Ancient emperors had many wives and concubines, known as three palaces and six courtyards. Li Shimin is no exception. Besides the eldest grandson, there are many wives with clear records in history, such as Wei Guifei, Yang Guifei, Yan Defai and Xu Xianfei. In addition, there are Zheng Xianfei, Yang Fei, Yang Jieyu, Wei, Wei Nizi, Xiao, and Cui Cairen. It is estimated that the number of harem without historical records is not below these figures.

Li Shimin's most famous wife is, of course, the virtuous eldest grandson queen, followed by the emperor Wu Zetian and the virtuous Xu Xianfei.