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Empress Dowager Xiao

Empress of Jingzong of Liao and mother of Shengzong, regent from 982, who led the 1004 campaign that ended in the Chanyuan treaty

Also known as Empress Dowager Chengtian · Xiao Yanyan

Xiao Chuo, with the childhood name Yanyan, was born in 953 and became empress of Emperor Jingzong of Liao, known as the Ruizhi Empress, and mother of Emperor Shengzong, later honoured as Empress Dowager Chengtian. After Jingzong died in 982 she ruled as regent for her young son and trusted Han Derang with major affairs. In 1004 she led an invasion of Song that ended in the Treaty of Chanyuan. She died in 1009. The source is the History of Liao.

Life and times

  1. c. 953 CEBornFive Dynasties and Ten KingdomsSong
  2. 1005Treaty of ChanyuanTook partThe first treaty establishing equal status and trade boundaries with a northern power.
    1. Kou Zhun and Treaty of Chanyuan1004Chancellor Kou Zhun urged Emperor Zhenzong to the frontlines at Chanzhou, forcing the Treaty of Chanyuan that secured 120 years of peace.
  3. 1009 CEDied

Family tree

  1. Direct kin