Princess Nanzi – The first woman in Chinese history to rule a state

Princess Nanzi was the first woman in Chinese history to ever rule a state.^[1] She proved to be an intelligent and competent ruler.^[2] She exercised her power effectively and successfully.^[3] However, later chroniclers have depicted a negative image of her.^[4] They even describe her as having an adulterous affair with her brother, Prince Zichao.^[5] Yet, modern historians believe that the reason she has been harshly criticized is because they viewed her as a threat.^[6] Her negative image was to warn future rulers that a woman should never hold power over a state again.^[7]

Princess Nanzi was born in the fifth century B.C.E. She lived during the Spring and Autumn period, which lasted from 771 to 453 B.C.E. During this period, Chinese states were declaring their own independence from the ruling Zhou Dynasty to form their own dynasties.^[8] She was a Princess of Song.^[9] Her father was most likely Duke Ping of Song.^[10] Her brother may have been Prince Zichao.^[11]

Princess Nanzi married Duke Ling of Wei. Ancient Chroniclers have depicted him as an incompetent ruler who was not even interested in politics.^[12] They also claimed he was a homosexual.^[13] Chroniclers have praised him for appointing capable ministers.^[14] Towards the end of his reign, he withdrew from state affairs.^[15] He transferred his power and authority to his wife, Duchess Nanzi.^[16]

Duchess Nanzi was the de facto ruler of Wei and the first woman to ever rule a Chinese state.^[17] This is unusual because Duchess Nanzi was not the mother of an heir apparent.^[18] Duchess Nanzi made many reforms that benefited Wei.^[19] She continued to promote capable ministers.^[20] She even met with Confucius.^[21] Confucius even praised her intellect.^[22]

Ancient chroniclers have stated that Duchess Nanzi was having an affair with her brother, Prince Zichao.^[23] Historian Olivia Milburn stated that there is no historical evidence that Duchess Nanzi had an incestuous affair with her brother, Prince Zichao.^[24] This was to depict her as being depraved.^[25] Modern historians believe that chroniclers are trying to undermine her capabilities as a successful ruler because she dared to desire power.^[26]

In 496 B.C.E., Crown Prince Kuaikui accused her of having an affair with Prince Zichao.^[27] He even attempted to kill Duchess Nanzi.^[28] However, the assassination attempt proved unsuccessful, and he fled Wei.^[29] In 593 B.C.E., Duke Ling of Wei died. Duchess Nanzi installed Crown Prince Kuaikui’s son as Duke Chu of Wei.^[30] In 480 B.C.E., Crown Prince Kuaikui overthrew his son, Duke Chu of Wei.^[31] He became Duke Zhuang II of Wei. Duke Zhuang II executed Duchess Nanzi.^[32]

Princess Nanzi was the first woman to rule a Chinese state.^[33] She made many accomplishments that benefited Wei.^[34] She proved to be a competent ruler.^[35] She was praised by many people during her time, including Confucius.^[36] Yet, she became known in history as depraved, adulterous, and incestuous and someone who caused the disruption of the Wei’s succession.^[37] The negative image of Princess Nanzi proved that she was a threat to Confucian scholars.^[38] The blackened image of Princess Nanzi was to teach women that they should never be heavily involved in politics.^[39]

Sources:

Cook, C. A. (2015). “Nanzi, Wife of Duke Ling of Wei”. Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity Through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. – 618 C.E. (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge. pp. 53-54.

Eno, R. (2010). 1.7. Spring and Autumn China (771-453). Indiana University, PDF.

McMahon, K. (2013). Women Shall Not Rule: Imperial Wives and Concubines in China from Han to Liao. NY: Rowman and Littlefield.

Milburn, O. (2010). “Gender, Sexuality, and Power in Early China: The Changing Biographies of Lord Ling of Wei and Lady Nanzi.” NAN NU — Men, Women & Gender in Early and Imperial China, 12(1), pp. 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1163/156852610X518183.