Huang Hou

The Huang Hou is the Imperial Spouse. While positions and official roles tend to shift within the Imperial Family, and everyone depends on the goodwill of the Emperor, the Huang Hou is without doubt the most powerful figure within the palace halls. In most cases, the Huang Hou is the woman who first birthed the heir to the Heavenly Eagle Throne. Once an imperial spouse is chosen, she remains in charge of all family affairs till her own death (or that of her spouse). Often, in case of surviving her husband, she acts as Empress Dowager and advises the new emperor in reorganising palace affairs.

A Huang Hou is often only kept in check by her predecessor (the Empress Dowager). As no clear rules (except the traditional respect towards the elderly) is in place, this sometimes culminates in internal power struggles.