| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 卫少儿, 衛少兒, Wèi Shào'ér |
| Other name | Vệ Thiếu Nhi |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Linhe, Pingyang (平阳临汾; Lâm Phần, Bình Dương) |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Western Han Dynasty |
Wei Shaor (卫少儿, Vệ Thiếu Nhi), was a prominent noblewoman of the Western Han Dynasty, elder sister of Empress Wei Zifu and Supreme Commander Wei Qing, and the mother of China’s most legendary cavalry general, Champion Marquis Huo Qubing (霍去病).
Serving as a maidservant in the household of Princess Pingyang alongside her sister Wei Zifu, Wei Shaor had an intimate liaison with county clerk Huo Zhongru, giving birth to Huo Qubing. When Wei Zifu caught the eye of Emperor Wu (Liu Che) and became Empress, Wei Shaor’s family was elevated to the apex of Han imperial nobility, and her son Huo Qubing rode forth to shatter the Xiongnu Empire.
Role in History (Shiji & Han Shu)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 111, Biographies of Generals Wei and Huo): “Wei Shaor gave birth to Huo Qubing. When Empress Wei entered the palace, Huo Qubing was eighteen and rode into the desert as champion of the Han cavalry.”
Wei Shaor — Historical & Literary Timeline
Western Han
Household of Princess Pingyang
Serves in the aristocratic Pingyang estate; gives birth to Huo Qubing.
139 BC
Ascent of Empress Wei
Her sister Wei Zifu enters the imperial court; the Wei clan rises to supreme nobility.
123 BC
Glory of Huo Qubing
Her son Huo Qubing is created Champion Marquis, routing the Xiongnu at Qilian Mountains.
Key Relationships
Family
- Son Huo Qubing (霍去病, Hoắc Khứ Bệnh – Champion Marquis): Supreme cavalry general who conquered the Hexi Corridor.
- Sister Wei Zifu (卫子夫 – Empress Xiaowusi): Empress of Emperor Wu of Han.
- Brother Wei Qing (卫青 – Grand General): Supreme Commander of Han armies.
- Father of Son Huo Zhongru (霍仲孺): County clerk who fathered Huo Qubing.
Friends
- Imperial Patron Princess Pingyang (平阳公主): Mistress who patronized the Wei family.
Enemies
- Hostile Consort Clans Rivals of the Wei house: Vied for Emperor Wu’s favor.
Other
- Emperor of Han Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che): Sovereign who elevated her entire family.
In Shiji
"From the humble halls of Pingyang arose an empress and two generals whose horse hooves shook the Gobi desert."
Historical Context
Wei Shaor's family connection formed the bedrock of the military-political titan that defeated the Xiongnu and permanently opened the Silk Road.
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