Empress Ki: From Goryeo Concubine to Yuan Empress

Описание: Empress Gi, also known as Empress Ki (1315–1369?), or Öljei Khutuk, was a Goryeo-born empress consort of the Yuan dynasty. She played a significant role as one of the primary empresses of Toghon Temür (Emperor Huizong) and was the mother of Biligtü Khan (Emperor Zhaozong) of the Northern Yuan dynasty. Born into an aristocratic family in Haengju (modern Goyang), Goryeo, her lineage included connections to the noble Jangheung Im clan through her maternal great-grandmother, Princess Consort Im.

In 1333, as part of a tribute from Goryeo, the teenage Lady Gi was sent to the Yuan court among other concubines, a practice that emphasized the prestige of marrying Goryeo women. Notably beautiful and talented in dancing, conversation, singing, poetry, and calligraphy, she quickly became Toghon Temür's favored concubine, surpassing the first empress, Danashiri, in his affections.

Danashiri was executed on July 22, 1335, during a court purge linked to her brother's rebellion. Despite Toghon Temür's desire to promote Lady Gi to secondary wife—a move opposed by powerful figures such as Bayan and the Empress Dowager—she ultimately gave birth to a son, Ayushiridara, in 1339. This prompted Toghon Temür to finally recognize her as his secondary wife in 1340, making her a formidable figure within the Yuan dynasty.

As Toghon Temür increasingly withdrew from governance, Lady Gi began to exercise substantial political and economic influence. Her brother, Ki Chol, became the commander of the Mongol Eastern Field Headquarters, effectively ruling Goryeo under her guidance. Her son was designated Crown Prince in 1353, and Lady Gi, using her eunuch agent Park Bul-hwa, sought to secure the throne for him, but her ambitions created a rift between her and the emperor.

The power dynamics shifted when King Gongmin of Goryeo, feeling threatened by Ki Chol’s influence, executed the Gi family in a coup in 1356, asserting Goryeo's independence from the Yuan. In retaliation, Lady Gi attempted to install Tash Temür as Goryeo's king and sent troops to support him; however, they were defeated while crossing the Yalu River.

Internal strife within the Yuan court erupted as factions emerged supporting and opposing the Crown Prince. In 1364, Bolud Temür captured the capital, forcing Lady Gi into imprisonment, while her son sought refuge with Köke Temür. Bolud was overthrown the following year, yet Lady Gi’s efforts to elevate her son as Khagan faltered. Following the death of Bayan Khutugh, she was promoted to primary empress in December 1365.

The collapse of the Yuan dynasty in 1368 compelled her to flee to Yingchang (present-day Inner Mongolia). Toghon Temür died in 1370, and their son ascended the throne. Lady Gi became the Grand Empress but soon vanished under mysterious circumstances.