Xiao Sagezhi facts for kids
Xiao Sagezhi (Chinese: 蕭撒葛只) was an important empress of the Liao dynasty, a powerful empire in ancient China. She passed away on October 8, 951. Her formal title was Empress Huaijie, which means "the missed and careful empress." She was married to Emperor Shizong (Yelü Ruan) and was the mother of Emperor Jingzong (Yelü Xian).
Early Life and Family
We do not know exactly when Xiao Sagezhi was born. Her father was named Aguzhi. He was the younger brother of Empress Shulü Ping. Empress Shulü Ping was the wife of Emperor Taizu, who founded the Liao dynasty.
The Xiao family was very important in the Liao dynasty. Most empresses of Liao used the surname Xiao. This tradition started because Emperor Taizu admired the Han Dynasty founder, Emperor Gao. He wanted his own Yelü clan to use the Chinese surname Liu. He also wanted the families of his empresses to use the surname Xiao. This was inspired by Xiao He, a famous prime minister of Emperor Gao.
In 947, Yelü Ruan became a prince. He was known as the Prince of Yongkang. During this time, he chose Xiao Sagezhi as one of his consorts. Yelü Ruan was the grandson of Emperor Taizu. This made him a first cousin, once removed, to Xiao Sagezhi.
Life as Empress
In 947, Emperor Taizong passed away. The leaders of the Liao dynasty chose Yelü Ruan to become the new emperor. He was known as Emperor Shizong.
In 948, Xiao Sagezhi gave birth to Emperor Shizong's second son, Yelü Xian. Yelü Xian would later become Emperor Jingzong. She also had three daughters: Yelü Hegudian, Yelü Guanyin, and Yelü Sala.
In 950, Emperor Shizong made Xiao Sagezhi an empress. This was interesting because he had already made another woman, Lady Zhen, an empress earlier. Lady Zhen was the mother of his third son, Yelü Zhimo. The reasons for having two empresses are not clear in historical records.
Tragic End
In 951, a cousin of Emperor Taizong, Yelü Chage, started a rebellion. During this rebellion, Emperor Shizong was killed. Emperor Shizong's mother and Empress Zhen were also killed.
Empress Xiao had just given birth to her daughter Yelü Sala. She bravely went to see Yelü Chage. She asked him to let her prepare Emperor Shizong's body for burial. However, the very next day, Yelü Chage also killed her.
Soon after, Yelü Chage's rebellion was stopped. Emperor Shizong's cousin, Emperor Muzong, defeated him. Emperor Muzong then gave Empress Xiao a special name after her death. This name was Xiaolie, meaning "filial and achieving."
Years later, in 969, Yelü Xian became the new emperor. He was known as Emperor Jingzong. He buried both Empress Zhen and Empress Xiao at Yiwulü Mountain. He also built a temple to honor them. In 1052, Emperor Jingzong's grandson, Emperor Xingzong, changed her posthumous name. It became Huaijie, meaning "missed and careful."
