Fan Ji, the beloved queen of King Zhuang of Chu, stood out among his many consorts for her wisdom and virtue. Her unique approach to royal life earned her the position of primary queen and the deep respect of one of China’s most accomplished rulers.
When King Zhuang announced a contest to choose his primary queen, asking each consort to present a gift that best met his needs, Fan Ji took an unconventional approach. While others scrambled to prepare lavish presents, she arrived empty-handed. When questioned, she replied: “Your Majesty, forgive my directness, but I never considered preparing a gift. You said the gift should be what you need most right now. Besides selecting a primary queen, is there anything more important?” Impressed by her insight, King Zhuang chose Fan Ji as his primary queen.
Neglected beauty under the stars
Early in his reign, King Zhuang neglected state affairs, indulging in wine and revelry all night. Despite Fan Ji’s repeated admonitions, he persisted in his ways. In response, she stopped grooming herself, explaining to the puzzled king: “With the kingdom’s future so dim due to your neglect, how can I find the spirit to beautify myself?”
Struck by her words, the king vowed to reform, though his old habits soon returned. Undeterred, Fan Ji would climb a high platform built in the southern city wall of Jinan every evening, combing her hair and adorning herself in fine clothes. When King Zhuang inquired about this odd habit, she replied: “You promised to focus on governing, yet you disregard your word to me. Why should I beautify myself for someone who doesn’t care? I’d rather let the stars and moon appreciate me.” Moved by her dedication, King Zhuang recommitted himself to his royal duties.
A shift from the hunt
Before King Zhuang ascended to the throne, he was fond of hunting, a pursuit that Fan Ji knew could distract him from governing. When her words failed to dissuade him, she took action by refusing to eat meat from hunted animals. This silent protest eventually convinced the king to redirect his energy toward statecraft.
The peril of music
King Zhuang was once gifted with a legendary zither. Captivated by its sound, he neglected his duties for seven days and spent his time immersed in music. Concerned, Fan Ji admonished him, comparing his obsession to the downfall of previous rulers seduced by pleasures. Ashamed of his behavior, King Zhuang had the instrument destroyed to remove temptation.
Choosing virtue over beauty
Understanding the risks of a monarch’s obsession with beauty, Fan Ji took it upon herself to find women of good character across the land to serve the king. Her selections, known for their virtue and beauty, ensured the king was surrounded by goodness, earning his profound respect and further endearment.
Challenging royal favoritism
King Zhuang once skipped meals and sleep while engaged in discussions with a minister he admired, Yu Qiu Zi. Fan Ji intervened. She pointed out that while she had spent years finding worthy consorts for the king, Yu Qiuzi had only promoted his own family members in his decade as chancellor. Fan Ji argued that true loyalty meant promoting the most qualified individuals, not just one’s allies. Her words made King Zhuang reconsider his choices and ultimately appoint the capable minister Sun Shouao, who helped Chu rise to great power.
A lasting legacy
Fan Ji’s influence on King Zhuang of Chu lasted throughout their 30-year marriage and beyond. The king refused to alter her quarters even a decade after her death. The great Tang Dynasty statesman Zhang Yue praised her: “Chu’s rise to power owed much to Fan Ji’s efforts.” Fan Ji earned the enduring love and respect of one of China’s greatest rulers of the Spring and Autumn period through her wisdom and virtue.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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