"Naked World History" Empress Dowager Lü, from supporting Liu Bang to power struggles... the reason she was called a villainess

In episode 268 of tvN’s ″Naked History,″ the life of Empress Lü Zhi, China’s first empress, and the background behind her being called a ″villainess″ were focused on. Empress Lü was the wife of Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, and is considered one of China’s representative villainesses alongside Wu Zetian and Empress Dowager Cixi. The broadcast detailed the conflicts and tragic events that occurred after Empress Lü seized power, particularly her struggles with Consort Qi. Empress Lü endured numerous hardships during her marriage to Liu Bang. Although born into a wealthy family, she was married to Liu Bang by her father’s decision. After Liu Bang fled the construction site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, her family was taken hostage, and trials continued. Empress Lü devoted herself to securing food and caring for her family for her husband, but conflicts began when Liu Bang took Consort Qi as a concubine. After the Chu-Han Contention, Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty, and Empress Lü ascended as empress. However, a fierce succession battle began when Liu You, the son of Consort Qi, threatened the crown prince position. Empress Lü’s son, Liu Ying, was weak in character and lacked presence, but with the support of strategist Zhang Liang and meritorious officials, Empress Lü protected Liu Ying’s position as crown prince. After Liu Ying became emperor, Empress Lü began to exercise power in earnest. She destroyed Han Xin and his family, whom Liu Bang had warned against, and sentenced Consort Qi to imprisonment and forced labor. When Consort Qi sang a song saying, ″The son has become king, and the mother has become a prisoner,″ Empress Lü attempted to forcibly transport Liu You for assassination, but failed due to Emperor Liu Ying’s protection. However, Empress Lü eventually assassinated Liu You and cruelly punished Consort Qi by mutilating her body and confining her in a latrine. She even showed this scene directly to Liu Ying. Professor Lee Sung-won explained that Empress Lü’s compliance and devotion to her husband Liu Bang, as well as her experiences of betrayal, had a profound impact on her life. Empress Lü is also the only woman named in Sima Qian’s ″Records of the Grand Historian.″ The broadcast also mentioned that Empress Lü was the first in Chinese history to systematize the regency system. At the beginning of the broadcast, cast members Lee Mi-joo and Young Tak shared their experiences related to ″lying.″ Lee Mi-joo said, ″I hate it most when my boyfriend lies,″ and Young Tak mentioned the true story behind his song ″Why Are You Coming Out There?″