Zhongli Chun

Chinese occultist and consort of the King Xuan of Qi (r. 342–324 BC)

Zhongli Chun (Chinese: 鍾離春, fl. 342 BC), commonly known as Zhong Wuyan in legends (Chinese: 鍾無鹽／鍾無艷), was a Chinese occultist and consort of the King Xuan of Qi (r. 342–324 BC).[1]

She is described as an "ugly" woman, a Qin-subject of the age of forty, when she approached the king and successfully offered herself in marriage.[1]

She is known for allegedly having the ability to make herself invisible, an art she demonstrated to the king and which attracted his attention.[1] She is famous for offering the king the Four Dangers threatening the safety of his state.[1] The king was impressed and reformed his state in accordance with her advice.[1]

Legacy

She is included in the Biographies of Exemplary Women (Lienü zhuan).[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Lily Xiao Hong Lee, A. D. Stefanowska, Sue Wiles. Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. - 618 C.E. at Google Books 2007.