China: Empress Wu (11 September 1115 - 12 December 1197), consort of Emperor Gaozong, 10th ruler of the Song Dynasty and 1st ruler of the Southern Song Dynasty (r.1127-1162). Hanging scroll painting, c. 1130-1197. Empress Wu, also known as Xianzheng Cilie, was consort to Emperor Gaozong. She became empress after the Jingkang Incident, which saw the Jurchen capture most of the imperial court, including Gaozong's first spouse, Consort Xing. Gaozong had avoided capture and fled south to start the Southern Song Dynasty. Wu followed him on his military campaigns in armour, and even reportedly saved his life once. She played an influential part in Southern Song politics, causing the abdication of three different emperors.