The world of ancient warfare was the epitome of the traditional concept of
masculinity. The term warrior often brings to mind hulking men with swords,
rather than Xena-like warrior princesses. However, throughout ancient and
imperial Chinese history, several women challenged this deeply rooted
patriarchal system and kicked-ass while doing so. From prostitutes and slaves to
princesses and nuns, these female military generals of China changed the course
of history.
The military history of ancient and imperial China extends back several
millennia, from the Pre-Warring States to the Qing Dynasty. In 1700 BCE, China
began expanding its power along the Yellow River. In the following thousands
upon thousands of years, wars, battles, skirmishes, and rebellions shaped China
into its modern state. Only a handful of women are recorded as active
participants in the blood and gore of the battles. Few women defied the
traditional role of obedient housewife and caring mother. Yet, the role of woman
cannot be overlooked in China's military conquests. As early as the Shang
Dynasty (1700 BCE-1027 BCE) women generals have been recorded taking up arms in
defense of China.
One of the earliest records of female warriors comes from oracle bones found
in a tomb. The bones told the forgotten story of a ruthless military general of
the Shang Dynasty (1700 BCE- 1027 BCE). The warrior was 妇好 (Fù Hǎo), queen
consort of King Wu Ding, high priestess, and military leader. In the era of the
Pre-Warring States, 妇好 defended the Shang in several battles. At the time of her
death, she was the first female Chinese soldier to be buried with the highest
military honors.
In the Spring and Autumn Era (770 BCE-221 BCE), 越女 (Yuènnǚ) marked a place
for women in the tradition of swordsmanship. The King of the Yue state bestowed
the title the Lady of Yue or the Lady of the Southern Forest, after witnessing
越女 prowess with a sword. She became teacher and mentor, sharing techniques that
influenced Chinese martial arts for the coming centuries.
History waits hundreds of years before another female military general
emerges. From the time of Lady Yue, until the next female military leader, China
goes through eight different ruling eras: the Qin Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty.
Around 618 BCE, the dynastic forcibly changes hangs once more. The emergence of
the Tang Dynasty can be largely accredited to 平阳公主 (Píngyáng Gōngzhǔ). The
daughter of 李淵 (Liyuān), soon to be 唐高祖 (Táng gāozǔ) or Emperor Tang, led the
army that defeated the Sui Dynasty. Princess Tang formed the 娘子軍 (Niángzǐjūn) or
Army of the Lady, gathering thousands of men to fight in the name of her
father.
The Northern Song Dynasty is marked by a conflict between the Song Dynasty
and the northern armies of the Jin Dynasty (1115 BCE–1234 BCE.) 梁红玉 developed
her martial arts skills as a slave, working as a female wrestler. Eventually,
she married the general 韓世忠 (Hánshìzhōng). She proved her military knowledge and
skill through successfully executing war strategies, winning battle after
battle. She earned the distinction of a title separate from her husband, Noble
Lady of Yang, 杨国夫人 (Yáng guó fūrén,) which was extremely rare during that time
period. 梁红玉 continued to fight along side legends, such as General 岳飞 (Yuèfēi),
until she heroically died in battle in 1135 BCE.
The Ming Dynasty (1368 BCE-1644 BCE) boasts several warrior ladies. 林四娘
(Línsìniang) lived as a prostitute on the banks of the Qinhuai River. 林四娘 was
also adept at martial arts. Drawing the attention of the king Zhu Changsu, he
asked 林四娘 to become his royal concubine and teach his other concubines martial
arts, essentially forming a harem that served as woman's army to protect the
king. During a siege that jeopardized the king's life, 林四娘 and her troops
sacrificed their lives to save the king.
While 林四娘 saved her prince, 唐賽兒 (Táng sài er) fought to save peasants from a
tyrannical rule. The peasants were forced into slave-like labor, under the rule
of an early Ming emperor. 唐賽兒 killed the emperor's envoy, causing him to send
his army after her. 唐賽兒 outwitted and escaped the army, but her life after the
escape is lost to history.
吳梅 (Wú Méi) was a nun in the Qing Dynasty (1644BCE-1911 BCE) who mastered the
art of Shaolin martial arts. A member of the Legendary Five Elders, 少林五祖
(Shàolín wǔ zǔ), who survived the destruction of 少林寺 (Shàolín Sì) or the Shaolin
Temple in the Qing Dynasty. 吳梅 created several styles of martial arts, including
Wu Mei Pai or Wu Mei Style. She is also credited with establishing the Five
Pattern Style, 五形洪拳 (Wǔ xíng hóng quán).
These woman heroes were truly the stuff of legends. Through carving their own
path in life, they shaped history. In a time when violence was considered the
archetype masculinity, they showed that feminism, nationalism and violence could
form a potent mix.