Biography of Empress Dowager Xiao

Author: Meng Qingyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Xiao Taizu (953–1009), Empress of the Liao Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Jingzong, and the mother of Emperor Shengzong. Also known as Empress Dowager Chengtian. Her name was Yanyan, with the Han name Chuo. She was the daughter of Xiao Siwen, the Northern Court Secretary-General and Prime Minister of the Northern Mansion of the Liao Dynasty. After Emperor Jingzong ascended the throne, she was enfeoffed as Empress. In the fourth year of the Qianheng era (982), Emperor Jingzong passed away, and Emperor Shengzong ascended the throne. Xiao Yanyan governed as Empress Dowager Chengtian according to the imperial edict. At that time, over 200 members of the imperial family held military power and political influence, their loyalty uncertain; tensions between the Liao and Song dynasties, the people were restless; and Emperor Shengzong was young, raising concerns about the future. She appointed Han Delang and Ye Liu Xie Zhun to advise on major state affairs internally, while Ye Liu Xiuguo was given overall command of military affairs in the south. She also strengthened the regulation of the imperial family and the management of officials and the people, gradually stabilizing the political situation. She paid attention to improving relations between the Khitan and Han ethnic groups, relying on Khitan officials while also appointing many Han officials. According to the old Liao custom, if a Khitan and a Han person fought to death, the Khitan would receive a lighter punishment, while the Han would receive a harsher one. During her reign, this was changed to follow Han law, with equal punishment for equal crimes. From the fourth to the twenty-second year of the Tonghe era (986–1004), the Liao and Song dynasties fought multiple wars, and she often accompanied Emperor Shengzong in campaigns, achieving significant accomplishments. During the Tonghe era, the Liao Dynasty reached its full glory, all closely related to her activities. She passed away in December of the twenty-seventh year of the Tonghe era.