Shao Shan

Shao Lin, whose birth and death years are unknown, was a native of Changhua County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province, under the authority of the Zhejiang Provincial Government. He was an external relative of the Ming Dynasty, being the grandfather of Emperor Shizong and the father of Emperor Shizu. His grandfather was Shao Shou, his father was Shao Yi, and his mother was from the Peng family. Shao Lin’s wife was from the Yang family. Due to poverty, he once sold his daughter, Shao shi, to the palace eunuch guarding Hangzhou Prefecture. After entering the palace, Shao shi was well-educated and good-looking. In the 12th year of the Chenghua era (1476), Emperor Xianzong of Ming bestowed the title of Concubine Chen upon Shao shi, who was later promoted to Noble Consort. She bore three sons: Zhu Youzhuan, Zhu Youjian, and Zhu Youwen. In the 16th year of the Zhengde era (1521), his grandson Zhu Youzhuan ascended the throne as Emperor Jiajing, who was posthumously awarded the title of Marquis of Changhua. Shao Taipo (Empress Dowager Shao) and her children included Shao Zong, Shao An, Shao Mao, Shao Jie (Marquis of Changhua), Shao Xuan, Shao Xi (Marquis of Changhua), Shao Hui (Marquis of Changhua), and Shao Xuan.