Yaonian Yanmujin facts for kids

Yaonian Yanmujin (also known as Xiao Yanmujin) was a very important woman in the early days of the Liao dynasty. She was the mother of Emperor Taizu of Liao, who founded the Liao Empire. Her husband was Yelü Saladi. Later, when her grandson Emperor Taizong of Liao became emperor, she was given the special title of Grand Empress Dowager. She passed away on December 18, 933.

Early Life and Family

We don't know exactly when Yaonian Yanmujin was born. She belonged to the Yaonian clan. Her father was Yaonian Tila, who was a chancellor.

Yaonian Yanmujin married Yelü Saladi, a leader of the Yelü clan. They had six children together. Their oldest son was Yelü Abaoji, who would later become a famous emperor.

As Empress Dowager

After Yelü Abaoji became the leader of the Yelü clan, he united the other Khitan tribes. In 907, he declared himself emperor of a new empire, which became known as the Liao Dynasty. He was known as Emperor Taizu.

Emperor Taizu honored his mother, Yaonian Yanmujin, by giving her the title of Empress Dowager. This was a very respected position. However, his wife, Empress Shulü Ping, was also very powerful. Empress Shulü Ping had achieved a lot on the battlefield. She refused to bow to Empress Dowager Yaonian, saying she only bowed to Heaven.

In 913, Emperor Taizu was away on a trip. He thought some of his brothers, Yelü Diela and Yelü Anduan, might rebel. So, he had them arrested. Another brother, Yelü Lage, heard about this. He came to the Khitan headquarters with his army, possibly planning to become emperor himself. Empress Dowager Yaonian ordered him to leave the headquarters. His army then robbed the area, but Empress Shulü's army fought them off.

In 919, Emperor Taizu was fighting against the Wugu Tribe. He heard that Empress Dowager Yaonian was sick. He quickly returned to the headquarters to be with her. Once she got better, he went back to his military campaign.

As Grand Empress Dowager

In 927, Emperor Taizu died. His son, Yelü Deguang, became the new emperor, known as Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong gave his grandmother, Yaonian Yanmujin, an even higher title: Grand Empress Dowager.

She lived for several more years with this honored title. Grand Empress Dowager Yaonian passed away in 933.