Xu Jingqian was born in 919, when his father Xu Zhigao was serving as Wu's junior regent, overseeing the government at the capital Guangling, while his adoptive grandfather Xu Wen, the senior regent, was controlling the army at his headquarters at Sheng Prefecture. He was Xu Zhigao's second son. Both he and his older brotherXu Jingtong were born of Xu Zhigao's second wife Lady Song Fujin, as would two younger brothers. He was said to be alert in his youth, with a good memory such that, after reading, he would not forget what he had read.
Service in the Wu government
It was said that after Xu Jingqian became older, he was elegant in his behavior and appearance, and he had a peaceful disposition. He married the Wu emperor Yang Pu's daughter Princess Shangrao, and therefore was given the traditional title for a princess' husband, Fuma Duwei. Despite his high status, he was said to be frugal and not living luxuriously. Xu Jingqian started his governmental service as the commander of the cavalry and infantry soldiers in his father Xu Zhigao's headquarters, and later served as the military prefect of Hai Prefecture. In 934, Xu Zhigao recalled his older brother Xu Jingtong, who had been serving as junior regent at Guangling, back to Jinling to serve as the deputy supreme commander of the circuits, while commissioning Xu Jingqian as the commander of the left and right armies, Zuo Pushe, and chancellor with the designation of Can Zhengshi, leaving him at Guangling to take over as junior regent. In 935, Xu Jingqian was given the greater chancellor designation of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi. Xu Zhigao had the official Chen Jue, whose abilities he regarded highly, serve on Xu Jingqian's staff, to assist him. In 936, by which time Xu Jingqian also carried the honorary title of Taibao, he fell ill. He was removed from his positions on account of his illness, and his younger brotherXu Jingsui replaced him as junior regent. He died in 937, before his father Xu Zhigao seized the Wu throne and established his own state of Southern Tang. His wife Princess Shangrao also died not long after. Xu Zhigao posthumously created him the Prince of Gaoping. After Xu Jingtong became emperor, he further posthumously created Xu Jingqian the Prince of Chu.
