Yang Wo facts for kids

Yang Wo (Chinese: 楊渥) (886 – June 9, 908) was an important ruler in ancient China. He was the first independent leader of the Yang Wu kingdom. This kingdom existed during a time called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Yang Wo was known by his temple name, Emperor Liezu of Yang Wu. He ruled as the Commandery Prince of Hongnong.

Early Life and Family

Yang Wo was born in 886. This was during the time of Emperor Xizong of Tang. His father was Yang Xingmi, a powerful military leader. At the time, his father was the prefect of Lu Prefecture. This area is now Hefei, Anhui.

Yang Wo's mother was Lady Shi. She was also the mother of his younger brother, Yang Longyan. He had four other younger brothers. Their names were Yang Meng, Yang Pu, Yang Xun, and Yang Che.

Becoming a Leader

Yang Wo's father, Yang Xingmi, became a very powerful warlord. He controlled a large area called Huainan Circuit. Yang Xingmi was given the title of Prince of Wu. Yang Wo served as a commander in his father's army.

In 904, Yang Wo was sent to govern Xuan Prefecture. His father became very ill in 905. He wanted Yang Wo to return and take over. Some of his father's advisors disagreed. However, two important commanders, Xu Wen and Zhang Hao, made sure Yang Wo received the order.

Yang Wo returned to his father's capital. His father passed away soon after. Yang Wo then took over the territory. He was given the title of Prince of Hongnong. This title was given by an emissary from the Tang Emperor.

Rule as Prince of Hongnong

As Prince, Yang Wo quickly started to expand his territory. In 906, his forces captured Yue Prefecture. This area is now Yueyang, Hunan. He also sent his general Qin Pei to attack Zhennan Circuit. This area is now Nanchang, Jiangxi. Qin Pei quickly captured the capital city. Yang Wo then became the military governor of Zhennan.

These quick victories made Yang Wo very confident. However, he also became quite arrogant. He spent a lot of time feasting and playing games. This was even during a period of mourning for his father. Xu Wen and Zhang Hao tried to advise him. But Yang Wo became angry with them. This made Xu Wen and Zhang Hao fearful.

They began to make plans to control Yang Wo. They removed some of Yang Wo's trusted officers. In spring 907, Xu Wen and Zhang Hao took control of the headquarters. They removed some of Yang Wo's close friends. They did not harm Yang Wo directly. But they now had the real power.

Later in 907, the Tang Dynasty officially ended. A new dynasty, the Later Liang, began. Yang Wo, along with other powerful leaders, refused to recognize this new emperor. They continued to use the old Tang era name. Yang Wo effectively became the ruler of his own independent kingdom.

Yang Wo's army faced some defeats later that year. His forces were defeated by the Chu kingdom. This gave Xu Wen and Zhang Hao more reasons to remove his trusted people. Yang Wo tried to regain control. But Xu Wen and Zhang Hao were too powerful.

End of His Rule

Xu Wen and Zhang Hao decided to take full control. On June 9, 908, Zhang Hao sent his soldiers into Yang Wo's mansion. Yang Wo passed away that day. Zhang Hao and Xu Wen announced that Yang Wo had died suddenly.

Later, Xu Wen removed Zhang Hao from power. Yang Wo's younger brother, Yang Longyan, became the new Prince of Hongnong.

Personal Information

• Father: Yang Xingmi, Prince Wuzhong of Wu
• Mother: Lady Shi, later honored as Queen Dowager
• Son: Yang Gong, Duke of Nanchang