17 Facts About Juqu Mujian

Juqu Mujian, named Juqu Maoqian in some sources, known by his posthumous name as the Prince Ai of Northern Liang, was a prince of the Lushuihu-led Northern Liang dynasty of China.

Juqu Mujian remained an honored Northern Wei subject as Emperor Taiwu's brother-in-law until 447, when Emperor Taiwu, believing him to be trying to rebel, forced him to commit suicide.

The first reference to him in history was in 420, after Juqu Mengxun had destroyed rival Western Liang and captured its capital Jiuquan, as Juqu Mengxun made him the governor of Jiuquan Commandery and gave him the deceased Western Liang duke Li Xin's Li Jingshou as his wife.

Juqu Mujian was never named heir by his father's will, as his father initially created Juqu Zhengde, probably his oldest brother, as heir apparent, in 413.

However, as Juqu Mengxun was ill in 433, the nobles and the officials considered Juqu Puti too young to govern, so they deposed Juqu Puti and made Juqu Mujian, who was considered studious and kind, heir apparent instead.

Juqu Mengxun soon died, and Juqu Mujian succeeded to the throne.

Juqu Mujian created his son Juqu Fengtan as heir apparent.

Juqu Mujian carefully cultivated relationships with Northern Wei's rivals Liu Song and Rouran, and in 434, after he sent messengers to Liu Song to show submission as well, Emperor Wen of Liu Song created him the Prince of Hexi.

Juqu Mujian was forced to divorce Princess Li, who was exiled to Jiuquan from the Northern Liang capital Guzang, and died soon thereafter.

In 439, Juqu Mujian was entangled in a scandal that adversely affected his relationship with Northern Wei.

Emperor Taiwu sent doctors, who were able to save Princess Wuwei's life, and he then demanded that Juqu Mujian turn over Lady Li.

Juqu Mujian refused, and only sent Lady Li to Jiuquan.

Meanwhile, the Northern Wei messengers to the Xiyu kingdoms, who were going through Northern Liang frequently, were alleging that Juqu Mujian had informed Xiyu kingdoms that they should not submit to Northern Wei and should submit to Rouran instead.

Juqu Mujian tied his own arms as sign of submission and surrendered.

In 447 accusations were made that when Juqu Mujian opened up the royal treasury when Guzang fell, that the treasures ended up back in his possession.

Later that year, accusations were made that Juqu Mujian was communicating with his former subjects and planning a rebellion.

Emperor Taiwu sent Cui Hao to the residence that Juqu Mujian shared with Princess Wuwei, and there forced Juqu Mujian to commit suicide.