Why was Liu Bang's daughter, Princess Lu Yuan, referred to as the Empress Dowager? This historical question delves into the ancient Chinese imperial system and titles. Let's delve into this question from several aspects.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that Princess Lu Yuan was the daughter of Liu Bang and Empress Lü. She was ennobled as a princess after her father Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty. In ancient China, princesses were daughters of the emperor, enjoying a lofty status and numerous privileges.

However, Princess Lu Yuan's title as Empress Dowager did not stem from her status as a princess. In ancient China, Empress Dowager referred to the mother or grandmother of the emperor. So, why was Princess Lu Yuan called Empress Dowager?

This begins with her marriage. Princess Lu Yuan married Zhao Wang Zhang Ao, who was later honored as Zhao Zhao Wang. After Liu Bang's death and Liu Ying's ascension as Emperor Hui of Han, Zhang Ao, as Liu Ying's brother-in-law, was ennobled as the "Imperial Son-in-law." Consequently, Princess Lu Yuan became Zhang Ao's wife, the Queen of Zhao.

However, after Liu Ying's death, his son Liu Qi ascended to the throne as Emperor Wen of Han. By this time, Zhang Ao had passed away, but Princess Lu Yuan was still alive. According to ancient customs, the emperor's sister should be ennobled as a Princess Royal, but Princess Lu Yuan was instead ennobled as the "Great Princess Royal." This was because she was not only the emperor's sister but also the Queen of Zhao, thus enjoying a higher status.

Then, after Liu Qi's death, his son Liu Heng ascended to the throne as Emperor Jing of Han. By this time, Princess Lu Yuan had become the grandmother of the emperor. According to ancient customs, the emperor's grandmother should be ennobled as the Empress Grandmother. However, due to Princess Lu Yuan's previous status as the Queen of Zhao, she was ennobled as "Empress Dowager Zhao."

In summary, Princess Lu Yuan was referred to as Empress Dowager due to her unique identity. She was not only the emperor's sister and grandmother but also the Queen of Zhao. This title reflects the complexity and uniqueness of the ancient Chinese imperial system.

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