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Xiao Gang
Third son of Emperor Wu of Liang, set on the throne as Hou Jing's puppet after the fall of Jiankang and murdered in 551; a leading palace-style poet.
Mural of the event “Hou Jing Rebellion”, which this person presided over.
In 548 the Eastern Wei defector Hou Jing rose against Liang at Shouyang, crossed the Yangtze at Caishi and besieged Taicheng, the palace city of Jiankang. Taicheng fell the next year and Emperor Wu died under his control; the war lasted until Hou Jing's defeat in 552 and left Jiankang and the Sanwu region in ruins.
Also known as Emperor Jianwen of Liang · Zi Shizuan · Childhood name Liutong
Xiao Gang, courtesy name Shizuan, was the third son of Emperor Wu of Liang and became crown prince in 531 after the death of Xiao Tong. When Hou Jing took the palace city in 549 and Emperor Wu starved to death, Xiao Gang succeeded him but ruled under Hou Jing's control, adopting the era name Dabao. In 551 Hou Jing deposed him as Prince of Jin'an and had him smothered with sacks of earth; he was later honoured as Emperor Jianwen. A gifted writer, he championed the ornate palace-style poetry of his court. He is the captive emperor of the Hou Jing Rebellion.
Life and times
Dates 503–551 CE; reigned 549–551
- 548Hou Jing RebellionIn powerage 45
- 551Hou Jing Usurps the Liang Throneage 48