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Empress Xiaoci Gao, Lady Ma

Type Figure Region China Time c. 1332–1382 Also known as Empress Ma、Ma Xiuying、Empress Gao

Empress Xiaoci Gao, Lady Ma (c. 1332–1382), first wife of Ming founder Zhu Yuanzhang, made empress in the first year of Hongwu;…

Timeline

  1. c. 1332–1368Suzhou (present-day Suzhou, Anhui) · AnhuiLady Ma was born in Suzhou, married Zhu Yuanzhang in the late Yuan, and followed him through Haozhou, Yingtian and elsewhere. In the army she often urged Zhu to be lenient with soldiers and not kill the innocent indiscriminately, and was renowned in historical records as a virtuous helpmate.
  2. 1368–1382Yingtian Prefecture (Nanjing) · JiangsuAfter the Ming dynasty was established she was made empress, presided over the inner court, and bore sons including Zhu Biao and Zhu Di. In the 1370s she continued to support Hongwu governance with frugality and benevolence; she died in the Kunning Palace in 1382, posthumously named Xiaoci, and was buried in Ming Xiaoling.

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