Tomb of Wang Ling’s Mother

Tomb of Wang Ling’s Mother

The Tomb of Wang Ling’s Mother is a cultural tourism attraction.

In the southern part of Xuzhou City, there is a road called Wangling Road. Heading west along this road, you will reach the north gate of Yanzilou Park. Upon entering and turning left, you will see a raised earthen mound about

4 meters high. It is said to be the “Tomb of Wang Ling’s Mother.” In front of the tomb stands a stone stele inscribed with “Tomb of Wang Ling’s Mother, Grand Tutor and Right Prime Minister, Marquis of An’guo of the Han Dynasty.”

Wang Ling was a renowned statesman in the early Han Dynasty. Originally a local hero from Pei County, when Liu Bang was still an ordinary man, he treated Wang Ling with the respect of an elder brother. When Liu Bang launched his uprising, Wang Ling also gathered several thousand troops in Nanyang. During the Chu-Han contention, Wang Ling sided with Han, but Xiang Yu captured his mother in an attempt to persuade Wang Ling to surrender. Wang Ling’s mother told the messenger: “Tell Wang Ling to devote himself to assisting the Han King and not to waver because of personal concerns.” To

sever Wang Ling’s emotional ties, the elderly woman even committed suicide by drawing her sword.

This act of Wang Ling’s mother, who was willing to sacrifice her life to support her son’s cause, was regarded as the epitome of a virtuous mother in the Han Dynasty. In the Wu Liang Shrine in Jiaxiang, Shandong, built in the first year of the Jianhe era (147 AD) during the Eastern Han Dynasty, there is a pictorial stone slab titled “Wang Ling’s Mother.” The image of the elderly woman in the picture is that of Wang Ling’s mother. She is earnestly instructing the messenger sent by Wang Ling to convey her message, while the messenger and his entourage bow their heads in attentive listening. To the left of Wang Ling’s mother is parked a ceremonial carriage.

To the left of Wang Ling’s mother is parked a ceremonial carriage.

Wang Ling was an outspoken and straightforward man, and this honest and unyielding character was clearly influenced by his mother’s teachings and encouragement. Wang Ling always adhered to his mother’s last words, loyally serving the Han imperial court. After Liu Bang unified the country, Wang Ling was granted the title of Marquis of An’guo and appointed as Right Prime Minister.

After the deaths of Liu Bang and Emperor Hui of Han, Empress Lü wanted to enfeoff members of the Lü clan as kings and sought Wang Ling’s opinion. Wang Ling firmly refused. Empress Lü was furious and pretended to promote Wang Ling to the position of Grand Tutor, but her real intention was to strip him of his power as prime minister. Wang Ling saw through Empress Lü’s scheme and thereafter claimed illness to resign from office, shutting himself away at home.

He died seven years later, inheriting his mother’s unyielding spirit.