关键词: 马其昶, 桐城派, 《桐城耆旧传》

Abstract: The Old Biography of Tongcheng Seniors compiled by Ma Qichang, the last leader of Tongcheng School, includes a volume of Virtuous Women(Lie Nv), which includes the deeds of filial piety and chastity by 21 Tongcheng women, and has important historical research value. The main sources of Virtuous Women are official histories, local records, anthologies, and genealogies, with occasional references to other historical sources. The volume text has distinctive characteristics, with the main characters living during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and portrayed differently based on their identity backgrounds. From a historical perspective, Ma Qichang's compilation motivation is to leverage the educational function of Virtuous Women, while from a social perspective, it is to highlight the exemplary role of virtuous women. Additionally, the compiler's personal ambition cannot be ignored.

Key words: Ma Qichang, Tongcheng School, Old Biography of Tongcheng Seniors