Empress Zhang

Empress Zhang was an empress of the Chinese Tang dynasty. She was the second wife of Emperor Suzong and gained great power and influence during his reign, in alliance with the eunuch Li Fuguo; both together successfully launched many vicious plots against their opponents and influenced the power of the emperor. but eventually she and Li Fuguo turned against each other late in Emperor Suzong's reign, as the emperor grew gravely ill and they both wanted to take sole control of the power on the throne and choose their favorite candidate to succeed to the throne. Zhang tried to have Li Fuguo put to death, but instead was captured and killed by Li Fuguo and was posthumously demoted to commoner rank by Emperor Daizong.