Western Han dynasty

Queen Ma diligently pursued her moral course and demand for exemplary behavior from court officials and members of the imperial family. She once delivered a letter to officials at lower levels instructing them to observe her relatives, and if they vio­ lated laws or interfered with others’ duties, the officials would so inform the court through a memorial (formal statement or peti­ tion) to the emperor. They were to be strictly punished if they vi­ olated the laws. Queen Ma was enforcing the Confucian idea of government by goodness or virtue, as a way to elevate the moral standards of Chinese society. When Queen Ma’s mother’s tomb was embellished by relatives, she promptly issued an order that it be returned to its former state. She said no one had sufficient rank or privilege to break the regulations of the court.