Liang Hongyu

Liang Hongyu was a Chinese general of the Song Dynasty. She became famous during the Jin–Song wars against the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty. Her real given name was lost in time. She was simply referenced in the official Chinese history books as "Lady Liang" (梁氏). Historical details of Liang's life are sketchy, but she was known to be the wife of Han Shizhong, a Song general known for resisting invaders from the Jin Dynasty together with Yue Fei and others, and to have commanded troops at the Battle of Huangtiandang using drums to coordinate the Song forces.

Since her death, several legendary tales have emerged of her life and exploits. These tales give her the name "Hongyu" , meaning "Red Jade".

Historical Liang Hongyu There are scant details of the historical Liang Hongyu. Her birthday and birthplace are unknown, although some sources she was born in about 1102 in what is today's Anhui Province. Her early life is unknown. She was a courtesan, good at singing, dancing and painting. Liang Hongyu is also good at playing musical instruments and calligraphy. She met Han Shizong in 1121 while performing. They married and had at least one child.

Han Shizong was a general commanding Song troops against the Jin Dynasty, and Liang accompanied her husband on these campaigns. She is known to have participated at the Battle of Huangtiandang, where her use of flags and drums as signals led to a Song victory. When Han Shizhong resigned after the execution of Yue Fei, Liang followed her husband into retirement.

After Liang Hongyu's death, she was given the title of Mrs. Binguo by the court. The posthumous article lamented that Liang Hongyu and Han Shizhong "eventually grew old hand in hand even after becoming rich". The exact time of Liang Hongyu's death is unknown, but it is generally believed that she died in 1153.

Legacy Poetry was written in her honour, which contributed to her fame.

Together with Qin Liangyu, He Yufeng, and the legendary Hua Mulan, she is one of the most well-known female warriors in China.