Lady Helan (Chinese: 賀蘭氏, 7th century – 666 CE) was the Lady of Wei (魏國夫人) during the Tang dynasty and the niece of Wu Zetian. The Lady of Wei was an honorific for relatives of the Emperor and Empress. She was involved in court politics during her lifetime. She was killed by being poisoned at a dinner party.

Background

Lady Helan was the daughter of Wu Shun and Helan Yueshi (贺兰越石), Wu Shun was the first daughter of Wu Shiyue and Lady Yang, and the older sister of Empress Wu. Helan Yueshi was the son of the Duke of Yingshan (應山公) and died early.

Lady of Wei

Lady Helan and her mother, Wu Shun, were favored by Emperor Gaozong who gave her the title Lady of Wei and her mother that of Lady of Han.

Emperor Gaozong wanted to keep Lady Helan as a concubine, but Empress Wu found out and had the Lady of Wei killed by poisoning. She then blamed Wu Weiliang and Wu Huaiyun for the murder and they were executed. Empress Wu accused Lady Helan's brother, Helan Minzhi (643 - 14 September 671), of suspecting her to be behind the murder of his sister. Helan Minzhi was exiled and later died in exile.

Modern Depictions

Lady Helan is often known in television series as Helan Minyue (賀蘭敏月). She is often portrayed as an antagonist.

DramaPortrayedNotes & Sources
Palace of DesireHe LinChinese television series based on the life of Princess Taiping.
Secret History of Empress WuKathy YuenChinese television series based on the life of Wu Zetian
The Empress of ChinaSandra MaChinese television series based on the life of Wu Zetian