Wang Ningpin

Wang Ningpin, born approximately in the 16th century and died in 1542, was a concubine of Emperor Ming Shizong Zhu Houcong of the Ming Dynasty. She was related to Wang Chou, a deputy commander of the Jinyiwei (Imperial Knights Guard). She played a key role in the palace mutiny of the 21st year of Jiajing (1542). Details of her exact entry into the palace are not recorded. According to the "History of Ming," in January of the 19th year of Jiajing (1540), Lady Wang was titled Hui Fei (Concubine Hui), and was soon promoted to Ning Pin (Ning Consort). The enthronement ceremony was conducted by high officials such as Duke Yiguo Guo Xun. In the same year, Wang Chou was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Jinyiwei.

The palace mutiny occurred on October 21, 1542, during the 21st year of Jiajing. Palace women, including Yang Jinying, secretly plotted to assassinate the emperor. They mistakenly tied a rope into a noose, which was used as a live example of execution, but Emperor Jiajing was saved. It was later confirmed that Wang Ningpin was involved in the conspiracy, and during the palace interrogation, she was identified as one of the main conspirators. Subsequently, several palace women were executed, causing a great shock throughout the court. According to the "Shengchao Tongshi Shiyi" (Incomplete History of Shengchao) and other historical sources, after the incident, Emperor Jiajing recovered from his illness, and issued an edict to thank Heaven and Earth deities for their protection, as well as to punish those involved in the conspiracy.

After the mutiny, Emperor Jiajing tasked officials with sacrifices to the gods, acknowledging divine protection, and announced the executions of those involved. The "History of Ming" records that Concubine Cao Dun and Wang Ningpin were both sentenced to public execution by drawing and quartering in the marketplace. According to later Ming scholar Sun Chengze’s research, stone steles unearthed in the Wanhua area in the late Ming period suggest that Wang Ningpin and Concubine Cao Dun, who had been executed, were buried there, and these graves are not related to Emperor Jianwen Zhu Yunwen.

There are no detailed records regarding Wang's origins or her entry into the palace. She was known for her gentle and respectful nature and was diligent in serving, which led to her being granted the title Ning Pin. Her official biography states that she was “calm and consistent, respectful and gentle,” and she continued her service in the palace year after year. She was subsequently bestowed titles such as Hui Fei, Rong Pin, Zhao Pin, and Ning Pin. Most of the information about her focuses on the palace mutiny and its aftermath.