Empress Ma

Empress Xiaocigao, born on 18 July 1332 and deceased on 23 September 1382, was an imperial consort of the Ming dynasty. She was the principal wife of Zhu Yuanzhang, who later became the Hongwu Emperor. Her personal name is believed to have been Ma Xiuying, though this name is not recorded in official historical texts such as the History of Ming.

Born in Suzhou, she came from a modest background. Her mother, surnamed Zheng, died during her youth. Her father, who had fled to Dingyuan in modern-day Anhui Province after killing a man, became acquainted with Guo Zixing, the founder of the Red Turban army, who was affluent and influential. Following her father's death, she was adopted by Guo Zixing, allowing her access to education and the opportunity to study literature and history—an uncommon privilege for women of her social status at the time.

During the Red Turban Rebellion, Zhu Yuanzhang sought refuge under Guo Zixing’s command. In 1352, Guo Zixing married her to Zhu Yuanzhang. An anecdote from this period describes her secretly sharing hot cakes with Zhu Yuanzhang during a famine, which resulted in her burning her chest but allowed Zhu to satisfy his hunger. This act of charity was later praised by Zhu Yuanzhang when he ascended the throne.

Lady Ma actively supported her adopted family's military campaigns, participating in efforts to manage their affairs and care for soldiers’ families. During the Battle of Lake Poyang in 1363, she played a supportive role, providing supplies and encouragement to soldiers amid distress.

Zhu Yuanzhang ascended to the throne as Emperor on 23 January 1368 and appointed her as empress. Posthumously, her family was honored with titles: her father was given the title Prince of Xu, and her mother became Duchess of Xu. Despite her elevation, she chose not to have her relatives inherit significant political power.

As empress, she was recognized for her virtue, frugality, and charity. She continued to wear simple clothing and supported orphans and widows through donations and assistance. She maintained harmonious relations with her husband’s consorts and implemented educational initiatives for imperial children, including overseeing their instruction in etiquette.

Initially, the Hongwu Emperor limited women's political involvement, but Empress Ma advocated for engaged participation. Her protests and efforts led to the emperor permitting her to influence state affairs, and she advised and restrained him from acts of injustice. She promoted policies favoring the welfare of common people, including tax reductions and the creation of food granaries.

In her final illness during the eighth month of the 15th year of Hongwu's reign, she expressed acceptance of fate but urged her husband to govern diligently. She died at age 51 and was interred at Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing. Following her death, the Hongwu Emperor wept and refused to appoint another empress, leaving the palace under the management of concubines. Her posthumous title was Empress Xiaoci Zhenhua Zheshun Renhui Chengtian Yusheng Zhide Gao.

She had at least five sons and two daughters, according to official records. Her children included Zhu Biao, Crown Prince Yiwen; Zhu Shuang, Prince Min of Qin; Zhu Gang, Prince Gong of Jin; Zhu Di, the Yongle Emperor; and Zhu Su, Prince Ding of Zhou. The records of her offspring are complex and subject to scholarly debate, with some sources suggesting she only gave birth to two daughters and that her five sons were possibly adopted or raised by her.

Throughout history, her figure has been portrayed in various cultural works, including television dramas, novels, and other media, often emphasizing her virtues and influence during her husband's reign.