Poetry has long been a revered art form in Chinese culture, reflecting personal expression and societal values. While women’s voices were often overlooked in early literary history, Lady Xu Mu (690-610 BCE) emerged as a pioneering figure. She is celebrated as the first female poet in Chinese history, with her renowned poem Zai Chi (Driving My Chariot) preserved in the Classic of Poetry (Shijing), a foundational text of Chinese literature written by Confucius.
A woman of wisdom in troubled times
Xu Mu was born during a turbulent era in the Zhou Dynasty in the small state of Wei. Though Wei’s founding ruler, Kang Shu Feng, the ninth son of King Wen of Zhou, established a legacy of virtue and prosperity, this foundation had crumbled by Xu Mu’s time. Generations of weak leadership had left Wei politically fragile and exposed to the chaos of a fractured and conflict-ridden era.
Xu Mu grew up deeply concerned about her homeland’s declining safety and stability. Renowned for her exceptional beauty, rulers from the neighboring states of Xu and Qi sought her hand in marriage. While weighing the proposals, she observed: “The state of Xu is weak and distant; Qi is strong and nearby. In these turbulent times, strength determines dominance. If our borders face invasion, I could quickly seek aid from a powerful ally like Qi. But if we reject a strong neighbor for a weaker, distant ally, who will protect Wei in times of war?”
Sadly, her advice fell on deaf ears. Tempted by Xu’s wealth, her father married her to the weaker state. As she feared, Wei soon faced a dire crisis.
A nation in crisis and a woman’s resolve
After her marriage, Xu Mu’s cousin, Wei Yigong, ascended to the throne of Wei. He neglected state affairs, indulging instead in an obsession with cranes. These birds, lavishly pampered, were given titles and rations befitting government officials — some even enjoyed privileges equivalent to those of ministers. When Yigong ventured out, his entourage included “Crane Generals” perched on carriages.
In 660 BCE, the nomadic Red Di tribe launched a devastating invasion against Wei. When Yigong, the ruler of Wei, attempted to rally his citizens to defend the state, they mocked him, sarcastically suggesting he send his “Crane Generals” into battle. Outnumbered and abandoned, Yigong’s forces were swiftly overwhelmed, leading to his brutal death. Wei was left in ruins. Its land was ravaged, and its people scattered.
Hearing of her homeland’s fall, Lady Xu Mu was devastated. She longed to return, to mount a horse, and lead a charge to reclaim her country. Initially, she sought help from her husband, the ruler of Xu, but he refused to act. Undeterred, she persuaded the court to let her seek aid elsewhere.
Accompanied by a handful of loyal companions, Lady Xu Mu journeyed to Cao Yi, where the remnants of the Wei royal family and her brother, the newly crowned Duke Dai, had taken refuge. Wasting no time, she distributed supplies to relieve the suffering of refugees upon her arrival, then turned her attention to strategizing the restoration of her fallen homeland.
A poet’s voice of defiance
Lady Xu Mu’s determination was met with resistance. Some Xu officials criticized her as reckless, while others mocked her efforts as futile. Undeterred, she stood firm and channeled her resolve into Zai Chi (Driving My Chariot), a powerful poem that conveyed her unshakable commitment and sorrow for her homeland:
I drive my chariot to seek aid from great powers.
Who else can I rely on?
Honorable gentlemen of Xu,
Do not reproach me anymore.
Even with a hundred schemes,
You cannot surpass my determination to act.
Her persistence bore fruit. Through her advocacy, Qi’s Duke Huan sent troops to aid Wei, including 3,000 soldiers and 300 chariots, led by his son Wu Kui. The state of Xu and other allies also joined the campaign. Together, they decisively defeated the Red Di forces, reclaimed Wei’s territory, and set the stage for its restoration. Two years later, Wei rebuilt its capital at Chuqiu, reclaiming its position among the states of the Zhou Dynasty.
Legacy of a heroine
Lady Xu Mu’s fame in ancient China stemmed from her poetic achievements, extraordinary courage, love for her homeland, and unwavering commitment to justice. She demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skill and personal resolve, securing her place in history as a national heroine.
Her contributions went beyond saving Wei. The Wei region was a cradle of Chinese traditional culture. Had it fallen to the uncultured Red Di tribe, the cultural continuity of the Central Plains might have been irreparably disrupted, affecting the evolution of Chinese civilization itself. Lady Xu Mu’s efforts preserved not only her homeland but also a crucial link in the development of Huaxia culture, safeguarding the very foundations of Chinese heritage for future generations.
Her legacy reminds us that beauty and talent are magnified with courage and selflessness. Through her words and actions, Lady Xu Mu became a beacon of resilience, embodying the spirit of determination and unwavering patriotism that continues to inspire generations.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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