Queen Mengyao (赵王后孟姚 / 吴娃, Triệu vương hậu Mạnh Dao / Ngô Oa; d. c. 301 BC), was the beloved queen consort of the legendary military reformer King Wuling of Zhao (King Wuling) and the mother of King Huiwen of Zhao.
Famed in classical historical annals for her dazzling beauty and sweet modesty, she was known affectionately as ‘Wu Wa’ (吴娃 — The Maiden of Wu). King Wuling fell so passionately in love with her that he composed poems for her in Handan. Following her early death, King Wuling’s deep devotion to her memory led him to make the fateful political error of demoting his elder crown prince Zhao Zhang and naming Mengyao’s son Zhao He as heir, directly causing the bloody Sand丘 Palace coup (沙丘之乱) in 295 BC that resulted in King Wuling’s starvation.
Contents
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 43, House of Zhao): “King Wuling dreamed of a maiden singing by the river; when he met Mengyao, her face was that of his dream. He loved her above all others, creating her Queen of Zhao.”
Queen Mengyao — Historical & Literary Timeline
Warring States
Beauty of Handan
Enters King Wuling’s inner palace; nicknamed Wu Wa for her grace.
c. 310 BC
Queen Consort of Zhao
Elevated to principal Queen of Zhao; gives birth to Zhao He.
c. 301 BC
Early Passing
Dies in Handan; King Wuling mourns her with eternal devotion.
299 BC
Son’s Succession
Her son ascends the throne as King Huiwen of Zhao.
Key Relationships
Family
- Husband King Wuling of Zhao (King Wuling): Legendary monarch who instituted ‘Hu Clothing and Horseback Archery’.
- Son King Huiwen of Zhao (赵惠文王 – Zhao He): Monarch of Zhao who employed Lin Xiangru and Lian Po.
- Step-Son Zhao Zhang (Lord Anyang): Elder prince demoted in favor of Mengyao’s son, sparking the Sand丘 coup.
Friends
- Court Ladies Consorts of Handan: Honored her gentle court demeanor.
Enemies
- Dynastic Strife Supporters of Zhao Zhang: Conspired against her son’s accession.
Other
- Chancellor of Zhao Fei Yi (肥义): Loyal tutor of her son King Huiwen.
In Shiji
The Song of the Maiden of Wu
“Beauty like fresh jade, voice like mountain strings; the memory of Mengyao lingered in Handan long after the autumn winds blew.”
Historical Nuance
Mengyao’s enchanting beauty captivated King Wuling, indirectly reshaping the succession of the Zhao Dynasty during the height of the Warring States period.