Qian Chu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King Zhongyi of Wuyue 吳越忠懿王
King of Wuyue
King of Wuyue
Reign	February 17, 948 – June 9, 978
Predecessor	Qian Hongzong
Born	September 29, 929 Hang Prefecture, Wuyue
Died	October 7, 988(988-10-07) (aged 59) Deng Prefecture, Northern Song
Burial	in modern Luoyang
Spouse	Queen Sun Taizhen Queen Yu Consort Huang
Issue	Qian Weijun Qian Weiyan others
Full name Qián Hóngchù (錢弘俶), later changed to Qián Chù (錢俶) in 960 Era dates Adopted the era name of Later Han: Qianyou (乾祐): 948–950 Adopted the era names of Later Zhou: Guangshun (廣順): 951–953 Xiande (顯德): 954–960 Adopted the era names of Song dynasty: Jianlong (建隆): 960–963 Qiande (乾德): 963–968 Kaibao (開寶): 968–976 Taipingxingguo (太平興國): 976–978 Posthumous name King Zhongyi of Qin (秦國忠懿王)
House	Qian
Dynasty	Wuyue
Father	Qian Yuanguan
Mother	Lady Wu Hanyue

Qian Chu (born September 29, 929 – died October 7, 988) was a very important ruler in ancient China. He was the last king of a kingdom called Wuyue. This was during a time known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Qian Chu ruled Wuyue from 947 until 978. He then peacefully gave his kingdom to the powerful Northern Song dynasty.

The Life of King Qian Chu

Becoming King of Wuyue

Qian Chu became king after his brother, Qian Zong, was removed from power. At this time, Wuyue was at its biggest. It controlled 13 areas, or zhou, in what is now Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Fujian.

Wuyue's Smart Strategy

Throughout its history, Wuyue had a clever plan. Its kings always showed respect to the bigger kingdoms in the north. They never called themselves "Emperor." This made the northern rulers happy. In return, the northern kingdoms let Wuyue stay independent. They also gave Wuyue's kings important titles, like "Commander of All Horses and Soldiers Under Heaven."

Qian Chu even changed his original name, Qian Hongchu. This was because the character hong was part of the name of the Song Emperor's father. Changing his name showed respect to the new powerful Song Dynasty.

Joining the Song Dynasty

When the Song Dynasty united northern China in the 960s, Qian Chu remembered an old family rule. His ancestor, Qian Liu, had said to submit quickly when a "true lord" appeared. So, in 960, Qian Chu officially submitted to the Song Dynasty. He changed his name that same year.

Later, Qian Chu followed orders from the Song court. He helped the Song emperor take over other smaller kingdoms in the south. In 968, the Song emperor again named him King of Wuyue. He also received more special honors. In 977, the new Song emperor, Emperor Taizong of Song, gave Qian Chu even more important titles.

A Peaceful Surrender

In 978, Qian Chu gave all his lands to the Song Dynasty. He might have felt pressured by the Song court to do so. However, this "voluntary" surrender was a good thing for the Wuyue region. It saved the area from the destruction of war that other kingdoms faced. Wuyue kept its buildings and strong economy. This helped the Yangtze Delta become a major economic center in China, even today.

To avoid any trouble, Qian Chu moved to the Song capital, Bianjing (now Kaifeng). About 3,000 people from his household moved with him. Qian Chu was still called a king, but it was mostly a title. His sons and many important people from Wuyue were given jobs and titles by the Song emperor.

Over time, Qian Chu's titles changed a few times. He was named King of Huaihai, then King of Hannan, and later King of Nanyang. Finally, he became Prince of Deng, which gave him more land and income.

Later Years and Death

Qian Chu seemed to have a good relationship with the Song emperor. He was often invited to parties and games at the palace. On his 60th birthday in 988, Emperor Taizong of Song sent him wine as a gift. After drinking the wine, Qian Chu became very sick and died that night. He was given a big state funeral and was buried near Luoyang. He was also given the special title of King of Qin after his death.

Qian Chu had seven sons. One of them later became a very important official, a Chancellor, in the Song court.

Other Important Contributions

This shrine at West Lake in Hangzhou honors the Qian Kings.

Qian Chu enjoyed writing poetry. One of his poems is still known today.

Like the other kings of Wuyue, Qian Chu was a very religious Buddhist. He ordered the building of Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou. This beautiful pagoda was built to celebrate the birth of his son. Some stories also say it was built for Consort Huang.

Family

Qian Chu had several wives and many children:

• Queen of Wuyue, from the Sun family (died 976)
  • Qian Weijun (born October 22, 955 – died 991), his first son.
• Consort Huang, from the Huang family
• Lady of Chu State, from the Yu family
  • Qian Weiyan (born 977 – died September 3, 1034), his fourteenth son.
• Other children (mothers unknown):
  • Qian Weixuan, his third son
  • Qian Weihao, his fourth son
  • Qian Weijin, his fifth son
  • Qian Weicui, his sixth son
  • Eight unnamed sons
  • Qian Weiji (born 978 – died 1032), his fifteenth son
  • Seven daughters
• Adopted children:
  • Qian Weizhi (born 949 – died 1019), who was actually the son of Qian Hongzong.