Shengxiang (1368-1396), the eldest daughter of the chief of the Yi ethnic minority, married Ai Cui, a Guizhou government official. When Ai died in 1381, Shexiang succeeded his post. The Minister of Guizhou Province Ma Ye tried to persuade Shenxiang to rebel against the administration of the central government, but Shenxiang disagreed and went to the central government to accuse Ma. She vowed to Zhu Yuanzhang, Emperor Taizong of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), that she would devoted herself to the development of Guizhou. For political purposes, the emperor sentenced Ma to death. Returning to Guizhou, Shexiang propagandized the power and benevolent rule of the central government and built a transportation passageway from east to west, reaching Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. She also took measures to strengthen the relationship with the central government by paying taxes and making tributes.

When Shengxiang died in 1396, Zhu sent envoys to hold a memorial ceremony for her and bestowed on her the title of Lady Shunde. Shengxiang's body was burned according to the traditional customs of the Yi people.