Wu Hanyue facts for kids
Lady Wu Hanyue (born in 913, died July 17, 952) was a very important woman in ancient China. She was the mother of Qian Chu, who became the fifth and last king of a state called Wuyue. This was during a time in Chinese history known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Her formal title was the Lady Dowager Gongyi of Wuyue.
Early Life and Family
Lady Wu Hanyue was born in the year 913. At that time, the state of Wuyue was already independent. Its first ruler was King Qian Liu. Lady Wu came from a place called Qiantang, which is now the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. Her father was an officer named Wu Ke.
She became one of the wives of Qian Yuanguan, who was the second king of Wuyue. His main wife was Lady Ma. In 929, Lady Wu gave birth to Qian Yuanguan's ninth son, Qian Hongchu. This son would later become King Qian Chu.
Life and Influence
People said that Lady Wu Hanyue was very well-liked by Lady Ma, the main wife of King Qian Yuanguan. Lady Wu was also known for being good at playing the guqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.
She was described as a kind and careful person. She followed the beliefs of Taoism. It was said that whenever she heard King Qian Yuanguan was being very strict with punishments, she would look sad.
In 947, Qian Hongchu's older brother, King Qian Hongzong, was removed from power by a general named Hu Jinsi. Hu Jinsi then made Qian Hongchu the new king.
Lady Wu Hanyue was known for her good advice. Whenever her son, King Qian Hongchu, wanted to give special positions to her family members, she would tell him not to. She always encouraged her family to do good things. If they did something wrong, she would correct them. Because of her guidance, her family members always behaved properly.
In 949, the Emperor Yin of Later Han gave her the special title of Lady Dowager Shunde of Wuyue. She passed away in 952. The new emperor, Emperor Taizu of Later Zhou, honored her memory. He gave her the special name Gongyi, which means "respectful and benevolent."
