Ding Lingguang


Ding Lingguang, formally known as Empress Dowager Mu, was an imperial concubine of Xiao Yan, Emperor Wu of Liang Dynasty. She was a native of Qiao County, today's Bozhou City, Anhui Province.

Life

Ding Lingguang was born a commoner in Qiao County. A legend details that when she was born, light filled the room. At age fourteen, Xiao Yan, then Governor of Yongzhou, fell in love with her. Her parents broke Ding's then-engagement and offered her as a concubine to Xiao Yan.
In September or October 501, Concubine Ding gave birth to her first child, a son, named Xiao Tong. In April of the next year, Xiao Yan established the Liang dynasty. He awarded Ding the title of Noble Imperial Concubine, one of the highest titles held by women in Liang Dynasty. Her only son at that time, Xiao Tong, was made Crown Prince. They both lived in Xianyang hall.
Ding Lingguang disliked splendid or gorgeous ornaments, gaining the favor of the Emperor and the respect of lesser ranking concubines. On December 2, 503, Noble Imperial Concubine Ding gave birth to Xiao Gang and in 506 gave birth to Xiao Xu.
She died in January 527 and her husband honored her as Consort Mu. Her son, Crown Prince Xiao Tong, died in May 531 before his father and was succeeded by his full-brother, Xiao Gang. After Xiao Gang became Emperor, he elevated his mother's status, posthumously honoring her as Empress Dowager Mu.

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