12 Facts About Ma Xichong

Ma Xichong was the sixth and final monarch of China's Ma Chu dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Ma Xichong's mother was not Ma Yin's wife, but was otherwise not named in historical sources, although it is known that Ma Yin's 30th son Ma Xi'e, who was older than he was, was born of the same mother.

Either prior to Ma Xiguang's ascension or after, Ma Xichong received the title of Tiance Zuo Sima, as an officer under Ma Xiguang, who carried the title of Tiance Grand General.

Ma Xichong thereafter led the staff at headquarters to welcome Ma Xi'e and offer the throne to him.

Ma Xichong governed based on his own likes and dislikes, causing the legal system to break down.

The officers declared Ma Xichong to be the acting military governor of Wuping, and delivered Ma Xi'e to Hengshan to be put under arrest there.

Ma Xichong, fearing Liu, followed Liu's demand and executed Ma Xi'e's military assistant Yang Zhongmin, secretary Liu Guangfu, guard commander Wei Shijin, and guard officer Wang Qin, among others, sending the official Li Yi to deliver the heads to Lang.

Meanwhile, upon his assumption of power, Ma Xichong spent time feasting; he governed unfairly, and spoke arrogantly, leading the people not to support him.

Ma Xichong realized that something was wrong, and, in fear, sent his general Fan Shoumu to Southern Tang, whose emperor Li Jing was Ma Xi'e's nominal sovereign, to request aid.

Ma Xichong subsequently ordered Ma Xichong and his clan to move to Jinling.

Later Zhou's emperor Guo Rong ordered that Ma Xichong be located and comforted.

Apparently in gratitude, Ma Xichong presented his concubine Lady Yang to the Later Zhou general Han Lingkun.