However, a double standard persists. When a male emperor executes a rival dynasty, he is "decisive" or "politically astute." When an empress does the same, she is "hysterical," "unnatural," or "atrocious."
The concept of an "atrocious empress" spans both dark fiction and harsh historical critique. Depending on whether you're looking for a legendary villain or a controversial historical figure, here are two fascinating deep dives: atrocious empress