Xiao Yanyan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xiao Yanyan |
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| Empress Dowager Chengtian of Liao | |||||||||||||
from one 1892 print of the novel Legends of Generals of the Yang Family (《楊家將傳》)
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| Regent of Liao dynasty | |||||||||||||
| Tenure | 13 October 982 - 23 December 1009 | ||||||||||||
| Emperor | Emperor Shengzong, son | ||||||||||||
| Born | 953 | ||||||||||||
| Died | December 23, 1009 | ||||||||||||
| Spouse | Yelü Xian (Emperor Jingzong) | ||||||||||||
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| Father | Xiao Siwen (蕭思溫) | ||||||||||||
| Mother | Yelü Lübugu (耶律呂不古) | ||||||||||||
Xiao Yanyan (Chinese: 蕭燕燕; 953–1009) was a powerful empress and military leader. She belonged to the Khitan people, who ruled the Liao dynasty in ancient China. She was also known as Empress Dowager Chengtian (承天皇太后). From 982, she served as a regent, which means she ruled the empire for her young son.
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The Early Life of Xiao Yanyan
Xiao Yanyan was born in 953. She was the third child of Xiao Siwen, who was a very important official. Her father served as the chancellor of the Liao dynasty. Xiao Yanyan was also known by her Chinese name, Xiao Chuo. Her original Khitan family name was Bali. She was the youngest of three sisters.
Becoming an Empress
Xiao Yanyan later married Emperor Jingzong of Liao. He was the ruler of the Liao dynasty. As his wife, she became the empress. She had a son with him, who was named Yelü Longxu. He would later become the crown prince. Xiao Yanyan was very important during her husband's rule. She had a lot of influence on his decisions.
Empress Dowager and Regent
In 982, Emperor Jingzong died suddenly. He passed away while returning from a hunting trip. Their son, Yelü Longxu, was only 12 years old. He became the new ruler, known as Emperor Shengzong. Because he was so young, Xiao Yanyan became the regent. This meant she ruled the empire until her son was old enough. She was now called Empress Dowager Chengtian.
Leading the Liao Army
Xiao Yanyan was not just a ruler; she was also a skilled military leader. She commanded her own army of 10,000 cavalry soldiers. She even led the Liao army herself in battles.
Defending the Empire
In 986, the Song Dynasty from the south tried to invade the Liao Empire. Emperor Taizong of Song led this invasion. But Xiao Yanyan's forces defeated them. The Song troops were pushed back and many were lost in the Xia river. The Song Dynasty tried to invade again in 989. Once more, Liao forces under Xiao Yanyan's command won. During this battle, a famous Song general named Yang Ye was killed.
Battle Against the Song in 1005
Even when she was over 50 years old, Xiao Yanyan continued to lead her army. In 1005, she personally led the Liao army against the Song. She was known for her great skills in managing the government. Empress Dowager Chengtian kept her strong influence until she died in 1009.
Family Life and Challenges
Xiao Yanyan helped arrange a marriage for her son. He married one of her court ladies, Xiao Noujin. However, Xiao Yanyan had a difficult relationship with her two older sisters.
