With dark skin, a projecting forehead, an upturned nose, scant hair and a disproportionately big head, she is regarded as one of the worst-looking women throughout Chinese history. However, she is also the queen of King Qixuan (350-301BC) of the Qi state. Her name is Zhong Lichun, always called Zhong Wuyan because she is from Wuyan County.
She is an intelligent woman who has profound knowledge. However, she did not marry because of her ugly appearance until at the age of 40. Instead of being frustrated, she spent all her time on books and martial arts.
Zhong lived during the Warring States Period (475-221BC.), a period when seven states coexisted with each other, namely Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei and Qin. She was so deeply concerned about the fate of her country that she went to the King Qixuan to offer herself as his maiden. All the people in the palace laughed at her when they first saw her and heard her words. However, after she analyzed the dangers the Qi state was facing and offered her frank advice on the best ways to act at that time, the king was so moved that he made Zhong Wuyan his queen finally.
She made great contributions to her country later. She acted as the wise adviser and the prime minister of King Qixuan. With her help, later the state of Qi became not only the culture center, but also one of the most powerful states at that period.
There are also Four Beauties who are well known for their beauty in Chinese history. It is said that they are the four most beautiful women in Chinese history. They were so beautiful that when fish saw them, they forgot to swim, when wild geese saw them, they forgot to fly. Even the moon and flowers were shamed by her beauty and hid themselves when they saw them. Their names are Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diao Chan, Yang Yuhuan.
However, such beauties could not control their fates at all. Their lives are closely associated with war, espionage and revenge. God gave them beauty but did not give them happy lives. But Zhong, who was famous for her ugly appearance, controlled her fate totally. Yes, the appearance is quite important for a woman, but if you do not have enough strength to protect yourself, it always will become a start of tragedy. Need to be wise!