| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 太史母, 太史母, Tàishǐ Mǔ |
| Nickname | Mother of Taishi Ci |
| Other name | Thái Sử mẫu |
| INFORMATION | |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Eastern Han Dynasty |
| Battles | Siege of Duchang (193 AD) |
Biography & Historical Record
Lady Taishi (太史母, Thái Sử mẫu) was a noble mother of the late Eastern Han dynasty from Donglai Commandery (present-day Shandong Province) and the mother of the renowned general Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ). Widowed at an early age, she raised her son independently, instilling in him a strict code of filial piety, loyalty, and righteousness.
Her family gained the deep respect of Kong Rong (孔融, Khổng Dung), Chancellor of Beihai, who admired Taishi Ci’s talent and filial devotion. While Taishi Ci fled to Liaodong to evade local prosecution, Kong Rong regularly sent grain, cloth, and gifts to support Lady Taishi. Deeply moved by his benevolence, she insisted on repaying the debt. When Guan Hai’s Yellow Turban rebels besieged Kong Rong at Duchang in 193 AD, Lady Taishi immediately commanded her son—who had just returned home—to ride to Kong Rong’s aid. Her counsel led Taishi Ci to break the siege with aid from Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị), earning wide admiration across the realm.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 11 (Liu Guan Zhang Rescue Kong Rong at Beihai; Lu Bu Defeats Cao Cao at Puyang): When Guan Hai surrounds Beihai, Lady Taishi (太史母, Thái Sử mẫu) instructs her son Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ) to ride to Kong Rong’s rescue, reminding him of the provisions and kindness Kong Rong bestowed upon her while Taishi Ci was away in Liaodong. Taishi Ci pierces the siege, secures 3,000 troops from Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị), and relieves Duchang. Upon his return, Lady Taishi praises him for fulfilling his moral duty before he departs to join Liu Yao (刘繇, Lưu Do).
Lady Taishi (太史母) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Before 193 AD
Patronage from Kong Rong
Receives regular provisions and support from Kong Rong while Taishi Ci is taking refuge in Liaodong.
193 AD / Ch. 11
Urging the Relief of Duchang
Commands Taishi Ci to ride to Duchang to rescue Kong Rong from Guan Hai’s Yellow Turban rebel forces.
193 AD
Repaying the Favor
Welcomes Taishi Ci back after he successfully secures Liu Bei’s reinforcements to shatter the siege of Beihai.
After 193 AD
Legacy
Celebrated in Han records as an exemplar of maternal virtue and moral righteousness.
See Sanguozhi 49 (Biography of Taishi Ci) and Taishi Ci.
Key Relationships
Family
- Son Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ): General of Donglai who served Kong Rong, Liu Yao, and Sun Ce.
- Grandson Taishi Xiang (太史享, Thái Sử Hưởng): Official of Eastern Wu.
Friends
- Kong Rong (孔融, Khổng Dung): Chancellor of Beihai who provided for her family and was rescued by her son.
Enemies
- Guan Hai (管亥, Quản Hợi): Yellow Turban rebel leader who besieged Kong Rong at Duchang in 193 AD.
Other
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị): Warlord who provided 3,000 troops to assist Taishi Ci in lifting the siege of Beihai.
In Novel
Chapter 11
- Lady Taishi (太史母, Thái Sử mẫu): Urges her son Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ) to break through Guan Hai's surrounding forces at Duchang to save Kong Rong (孔融, Khổng Dung), citing the continuous favors and provisions Kong Rong granted her during Taishi Ci's absence in Liaodong.
In History
Summary
- Lady Taishi (太史母, Thái Sử mẫu) was the mother of Taishi Ci from Donglai Commandery, praised in historical texts for her righteousness in sending her son to relieve Kong Rong at Duchang in 193 AD.
Year: 193 AD
- Sanguozhi 49 records that when Guan Hai besieged Kong Rong at Duchang, Lady Taishi told Taishi Ci that Kong Rong's generosity during his absence must be repaid, sending him to rescue the Chancellor.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi 49 (Wu Book 4, Biography of Taishi Ci); Hou Hanshu 70 (Biography of Kong Rong). Chen Shou highlights her moral counsel as the turning point in the relief of Duchang.
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