Lady Ma (Qian Yuanguan's wife) facts for kids
Lady Ma (born 890, died November 28, 939) was an important figure in the ancient Chinese state of Wuyue. Her personal name is not known, but she was formally known as the Lady Gongmu of Wuyue. She was the wife of Qian Yuanguan, who became the second king of Wuyue during a time in Chinese history known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
Early Life and Family
Lady Ma was born in the year 890. Her father, Ma Chuo, was an officer who worked for Qian Liu. Qian Liu was a powerful leader who controlled the area around Hang Prefecture (which is now Hangzhou, Zhejiang). He later founded the state of Wuyue and became its first king.
Lady Ma's father, Ma Chuo, was very close to King Qian Liu. He was so close that he even married one of Qian Liu's younger sisters. At some point, King Qian Liu arranged for Lady Ma to marry his own son, Qian Chuanguan. This marriage happened after Qian Chuanguan returned from another political marriage in 903.
Marriage and Royal Life
Lady Ma was known for being very smart, wise, and hardworking as Qian Chuanguan's wife. During the reign of King Qian Liu, there was a rule that officials could not have multiple wives. However, Lady Ma and Qian Chuanguan did not have any sons, even after they were both over 30 years old. This worried Lady Ma because having sons was very important for continuing the family line.
Lady Ma bravely went to her father-in-law, King Qian Liu, to ask for a special exception for her husband. King Qian Liu was very happy with her request. He told her, "The future of my family's bloodline is in your hands." Because of Lady Ma's wisdom, King Qian Liu allowed Qian Chuanguan to have other wives. These wives later gave birth to many sons. Lady Ma treated all these children as if they were her very own.
She even had a silver deer statue made and placed it near her seat. She loved to watch the children play happily around it.
After King Qian Liu passed away in 932, Qian Chuanguan became the new king and changed his name to Qian Yuanguan. Lady Ma received special titles from the emperors of other Chinese states, like Later Tang and Later Jin. These emperors formally recognized Qian Yuanguan as a ruler. Lady Ma was first given the title of Lady of Yue, and later Lady Zhuangmu of Wuyue.
Lady Ma passed away in 939, while Qian Yuanguan was still king. After her death, the Emperor Gaozu of Later Jin honored her with the special title of Lady Gongmu, which means "respectful and solemn."
