Ma Liang

Life

In the fifth year of the Taiping Xingguo era (980), he earned the jinshi degree and initially served as an Evaluator in the Dali Court. His first county appointment is given variously as Hefei and Wuhu.

Early in his career he administered Pu, Fu, and Rao prefectures and was credited with capable governance; he was later appointed Palace Censor. He subsequently served as deputy transport commissioner for the Jiangnan Circuit, then as deputy and full transport commissioner for the Xichuan Circuit, and held posts in the Three Agencies, including the Gouyuan, Dumojian, and Pingyou offices and the Salt and Iron Judgeship.

Across the reigns of Zhenzong and Renzong, he successively governed Tan, Sheng, Guangzhou, Qian, Hong, Hang, Lu, Jiangling, and Jiangning prefectures. He also served as Censor-in-Chief, director of the Shangshu Department, Academician of the Jixian Academy, and vice director of the Shangshu Department. Under Renzong he rose to Minister of Works, governed Bozhou and Jiangning Prefecture, and retired with the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent; another account gives it as Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent. Ma Liang was strategically capable, well versed in military methods, and quick in administrative affairs, but he lacked a reputation for integrity.

Family and posthumous remembrance

His father was Ma Ze, and Ma Renyu was an elder of the same clan. His father-in-law was Zhu Ang; Liu Hui was the father of his first wife, and his wife is identified as Liu. His sons-in-law included Zhang Quhuo, Lü Jujian, Zhang Qushe, Xin Youzhong, Zhongli Jingyu, and Lü Yijian, who was a chief minister. He had an eldest son, a third son, and a fourth son named Ma Zhongfu; his grandsons were Ma Qi, Ma Shao, and Ma Yu, and his great-grandson was Ma Yongyu.

In 1013 he recommended Lu Ge, and Yan Shu composed his epitaph; Han Yuanji also composed an account of his lineage and a shrine inscription. He died in 1031 at the age of seventy-three and received the posthumous name Zhongsu.