Xu Jingqian

Xu Jingqian (徐景遷) (919-937 ), also known in some historical records as Li Jingqian (李景遷) (because his family would, after his death, change the surname to Li), posthumously honored as Prince Ding of Chu (楚定王), was an official of the Chinese Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period state Wu, serving as junior regent under his father, the senior regent Xu Zhigao (later known as Li Bian), who would later found Wu's successor state Southern Tang.

Background Xu Jingqian was born in 919, He was Xu Zhigao's second son. Both he and his older brother Xu Jingtong were born of Xu Zhigao's second wife Lady Song Fujin, as would two younger brothers (Xu Jingsui and Xu Jingda). He was said to be alert in his youth, with a good memory such that, after reading, he would not forget what he had read.

In 935, Xu Jingqian was given the greater chancellor designation of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi . Xu Zhigao had the official Chen Jue, whose abilities he regarded highly, serve on Xu Jingqian's staff, to assist him. He died in 937, before his father Xu Zhigao seized the Wu throne and established his own state of Southern Tang. His wife Princess Shangrao also died not long after. Xu Zhigao (who changed his name to Li Bian after taking the throne) posthumously created him the Prince of Gaoping. After Xu Jingtong (who had been renamed Li Jing by that point) became emperor, he further posthumously created Xu Jingqian the Prince of Chu.

Notes and references

Spring and Autumn Annals of the Ten Kingdoms, vol. 19. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 279, 280, 281.