Background
Yu Miaoyi was born in Jiangsu province, China. There is no information about the date of her birth and about her parents. She had a brother Yu Ziqi.
Yu Miaoyi was born in Jiangsu province, China. There is no information about the date of her birth and about her parents. She had a brother Yu Ziqi.
In 209 B.C. Yu Miaoyi met Xiang Yu, fell in love with him and became his concubine. She accompanied Xiang Yu in battle as he fought Qin and, after the fall of Qin, struggled with Liu Bang of the state of Han for sovereignty over China. However, in 202 B.C., Xiang Yu was besieged in the Battle of Gaixia by the combined forces of Liu Bang (King of Han), Han Xin and Peng Yue. The Han army started to sing folk songs from Xiang Yu's native land of Chu to create a false impression that they had captured Chu.
In despair, Xiang Yu indulged in alcohol and sang the Song of Gaixia to express his sorrow. Lady Yu composed her Response to Gaixia Song. Her poignant song brought tears to Xiang Yu’s eyes, and all the soldiers present were moved to tears. When she finished singing, Lady Yu drew a sword and took her own life. Xiang Yu is said to have cut his throat to escape capture. She was buried at Gaixia.
Yu Miaoyi was a beautiful and brave woman.
Yu Miaoyi was the concubine of the warlord Xiang Yu. She had no children.