Li Wei

Li Wei (1527–1583), courtesy name Shiqi, pseudonym Yizhai, was a native of Hu County. He was an in-law of the Ming Dynasty. He was the father of Empress Dowager Xiaoding, father-in-law of Emperor Mu of Ming, and great-grandfather of Emperor Shenzong of Ming. His ancestral home was in Yingcheng County, Pingyang Prefecture (present-day Yingcheng City, Shanxi Province).

In the early Yongle period, Li Wei’s great-grandfather Li Zheng registered his family in Shuntian Prefecture, Tongzhou, Hu County, during the Jingnan Campaign. When Li Wei’s family was four years old, they moved to Beijing. His eldest son, Li Wensong, served as an eunuch; his eldest daughter became a palace maid and later became a concubine of Prince Yu Zhu Zai Ji, the future Emperor Shenzong of Ming, with whom she bore the emperor.

In 1566, Prince Yu ascended the throne, and Li Wei was appointed as a supervisor of the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard). In the ninth year of Wanli (1571), he was promoted to Marquis of Wuqing; in the tenth year (1572), he was further titled Marquis of Wuqing. That same year, the crown prince was born. Li Wei received a royal pardon, and his official rank was elevated. His third son, Li Wenguan, and fourth son, Li Wengui, were promoted to Left Grand Commander, while his second son, Li Wensong, was promoted to a commanding officer.

Li Wei actively participated in the grand ceremonies in the capital and in garden construction projects. Tsinghua Garden in Haidian District was praised as “the first famous garden of the capital.” Under the management of Empress Dowager Xiaoding, Li Wei sometimes made mistakes. The Empress Dowager summoned him into the palace and admonished him sincerely, emphasizing the principle of impartiality and not favoring relatives.

Among Li Wei’s family members, his eldest son, Li Wenzuan, inherited his title during Wanli’s reign; his second son, Li Wengui, served as a central military governor; and his third son, Li Wensong, was a commanding officer. His eldest daughter was Empress Dowager Xiaoding. His wife, Lady Wang, was honored as Madam.

His grandchildren included Li Mingcheng, who inherited the marquisate and was promoted to noble marquis; his great-grandsons Li Guochen, Li Guorui, and the fifth-generation descendant Li Cunsan, all held official positions or inherited noble titles during the late Ming and early Qing periods.