Hòu Hànshū) records flooding in six regions after Emperor An’s accession. The court sent commissioners to check conditions and distribute aid. In 107 it distributed grain and made public land and part of a hunting estate available to poor households for temporary use.^[3]

The relief orders depended on reports from local officials. In 106 Deng accused some offices of concealing losses while claiming that more land was under cultivation. She instructed officials to verify the damage and remit land tax and fodder payments where crops were lost.^[8]

Deng also ordered the palace to scale back elaborate meals and reduce the contributions it demanded from the regions.^[8]

Ban Zhao and Classical Learning at Court

Ban Zhao, who helped complete the history of the Former Han after her brother’s death, taught at the palace and became Deng’s adviser.^[5] When Deng hesitated to let her brother step down during mourning, Ban urged her to accept the request. Deng did.^[4]

Deng’s court also provided classical instruction for boys and girls in selected noble households. It offers a specific example of access to learning in the history of women in China.^[6]

Why the Length of the Regency Was Contested

Deng stayed in power as Emperor An grew older. The official Du Gen (杜根, Dù Gēn) petitioned for her to transfer authority and was sentenced to death, though he survived. Emperor An took personal control after she died.^[5]

Fan Ye contrasts Deng’s long regency with the Duke of Zhou (周公, Zhōugōng), remembered for returning power. Fan credits her concern for the dynasty.^[2]

Michael Nylan compares the praise of Deng’s government with favorable accounts of the government of Empress Lü (吕后, Lǚ Hòu). Nylan argues that such judgments help place Deng within the political conventions of her own time.^[1]

FAQs About Empress Deng Sui

Was Deng Sui the mother of the two emperors?

Neither was her biological child. Emperor Shang was a son of her husband. Emperor An was her husband’s nephew and was installed as his heir.^[5][6]

What does Empress Hexi mean in the sources?

Empress Hexi (和熹皇后, Héxī Huánghòu) is the posthumous title used in her official biography.^[2]

Did Deng Sui open a school for girls?

The program included girls and boys from specified royal households and children of Deng relatives. The pupils studied classical texts under court supervision.^[2]