The Four Great Beauties Who Took Over Chinese History

Việt Nam•27/08/2024

Throughout China's millennia-long history, the story of the four "nation-shattering" beauties has become a famous legend, passed down to this day.

Xi Shi (approximately 7th - 6th century BC)

According to SCMP, legend has it that Xi Shi She was a Vietnamese woman who grew up during the Spring and Autumn period (770 - 481 BC). She lived during a turbulent time in history. China played a crucial role in the collapse of a dynasty.

At that time, King Fuchai of Wu led his army to conquer the State of Yue. King Goujian of Yue was defeated and retreated to Mount Huiji (now in Zhejiang Province), where he had to hand over his wife to the King of Wu as a hostage to sue for peace.

Later, the Vietnamese court officials wanted to use a beauty scheme to eliminate the King of Wu. They chose the beautiful Xi Shi to teach her singing and dancing... After entering the palace, she quickly became the king's favorite concubine. The king became infatuated with Xi Shi and neglected his duties.

A painting of Xi Shi, one of the Four Great Beauties of Chinese history. Photo: Sohu

Fu Sai disregarded all consequences and built an expensive palace for Xi Shi, weakening the Wu state's financial resources. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Yue state attacked Wu and regained power.

Legend says that Xi Shi was torn between her love for Fu Chai and her loyalty to her homeland. Ultimately, she chose to end her life by suicide.

Wang Zhaojun (circa 50 BC)

Wang Zhaojun grew up in an aristocratic family during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 9 AD), possessing exceptional beauty and mastery of the pipa, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

Later, she entered the palace and became a concubine, but never met Emperor Han Yuan (reigned 48–33 BC). Photo: Hangout

Emperor Han Yuan selected his concubines for intimacy based on portraits. At that time, Wang Zhaojun did not bribe the painters like the other concubines, so she was deliberately painted in an unflattering style. Emperor Ignored many times.

During this period, the imperial court struggled to maintain peace with the nomadic tribes of the North. The Xiongnu leader, Hu Hanta, sought to form a marriage alliance with a princess of Emperor Han Yuan.

Emperor Han Yuan did not want to marry off his daughter, so he planned to find the ugliest woman in the harem to be her substitute. That woman happened to be Wang Zhaojun.

On the wedding day, the Emperor was surprised and captivated by Wang Zhaojun's beauty, regretting his decision but unable to do anything about it. She reluctantly became a sacrifice for the peace of the country.

Diao Chan (2nd century)

According to SCMP, Diao Chan had a mysterious background in Chinese history. Her real name was never mentioned. "Diao Chan" was merely a stage name, referring to her jade jewelry and luxurious clothing made from mink fur.

Historical records indicate that Diao Chan was a courtesan, or rather, a prostitute who provided entertainment for the notorious powerful official Dong Zhuo (140-192), who was famous for his cruelty and ambition to become Emperor during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). He relied heavily on his talented adopted son, Lu Bu.

Unfortunately, Lu Bu fell in love with Diao Chan. Fearing his foster father's discovery, Lu Bu assassinated Dong Zhuo in 192. Thanks to this, the Eastern Han dynasty avoided its downfall at the hands of a tyrannical and arrogant minister.

Yang Guifei (719 - 756)

Yang Guifei lived during the height of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). She was a concubine greatly favored by Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712-756). Because of this, members of her family were also promoted and held important positions in the court.

In this period, An Lộc Sơn, recommended by Yang Guifei, commanded an army of 200,000 men, ultimately plotting against the Emperor. An Lộc Sơn's army captured the capital, Chang'an, forcing the Emperor to flee. At this time, the imperial family, disillusioned, blamed Yang Guifei for bewitching Emperor Xuanzong, causing him to neglect state affairs.

The imperial guards swore not to protect the Tang dynasty while Yang Guifei was alive. Therefore, the Emperor was forced to order her and her cousin's execution.

Later, Emperor Xuanzong's son regained the throne, restored the Tang dynasty, and brought his father back to the palace. According to legend, Xuanzong had a portrait of Yang Guifei painted and hung it in a small room in the palace, often visiting it to remember her.

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