Taishang Huang
| Taishang Huang | |||||||||||||
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The honorific was first bestowed by Qin Shi Huang (depicted) to his deceased father King Zhuangxiang of Qin. | |||||||||||||
| Chinese | 太上皇 | ||||||||||||
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| Alternative Chinese name | |||||||||||||
| Chinese | 太上皇帝 | ||||||||||||
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In Chinese history, a Taishang Huang or Taishang Huangdi is an honorific and institution of a retired emperor. The former emperor had, at least in name, abdicated in favor of someone else. Although no longer the reigning sovereign, there are instances where the retired emperor became a power behind the throne, often exerting more power than the reigning emperor.