| Abstract |
After Emperor Chengzong of Yuan (reign 1294-1307) ascended the throne, one of the first things he did was to honor his mother, Kökejin, by bestowing on her the title of Empress Dowager. He also renamed the Zhanshi Yuan as the Hui-zheng Yuan, which he then placed under her control. Several “firsts” in the history of the Yuan dynasty were thus made: it was the first time that a new ruler had assumed power; the first time that anyone had been given the title of Empress Dowager; and the first time that a new bureau—or yuan (院), to be precise—had been created especially for the holder of such a title. This paper looks firstly at the political activities of Empress Dowager Kökejin during the reign of Chengzong. She did not interfere directly with the workings of the government, but she exerted her influence when key decisions had to be made. Her presence contributed greatly to the stability of the regime; indeed, as the author notes, after the death of Kökejin (and that of Buqumu), the former unity of the Yuan dynasty existed no more. The paper also argues that the controversy over Kökejin’s construction of a Buddhist temple at Mount Wu-tai ought to be laid aside, in light of the fact that she frequently prayed for success in war and for the health of the royal family. Finally, the paper examines the origin and role of the Hui-zheng Yuan. The author concludes that even though we already know a great deal about this bureau, its fate after Kökejin’s death remains an issue that needs further exploration. |
