| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 叔梁纥, 叔梁紇, Shūliáng Hé |
| Other name | Thúc Lương Hột |
| Courtesy name | 叔梁, 叔梁, Shūliáng, Shu Liang, tự Thúc Lương |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 622 BC |
| Birth Place | Zou, State of Lu (鲁国邹邑; ấp Trâu, nước Lỗ) |
| Died | 548 BC |
| Death Reason | Natural causes / Illness |
| FAMILY | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Lu (Spring and Autumn Period) |
Shuliang He (叔梁纥, Thúc Lương Hột; 622–548 BC; personal name Kong He 孔纥), was an illustrious military officer, magistrate of Zou, and martial hero of the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period, celebrated as the father of Confucius (孔子).
Standing over ten feet tall by ancient measure with legendary physical strength, Shuliang He performed one of the most famous feats in the Zuo Zhuan during the Siege of Biayang in 563 BC. When Lu forces stormed through the city gate, the defenders dropped the massive iron portcullis trap; Shuliang He caught the falling portcullis with his bare hands, hoisting the colossal iron gate above his shoulders until all trapped Lu warriors evacuated safely. In his elderly years, having only daughters and a disabled son, he married the virtuous maiden Yan Zhengzai; together they prayed at Mount Ni (Niqiu), giving birth to Kong Qiu (Confucius).
Role in History (Zuo Zhuan & Shiji)
Zuo Zhuan (30th Year of Duke Xiang): “The portcullis fell; Shuliang He seized it with both arms and held it high above his head, and the soldiers of the three armies escaped from the jaw of death.”
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 47, House of Confucius): “Shuliang He and Yan Zhengzai prayed at Mount Ni and begot Confucius.”
Shuliang He — Historical & Literary Timeline
622 BC
Birth in Zou
Born into the noble Kong clan descending from the kings of Song.
563 BC
The Heroism at Biayang Gate
Catches the falling iron portcullis with bare hands, saving the Lu army.
551 BC
Birth of Confucius
Marries Yan Zhengzai; prays at Mount Ni and welcomes the birth of Confucius.
548 BC
Passing in Lu
Dies peacefully; later posthumously honored by emperors as King of Qisheng (启圣王).
Key Relationships
Family
- Son Confucius (孔子, Khổng Tử – Kong Qiu): The Great Sage of China who revolutionized philosophy and education.
- Wife Yan Zhengzai (颜征在, Nhan Trưng Tại): Mother of Confucius who prayed with him at Mount Ni.
- Elder Son Meng Pi (伯尼 / 孟皮): Elder son born with a foot disability.
Friends
- Lu Commander Zang Wuzhong (臧武仲): Senior general who witnessed Shuliang He’s portcullis feat.
Enemies
- Besieged Foes Defenders of Biayang: Attempted to crush Lu forces with the portcullis trap.
Other
- Duke of Lu Duke Xiang of Lu (鲁襄公): Commended Shuliang He’s extraordinary martial valor.
In Zuo Zhuan
"With arms of bronze and iron courage, Shuliang He held the gates of death open that his men might live."
Historical Context
Shuliang He combined the noble martial prowess of the Song aristocracy with deep civic devotion, bequeathing to Confucius both immense physical stature and moral dignity.
COMMENTS (0)