Zhou Neng

Zhou Neng, courtesy name Tingju, whose birth and death dates are unknown, was from Changping County, Shuntian Prefecture, Hebei. He was an in-law of the Ming Dynasty and the maternal grandfather of Emperor Xianzong. His grandfather was Zhou Deqing, his grandmother was Lady Du, his father was Zhou Fushan, and his mother was Lady Guo. Zhou Neng's daughter, Lady Zhou, became the favored concubine of Emperor Yingzong of Ming, and bore his son, Zhu Jianshen. After Emperor Yingzong's restoration to the throne, Zhou Neng was appointed as a Qianhu of the Jinyiwei (Emperor's Secret Police), and received generous rewards. After Zhou Neng's death, his eldest son, Zhou Shou, inherited his official position.

When Zhu Jianshen ascended to the throne as Emperor Xianzong, Lady Zhou (the "Guifei" or noble consort) was posthumously honored as Empress Xiaosu. Emperor Xianzong also appointed Zhou Neng's brother-in-law, Zhou Shou, as Commander General of the Left Office. In the 11th month of the third year of the Chenghua era (1467), Zhou Shou was bestowed the title of Earl of Qingyun. In April of the fourth year of Chenghua (1468), Zhou Neng was posthumously promoted to Marquis of Qingyun. In December of the 17th year of Chenghua (1481), he was posthumously promoted to Grand Tutor and Duke of Ningguo, with the posthumous title Rongjing. His wife, Lady Zhen, was posthumously honored as Duchess of Ningguo.