Ma Lian

Ma Ying-jeou, born on July 13, 1950, at Guanghua Hospital in Hong Kong, is a former leader of Taiwan. He is the 69th generation descendant of the Ma family clan, belonging to the "Fufeng" branch of the Ma lineage, with ancestors tracing back to Zhao She, a famous general of the Zhao State during the Warring States period. The Ma family originates from notable figures in Chinese history such as Zhao Guo in ancient times and Ma Yuan, a famous general during the Han Dynasty. Over thousands of years, the family lineage has migrated and prospered, with genealogical records indicating their origins in Xigang Township, Yongxin County, Jiangxi Province.

In terms of family background, Ma Ying-jeou's father was Ma Heling, his mother was Qin Houxiu, and his grandfather was Ma Li'an. Ma Li'an was a deeply influenced traditional Chinese gentry, born during the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi era (around 1868), in Ma Jiayan Tan Kou Village, Baishipu Township, Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. Orphaned early in life, Ma Li'an became an apprentice at a small cooking pot factory operated by his uncle in front of a Buddhist temple at age 12. He later started his own business, gradually expanding into the trade of kitchenware, farming tools, and grain processing and transportation, becoming a well-known wealthy merchant and local gentry.

Ma Li'an enjoyed great respect in his local community, earning the reputation of a "gentry". He was charitable, donating funds to build docks, bridges, charitable ferries, and infants' clinics. His family also organized local militia to defend the village, earning the title "Number One Regiment of Xiangzhong." The family's migration history is complex; genealogies show that their ancestors originated from Zhao She, who later changed his surname to Ma during the late Warring States period. This lineage also includes Ma Yuan, a famed general of the Han Dynasty. After numerous migrations, the family ultimately settled in Hunan.

Ma Ying-jeou's ancestral home is in Yongxin County, Jiangxi Province. His lineage spread through migration to Hunan, Fujian, and Taiwan. Records indicate that ancestors participated in Zhu Yuanzhang’s Red Turban Army, aiding in ending southern wars, and many family members served important roles throughout dynasties such as Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, with numerous members making notable contributions in politics, military affairs, and culture.

Born in Hong Kong, Ma Ying-jeou moved with his family to Taiwan in 1951. He leads a modest family life; his spouse is Chou Mei-ching, and they have children. As a politician, he demonstrates cautious and pragmatic approaches toward public affairs and family matters, influenced by traditional family values recorded in his genealogical history. The family genealogy was revised and finalized in 2005, confirming that his ancestors originated from Xigang in Yongxin County, Jiangxi, underscoring the long-standing heritage of his lineage.