User:NatBaca/Huang Chonggu

Huang Chonggu, born 885, died 915, was a Chinese administrator.

Biography
Huang was born the daughter of a civil servant, but became an orphan at an early age, and was brought up by a maid, who permitted her dress in the clothing of a man.

Around 915, she was arrested on suspicion of arson, but was acquitted by the Prime Minister of the state of Shu (Zhou Xiang), who was impressed by the intelligence and talent exhibited in her defense.

Afterward, Zhou Xiang gave her a scholarship to study at a nearby university, and employed her after she had completed her education in the local administration. While there, she was described as a talented poet, a skilled chess player, and a capable official and administrator. Zhou Xiang was so impressed that he offered one of his daughter's hands in marriage.

At this point, she was forced to reveal her biological sex. Zhou Xiang saw her decision to live as a man as a sign of virtue, as this indicated she had been able to abstain from sexual relations with men. However, the administration did not see this the same way, and she was fired.

Aftermath
Huang Chonggu's story has attracted great interest, and has been depicted in literature many times throughout history.