Empress Dowager Guo (Muzong) - As Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager - During Emperor Muzong's Reign

During Emperor Muzong's Reign

After Emperor Muzong took the throne, he took much effort to posthumously honor Empress Dowager Guo's male ancestors and her mother, as well as give her older brothers Guo Zhao (郭釗) and Guo Cong (郭鏦) high honors. She took up residence at Xingqing Palace (興慶宮), and he visited her twice a month. Whenever it was her birthday or a particularly special day, he would greet her along with officials in grand ceremonies, and he was exuberant in providing supplies to her palace, to the point of being excessive and wasteful.

In 821, a daughter of Empress Dowager Guo's, Princess Taihe, was sent to Huigu to marry its Chongde Khan.

On an occasion in 822, when Empress Dowager Guo visited Huaqing Palace (華清宮, known for its hot springs), Emperor Muzong joined her there, although he returned to the capital Chang'an after just one day and she spent several days there before returning to Chang'an.

In 824, Emperor Muzong became seriously ill, and by his orders, his son and crown prince Li Zhan was made regent. The eunuchs suggested that Empress Dowager Guo should herself assume the regency — to which she responded:

When Empress Wu assumed the regency, the dynasty was almost destroyed. My clan has been loyal and righteous for generations, unlike the Wu clan. Although the Crown Prince is young, so as long as able chancellors can assist him, and people like you do not interfere, in what way will the state be unsafe? Ever since ancient times, it cannot be the case that a woman governs the state and leads it to a reign like those of Yao and Shun.

Empress Dowager Guo took the proposed edict in which she is named regent and tore it up herself. Her brother Guo Zhao also opposed the proposal, and the proposal was not carried out. That evening, Emperor Muzong died, and Li Zhan took the throne (as Emperor Jingzong).