Ma Xiuying

Ma Xiuying (1332–1382), better known as Empress Ma, was the principal wife of the Ming founder Zhu Yuanzhang. Orphaned young, she was adopted by Red Turban leader Guo Zixing and married to his officer Zhu in 1352.

When Guo suspected Zhu of betrayal during a famine, she secretly brought him food. She accompanied him on campaign, and at the Battle of Lake Poyang in 1363 supplied troops and treasure against Chen Youliang.

When Zhu became the Hongwu Emperor in 1368 she was made empress. Admired for her frugality and for refusing to advance her relatives, she remained his close adviser until her death in 1382.