Xiao Yu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Xiao Yu
蕭瑀 |
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| Born | 575 Jingzhou, Hubei
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| Died | 648 (aged 72–73) Tongchuan, Shanxi
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| Other names |
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| Occupation | Statesman |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Dugu |
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Xiao Yu (575 – 19 July 648) was an important official who lived during a big change in Chinese history. He was born a prince of the Western Liang dynasty. Later, he became a top government official, known as a chancellor, for both the Sui and Tang dynasties. He served under the first two Tang emperors, Gaozu and Taizong.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Xiao Yu was born in 575. His father was Emperor Ming of Western Liang, who ruled a small kingdom called Western Liang. This kingdom was protected by a larger empire called Northern Zhou. In 582, Xiao Yu was given the title Prince of Xin'an. People knew him for being very respectful and devoted to his family.
Moving to the Sui Capital
Around 582, Xiao Yu's older sister married Yang Guang. Yang Guang was a prince and the son of Emperor Wen of Sui, who founded the Sui dynasty. Xiao Yu moved with his sister to the Sui capital, Chang'an. There, he became known for studying hard and behaving well.
Xiao Yu's Love for Buddhism
Xiao Yu was very interested in Buddhist teachings. He spent a lot of time talking about Buddhism with monks. He even wrote a book called Essay on Non-Predestination. This book argued against another famous essay that said everything in life is already decided. Xiao Yu believed that while fate plays a part, people's own actions also affect their good or bad luck.
The End of Western Liang
In 587, Emperor Wen of Sui took over Western Liang. This meant Xiao Yu's family lost their kingdom. However, the Sui emperors treated Xiao Yu and his family well. In 600, Xiao Yu continued to work for Yang Guang, who later became Emperor Yang.
Serving Emperor Yang of Sui
In 604, Yang Guang became Emperor Yang. Xiao Yu's sister became the empress. Xiao Yu was given important jobs and Emperor Yang trusted him with many secrets. However, Xiao Yu often gave advice that Emperor Yang didn't like, which sometimes led to him being demoted.
A Dangerous Siege
In 615, Emperor Yang was on a trip when his group was suddenly attacked by Eastern Turkish forces. They were trapped in a city called Yanmen. Emperor Yang was very scared. Xiao Yu bravely suggested sending a message to the Turkish leader's wife, Princess Yicheng. She had been treated well by Empress Xiao.
Princess Yicheng helped by sending false information to her husband, making him think his own land was under attack. The Turkish forces then left. Instead of thanking Xiao Yu, Emperor Yang was embarrassed. He demoted Xiao Yu and sent him away to a distant area.
Xiao Yu's Military Skills
When Xiao Yu arrived at his new post in Hechi, there were many rebels in the mountains. The local government couldn't control them. Xiao Yu quickly organized the local soldiers and attacked the rebels. He forced them to surrender. Later, when another rebel leader, Xue Ju, tried to advance, Xiao Yu blocked his path.
Joining the Tang Dynasty
In 617, a general named Li Yuan rebelled and took control of Chang'an. He set up Emperor Yang's grandson, Yang You, as a new emperor. Li Yuan asked Xiao Yu to join him, and Xiao Yu agreed. He was made a minister and given the title Duke of Song. In 618, Emperor Yang was killed. Li Yuan then took the throne himself, starting the Tang dynasty.
A Chancellor in the Tang Dynasty
Emperor Gaozu, the first Tang emperor, made Xiao Yu a top official, a chancellor. Xiao Yu was given very important tasks. Emperor Gaozu liked him a lot because Xiao Yu's mother and Emperor Gaozu's mother were from the same Dugu family. Emperor Gaozu even called him "Master Xiao."
Xiao Yu was very serious about his work. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant upsetting others. People respected him, but also feared him a little.
Debates and Decisions
Xiao Yu believed that government orders should be carefully thought out before being sent. He told Emperor Gaozu that during Emperor Yang's time, orders were rushed, and officials were afraid to speak up. Emperor Gaozu agreed with Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu was also a strong supporter of Buddhism. In 626, a government official suggested banning Buddhism, saying it caused corruption. Xiao Yu debated with him in front of Emperor Gaozu. Although Xiao Yu didn't win the debate completely, the ban was not fully carried out.
The Xuanwu Gate Incident
In 626, Emperor Gaozu's sons, Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin, were rivals. Li Shimin feared his older brother, Li Jiancheng, was planning to kill him. Li Shimin told Emperor Gaozu about his fears. Emperor Gaozu then asked Xiao Yu and other officials for advice.
Li Shimin set a trap and killed his brothers at Xuanwu Gate. When Emperor Gaozu found out, he was shocked. Xiao Yu advised him to make Li Shimin the new crown prince to calm the situation. Emperor Gaozu did so, and two months later, he gave the throne to Li Shimin, who became Emperor Taizong.
Serving Emperor Taizong
Xiao Yu continued to be a chancellor under Emperor Taizong. However, he often disagreed with other chancellors. He was known for being honest but also very harsh. Emperor Taizong sometimes found him difficult to work with.
Honored for Loyalty
Despite their disagreements, Emperor Taizong respected Xiao Yu's loyalty. In 635, Emperor Taizong praised Xiao Yu, saying he was "not tempted by material goods or threatened by death." He even wrote a poem for Xiao Yu, which included these lines:
- Only in a gust of wind can the strong among the grass be known,
- Only in turmoil can the faithful subjects be seen.
Emperor Taizong also told Xiao Yu that his honesty was unmatched, but his strong desire to point out right and wrong sometimes made him hard to tolerate.
A Place in History
In 643, Emperor Taizong ordered 24 portraits to be painted at Lingyan Pavilion. These portraits honored the most important people who helped establish the Tang dynasty. Xiao Yu's portrait was one of them, showing his great contributions.
Later that year, one of Emperor Taizong's sons, Li Chengqian, plotted against him. Xiao Yu was part of the team that investigated the plot. As a result, Li Chengqian lost his position. Emperor Taizong then chose another son, Li Zhi, to be the new crown prince. Xiao Yu became a senior advisor to the new crown prince.
Final Years
In 646, Xiao Yu again had disagreements with other officials. Emperor Taizong was also unhappy when Xiao Yu wanted to become a Buddhist monk but then changed his mind. Emperor Taizong demoted him, but later restored his title and brought him back as an imperial advisor.
Death
In 648, Xiao Yu became ill and passed away while with Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong chose a special posthumous name for him: Zhenbian. This name means "honest but harsh," which reflected Xiao Yu's personality and how he served the empire.
Images for kids
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A portrait of Xiao Yu.
Primary Sources
- Book of Sui, vol. 79.[1]
- History of Northern Dynasties, vol. 93.[2]
- Old Book of Tang, vol. 63.[3]
- New Book of Tang, vol. 101.[4]
- Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 182, 184, 185, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198, 199.
