Zhong Shixiong's mother is from Linhe, with the surname Jiang. Zhong Shixiong served as the Fubo General in the Chen state. The Emperor of Chen feared that Zhong Shixiong, a chieftain in Lingnan, might rebel, so he detained Lady Jiang in the capital. Later, Prince Jin pacified Jiangnan and sought to win Zhong Shixiong over with favors, so he allowed Lady Jiang to return to her hometown in Linhe. Consequently, rebels from Zhong Shixiong's hometown of Linhe, including Yu Zimao and Zhong Wenhua, attacked the city and even sent people to invite Zhong Shixiong to join the rebellion. Just as Zhong Shixiong was about to agree, his mother, Lady Jiang, said, "I have suffered in Jiankang (Yangdu) before. Now that we are in a peaceful era and reunited, I can never repay the Emperor's grace in my lifetime. How can we rebel again? If you act like a beast, without morals, and ungrateful, I will commit suicide in front of you!" Upon hearing this, Zhong Shixiong abandoned the idea of rebellion. Lady Jiang also wrote to Yu Zimao and the others, advising them against rebellion and warning them of its consequences. Yu Zimao did not listen and was later defeated by the officials. Upon learning of Lady Jiang's actions, the Emperor was deeply moved and bestowed upon her the title of Lady of Anle County. Next, we have the story of a widow named Hu from Yinzhou. It is unknown which family she married into, but she was very ambitious and held in high regard by the local elite. During the turmoil in Jiangnan, she urged her relatives and friends to secure strategic positions and refrain from participating in the rebellion, and was later granted the title of Lady of Miling County.
There was also a devoted daughter-in-law named Qin from the Zhong family of Shangjun. She got married to her husband not long before he died, when she was only eighteen years old. She served her mother-in-law with great devotion and was well-known for it. Within a few years, her mother-in-law and uncles passed away in quick succession. Qin's family was impoverished and could not afford funerals. She lived frugally, working tirelessly day and night spinning and weaving, and saved money for ten years to hold funerals for eight people. The villagers held her in high regard. When the emperor heard about it, he rewarded her with one hundred shi of rice and erected a chastity monument at her doorstep.
Lastly, there was the mother of Yuan Wuguang, from the Lu family of Fanyang. She loved reading from a young age and her conduct was exemplary. After her husband died, she raised several young children alone. The family struggled financially, and the children could not afford an education. Madam Lu took it upon herself to teach the children to read and instill in them the principles of good character, and everyone praised her. During the Ren Shou era, Prince Han Liang led a rebellion and sent General Qi Liang to Shandong to seize territory. Qi Liang asked Yuan Wuguang to be his aide. After Qi Liang was defeated, the governor of Cizhou, Shangguan Zheng, searched Yuan Wuguang's home and came across Madam Lu. He became infatuated with her and attempted to coerce her. Madam Lu vowed not to yield, and Shangguan Zheng, a ruthless man, became enraged and burned her with a candle. Madam Lu stood firm and refused to yield.
Pei Lun's wife was a young lady from the Liu family in Hedong, and she was well-educated from a young age. As the Sui Dynasty was nearing its end, Pei Lun was appointed magistrate of Wei Yuan County. During Xue Ju's rebellion, the county was besieged by bandits, and Pei Lun was unfortunately killed. At that time, Mrs. Liu was forty, and she had two daughters and a daughter-in-law, all of whom were beautiful. Mrs. Liu said to them, "We are facing war and chaos, your father has died, and I know I cannot fully protect you. Our family has always been honorable and must not be dishonored by those bandits. I intend to die with you. What do you think?" Her daughters and daughter-in-law wept and replied, "We will follow you." Mrs. Liu then jumped into the well to take her own life, and her daughters and daughter-in-law followed suit, all perishing in the well.
Zhao Yuankai's wife is a young lady from the Cui family of Qinghe. Her father, Cui Lan, was recorded in "Literature Transmission." The Cui family has always upheld strict values, and their children are very well-mannered. Zhao Yuankai's father is a high-ranking official, wealthy and values social status, so he married her with a generous dowry. Zhao Yuankai holds Mrs. Cui in high regard; even at private banquets, he conducts himself with decorum in speech, behavior, and attire, adhering to proper etiquette. After the war ended, Zhao Yuankai followed the army to Hebei, preparing to return to Chang'an. When he reached Fukou, he was ambushed by bandits who tried to rob him, but he narrowly escaped with his life. Mrs. Cui was captured by the bandits, who wanted to force her into marriage. Mrs. Cui said to the bandits, "I am the daughter of a scholar-official and the daughter-in-law of a high-ranking official. Today, with my family destroyed and loved ones dead, I would rather die. I will never agree to be your wife!" The bandits tore her clothes, bound her naked body to the bed, intending to violate her. Fearing defilement, Mrs. Cui cleverly deceived them, saying, "I have no strength to resist now; do as you wish, I dare not resist. Please untie me first." The bandits, taken by surprise, quickly released her. Mrs. Cui immediately put on her clothes, picked up the bandit's knife, stood by a tree, defiantly proclaiming, "If you want to kill me, then come at me with your sword! If you want me dead, then come at me!" The bandits, enraged, shot her with arrows. Later, Zhao Yuankai tracked down his wife's murderer, dismembered him, and used his remains to honor Mrs. Cui's spirit.
Historians say that regarding women's virtues, people often think that gentleness and obedience are the most important qualities, but this only reflects a mediocre understanding, falling short of the highest ideals. To possess true foresight and insight, to have a steadfast character and unwavering will, to live only for justice, if you look through history, you'll find that every era has had such women! Princess Lanling's character is more steadfast than a cold pine tree, Princess Nanyang's resolve is harder than stone, the loyalty and bravery of Xi Lao and the devoted daughters, as well as the sincerity of the two mothers, Cui and Feng, would make those who pride themselves on bravery feel ashamed, and those who consider themselves noble feel inferior. The stories of Princess Xiangcheng, Lady Huayang, Pei Lun, and Lady Yuankai, they have all experienced hardships and difficulties, encountered unfavorable situations, yet willingly shared both joys and hardships with their husbands, never wavering in their aspirations despite the hardships. Their wills are as unyielding as frost, and their words and deeds are as bright and upright as the sun. Even the oaths of Gong Jiang celebrated in the Book of Songs and the chastity of Bo Ji noted in the Zuo Zhuan cannot compare to these women.
