Zhou Kui

Zhou Kui, courtesy name Yunlu, was a native of Shuntian Prefecture. He was the father of Empress Zhou of Emperor Chongzhen. In his early years, he made a living through fortune-telling and practicing medicine. His daughter was chosen as the primary consort of Prince Xin after Emperor Chongzhen ascended the throne. Following his accession, Emperor Chongzhen appointed Zhou Kui as a noble and granted him the title of Jiadin Marquis, along with residence in Fengmen, Suzhou. His family once had female musicians; Chen Yuanyuan was a member of the Zhou family troupe. Zhou Kui was known for his stinginess. In the seventeenth year of Chongzhen (1644), he was ordered to contribute funds. After extensive mobilization, he reluctantly donated 12,000 taels of silver. After the fall of Beijing, Zhou Kui and his family were detained by the Dazong government. His wife and daughter-in-law were forced to commit suicide; his eldest son was executed. Zhou Kui himself, his second son, and his nephew endured severe torture, ultimately surrendering 700,000 taels of silver and all family possessions. The site of the Suzhou Weaving Office is located in Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was established at Zhou Kui's former residence as the Suzhou Weaving Department.