| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 清河公主, 清河長公主, Qīnghé Gōngzhǔ |
| Nickname | Eldest Princess of Wei (魏清河长公主) |
| Other name | Thanh Hà công chúa |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 190s AD |
| Birth Place | Qiao, Pei State (沛国谯县; Bozhou, Anhui) |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Spouse | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Cao Wei Dynasty |
| Battles | None |
Biography & Historical Record
Princess Qinghe (清河公主, 清河長公主, Thanh Hà công chúa; c. 190s–?) was the eldest daughter of late Eastern Han warlord and founder of Cao Wei, Cao Cao (曹操), born to his secondary consort Lady Liu (刘夫人). She was the full biological sister of Cao Cao’s eldest son, the heroic martyr Cao Ang (曹昂).
Initially sought in marriage by celebrated scholar Ding Yi, Cao Cao ultimately wed Princess Qinghe to Xiahou Mao (夏侯楙), the beloved son of Grand General Xiahou Dun, thereby reinforcing the supreme political and military alliance between the Cao and Xiahou lineages. When Cao Pi established the Wei dynasty, she was elevated to Eldest Princess of Qinghe (清河长公主). In later years, when Xiahou Mao kept numerous concubines while stationed in the western borderlands, Princess Qinghe boldly submitted a memorial to Emperor Ming Cao Rui accusing Mao of treason, demonstrating her independent and outspoken imperial authority.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Dynastic Matrimony: In novel narratives, the marriage of Princess Qinghe (清河公主) to Xiahou Mao explains Mao’s immense aristocratic standing as an imperial son-in-law (Fuma) entrusted with Guanzhong defense against Zhuge Liang.
Princess Qinghe (清河公主) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Birth in Qiao
Born to Cao Cao and Lady Liu as Cao Cao’s eldest daughter.
Marriage to Xiahou Mao
Wedded to Xiahou Dun’s heir, sealing the foundational Wei alliance.
Eldest Princess of Qinghe
Granted imperial princess fiefs upon Cao Pi’s ascension.
See historical sources cited below.
Key Relationships
Family
In Historical Accounts
- Sanguozhi (三国志): Volume 9 (Biography of Xiahou Dun, Pei Songzhi commentary citing Wei Lüe): "Xiahou Mao married the Eldest Princess of Qinghe... When Mao acquired many concubines, the Princess was angered and petitioned the throne."
In History
Summary
- Princess Qinghe (清河公主, Thanh Hà công chúa) was Cao Cao's eldest daughter and wife of Xiahou Mao.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi Volume 9 (Wei Lüe).
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