Palace of Devotion
Orphaned as a kid, Liu E travels to the resources Kaifeng, and also later catches the eye of Zhao Heng. Though she was a courtesan, Liu E was perceptive to state events, as well as commonly talked about politics with Zhao Heng. This practice continued when he came to be emperor in 997.
Liu E is crowned empress after taking on the child of a concubine (later on Emperor Renzong), and also works as minister of the Tune Empire during the last two years of her hubby's power. Liu E would certainly continue to rule till her fatality twelve years later in 1033.