Qian Chu

2.1. Birth and Family

Qian Chu was born on September 29, 929 (8th month, 24th day of the lunar calendar) in the Gongchengtang (功臣堂_{Gōngchéntáng}^Chinese) in Hangzhou. He was the ninth son of Qian Yuanguan, the second king of Wuyue, who was posthumously known as King Wenmu. His mother was Lady Wu Hanyue, who was later honored as Gongyi Furen (恭懿夫人_{Gōngyì Fūrén}^Chinese). Among his notable siblings were his elder brothers Qian Hongzuo, who became the third king of Wuyue, and Qian Hongzong, who briefly served as the fourth king. His extended family, including many brothers, cousins, and nephews, played significant roles in governing the Wuyue kingdom, holding high positions in both civil and military administration.

2.2. Education and Early Career

Details regarding Qian Chu's specific education are limited in historical records, but his early career indicates a progression through military and administrative roles within the Wuyue government. In December 939, during his father's reign, he was appointed as the Internal Army Commander (内牙諸軍指揮使_{Nèiyá Zhūjūn Zhǐhuīshǐ}^Chinese) and Inspector-General of Sikong (検校司空_{Jiǎnjiào Sīkōng}^Chinese). Under the rule of his elder brother Qian Hongzuo, he was promoted to Inspector-General of Taiwei (検校太尉_{Jiǎnjiào Tàiwèi}^Chinese). In March 947, he was dispatched to Taizhou to serve as its Prefect (刺史_Cìshǐ^Chinese). During his time there, he met with the Buddhist monk Tiantai Deshao of the Fayan school, who advised him to return to Hangzhou promptly. Qian Chu followed this advice, returning to the capital in October of the same year, just before the political turmoil that would lead to his ascension.

3.1. Succession to the Throne

Qian Chu ascended to the throne under turbulent circumstances. In December 947, his elder brother, Qian Hongzong, who had succeeded Qian Hongzuo, faced a rebellion led by the veteran general Hu Jinsi. Qian Hongzong's failure to maintain control over the military led to his deposition. Hu Jinsi then orchestrated the enthronement of Qian Chu, Qian Hongzong's younger half-brother, as the new King of Wuyue. Qian Chu officially took the throne in the Tianlong Hall in January 948. Initially, Hu Jinsi urged Qian Chu to assassinate the deposed Qian Hongzong to prevent any future challenges. However, Qian Chu tearfully refused this suggestion. Hu Jinsi then attempted to order Qian Hongzong's assassination through Xue Wen by falsely claiming it was a royal decree, but Xue Wen refused. Hu Jinsi subsequently died in distress. Qian Hongzong remained in confinement, where he composed poetry and drank, eventually dying in 971.

3.2. Wuyue's Governance and Policies

During Qian Chu's rule, Wuyue maintained its distinctive administrative and strategic approaches, which contributed to its relative stability and prosperity compared to other regional kingdoms of the era.

4.1. Submission to the Song Dynasty

When the Song Dynasty unified northern China in the 960s, Qian Chu reportedly adhered to the instructions of his ancestor, Qian Liu, who had advised submission as soon as a "true lord" appeared. In 960, the same year the Song dynasty was founded, Qian Chu formally submitted to Song, changing his name from Qian Hongchu to Qian Chu to observe the naming taboo of Emperor Taizu of Song's father, Zhao Hongyin. This early submission set a precedent for Wuyue's cooperative relationship with the Song court. In 968, the Song emperor again recognized him as the King of Wuyue, bestowing further imperial honors. In 977, the new emperor, Emperor Taizong of Song, granted Qian Chu the nominal titles of Chancellor, Chief Secretary, and Commander of All Horses and Soldiers Under Heaven.

4.2. Participation in Song Military Campaigns

Following his submission, Qian Chu consistently obeyed directives from the Song court, actively participating in the Song dynasty's military campaigns to annex other smaller southern kingdoms. In November 964, he dispatched Sun Chengyou, the brother of his consort Sun Taizhen, to participate in Song's campaign against Later Shu. Subsequently, Qian Chu frequently sent his crown prince, Qian Weijun, as his proxy to Kaifeng, the Song capital, to demonstrate his loyalty. Although he was ordered by Song in September 970 to participate in the campaign against Southern Han's Fuzhou, he was excused due to the long distance. In October 974, Qian Chu personally led Wuyue forces to join the Song's attack on Southern Tang, successfully capturing Changzhou by April of the following year. This participation underscored Wuyue's loyalty and contribution to the Song's unification efforts.

4.3. Donation of Territory and Life in the Song Dynasty

In May 978, Qian Chu made the momentous decision to voluntarily surrender Wuyue's territories-comprising 13 zhou, 1 jun, and 86 xian-to the Song dynasty. This "voluntary" surrender, possibly influenced by veiled threats from the Song court, protected the Wuyue region from the widespread devastation of war that befell other contemporary regimes during Song's unification campaigns. The region was thus able to maintain its sophisticated infrastructure and economic advantages, which had been meticulously developed throughout the Wuyue period. This preservation significantly contributed to the Yangtze Delta's enduring status as a major economic center of China, a legacy that continues to the present day.

To alleviate any suspicions from the northern Song court and prevent potential conflict, Qian Chu relocated to the Song capital, Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), accompanied by 3,000 members of his household. He nominally retained his title as a king, and his sons and many members of the Wuyue elite were granted various imperial posts and titles within the Song administration. Initially, Emperor Taizong of Song elevated the prefecture of Yangzhou to the nominal state of Huaihai (淮海_Huáihǎi^Chinese), installing Qian Chu as the King of Huaihai (淮海国王_{Huáihǎi Guówáng}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}). In December 984, Qian Chu's title was changed to King of Hannan (汉南国王_{Hànnán Guówáng}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}), with a smaller nominal fief. In February 987, he was further reduced to King of Nanyang (南阳国王_{Nányáng Guówáng}^{Chinese (Chinese characters)}), with the right to reside in Nanyang. However, immediately thereafter, he was also made Prince of Xu (许王_{Xǔ Wáng}^Chinese), with an enlarged fief. In February 988, Qian Chu lost his title as king and was instead made Prince of Deng (邓王_{Dèng Wáng}^Chinese), receiving a larger nominal fief and actual income.

Qian Chu reportedly enjoyed a good personal relationship with Emperor Taizong, frequently being summoned to the palace for banquets and ball games. On his 60th birthday (according to the Chinese calendar) on October 7, 988 (8th month, 24th day of the lunar calendar), Emperor Taizong sent him wine as a gift. After drinking the wine, Qian Chu became severely ill and died that night. He was granted a state funeral, posthumously elevated to King of Qin (秦国王_{Qín Guówáng}^Chinese), and buried near Luoyang.

5.1. Buddhist Faith and Patronage

Like his predecessors in Wuyue, Qian Chu was a deeply devout Buddhist. He invited the eminent monk Tiantai Deshao of the Fayan school to serve as his National Teacher (国师_Guóshī^Chinese) and received the Bodhisattva Precepts from him. He also invited Yongming Yanshou to the Yongming Temple (永明寺_{Yǒngmíng Sì}^Chinese, now Jingci Temple). Qian Chu actively promoted Buddhism through various initiatives, including the creation and distribution of Ashoka Pagodas, often referred to as "Qian Hongchu Pagodas" (錢弘俶塔_{Qián Hóngchù Tǎ}^Chinese), which were enshrined in various locations. He oversaw the founding of numerous temples, such as Konglü Temple (空律寺_{Kōnglǜ Sì}^Chinese), Lingzhi Temple (霊芝寺_{Língzhī Sì}^Chinese), Lingyin Temple (霊隠寺_{Língyǐn Sì}^Chinese), and Qianguangwang Temple (千光王寺_{Qiānguāngwáng Sì}^Chinese). His dedication extended to the preservation of Buddhist scriptures; he commissioned requests to Goryeo and Japan for lost Tiantai school texts. Furthermore, he encouraged some of his children to enter monastic life, demonstrating his profound commitment to the faith.


The renowned Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou was constructed on Qian Chu's orders. Historical accounts vary regarding its precise purpose: some state it was built to celebrate the conception of his son, while others suggest it was dedicated to his Consort Huang.

5.2. Literary Pursuits

Qian Chu also had a strong interest in literature, particularly poetry. He was known to enjoy writing poems, and at least one of his published works has survived to the present day, offering a glimpse into his personal reflections and artistic sensibilities.

6.1. Parents and Siblings

• Father:** Qian Yuanguan (銭元瓘_{Qián Yuánguàn}^Chinese, 887-941), posthumously known as King Wenmu (文穆王).
• Mother:** Lady Wu Hanyue (呉漢月_{Wú Hànyuè}^Chinese), posthumously known as Gongyi Furen (恭懿夫人_{Gōngyì Fūrén}^Chinese).
• Siblings:**
  • Qian Hongzuo (銭弘佐_{Qián Hóngzuǒ}^Chinese, 928-947), 3rd King of Wuyue, known as King Zhongxian (忠献王).
  • Qian Hongzong (銭弘倧_{Qián Hóngzōng}^Chinese, 928-971), 4th King of Wuyue, known as King Zhongxun (忠遜王).
  • Qian Hongchen (銭弘偡_{Qián Hóngzhǎn}^Chinese), 8th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Inspector-General of Sikong (検校司空_{Jiǎnjiào Sīkōng}^Chinese) in Wuyue.
  • Qian Hongyi (銭弘億_{Qián Hóngyì}^Chinese), 10th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Chancellor (丞相_Chéngxiàng^Chinese) in Wuyue.
  • Qian Hongyi (銭弘儀_{Qián Hóngyí}^Chinese), 11th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Jinzhou Observer (金州観察使_{Jīnzhōu Guānchásǐ}^Chinese) in Northern Song.
  • Qian Hongwo (銭弘偓_{Qián Hóngwò}^Chinese), 12th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Quzhou Prefect (衢州刺史_{Qúzhōu Cìshǐ}^Chinese) in Wuyue.
  • Qian Hongyang (銭弘仰_{Qián Hóngyǎng}^Chinese), 13th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Taizhou Prefect (台州刺史_{Táizhōu Cìshǐ}^Chinese) in Wuyue.
  • Qian Hongyan (銭弘儼_{Qián Hóngyǎn}^Chinese, also Qian Hongxin), 14th son of Qian Yuanguan, served as Suizhou Observer (随州観察使_{Suízhōu Guānchásǐ}^Chinese) in Northern Song.

6.2. Consorts and Children

Qian Chu had several consorts and numerous children, many of whom later served in the Song administration.

• Daughters:**
  • A daughter who married Pei Zuo (裴祚) of Hedong Circuit.
  • A daughter who married Yuan Xiangzong (元象宗) of Qiantang.
  • A daughter who married Shen Congji (慎从吉) of Runan.
  • A daughter who married Sun Bu (孙誧) of Fuchun.
  • A daughter who married Sun You (孙诱) of Fuchun.
  • A daughter who married Liu Mei (劉美), an imperial consort's relative in the Song dynasty.
  • Adopted Son:**
    • Qian Weizhi** (錢惟治_{Qián Wéizhì}^Chinese, 949 - 1019), the eldest son of Qian Hongzong. He was adopted by Qian Chu and served as Inspector-General of Taiwei (検校太尉_{Jiǎnjiào Tàiwèi}^Chinese) in Wuyue. Posthumously honored as Commandery Prince of Pengcheng (彭城郡王_{Péngchéng Jùnwáng}^Chinese).
      • Son: Qian Pi (銭丕_{Qián Pī}^Chinese), served as Guanglu Shaoqing (光禄少卿_{Guānglù Shàoqīng}^Chinese) in Northern Song.
      • Nephews:**
        • Qian Yu (銭昱_{Qián Yù}^Chinese), eldest son of Qian Hongzuo, served as Taizhou Cishi (台州刺史_{Táizhōu Cìshǐ}^Chinese) in Wuyue.
        • Qian Zhaodu (銭昭度), son of Qian Hongwo.
        • Qian Zhaoxu (銭昭序_{Qián Zhāoxù}^Chinese), son of Qian Hongyang, served as Zhitongli Jun (知通利軍_{Zhī Tōnglì Jūn}^Chinese) in Northern Song.

7.1. Historical Assessment

Qian Chu's historical assessment largely centers on his decision to peacefully surrender Wuyue to the Song dynasty in 978. This act is widely regarded as a sagacious move that spared the Wuyue region from the devastating warfare that characterized the unification of other southern kingdoms by the Song. By avoiding armed conflict, Qian Chu ensured the preservation of Wuyue's well-developed infrastructure, including its advanced irrigation systems, and its robust economic advantages, built up over decades of effective governance and international maritime trade. This peaceful transition allowed the Yangtze Delta to maintain its prosperity and continue its trajectory as a vital economic hub of China, a status it largely retains to this day. His actions are seen as a testament to his foresight and his commitment to the welfare of his people, prioritizing long-term social stability and economic continuity over a futile resistance.

7.2. Cultural Influence

Beyond his political achievements, Qian Chu left a significant cultural legacy, primarily through his deep devotion to Buddhism and his appreciation for literary arts. His extensive patronage of Buddhist monks, such as Tiantai Deshao and Yongming Yanshou, and his efforts to preserve Buddhist scriptures, including commissioning requests for lost texts from Goryeo and Japan, demonstrate his profound commitment to the faith. The construction of the iconic Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou stands as a lasting monument to his religious fervor. Furthermore, his interest in poetry, with at least one of his published poems surviving, highlights his contributions to the literary landscape of the era. These cultural endeavors, alongside his political decisions, cemented his place as a ruler who not only navigated a tumultuous period with skill but also enriched the cultural heritage of his kingdom.