Li Deming


Li Deming was the eldest son of Li Jiqian, the founder of the Western Xia dynasty. When his father died in battle in 1004, Li Deming became leader of the Tangut people, and over the next twenty years he considerably expanded the territory controlled by the Tanguts. In 1028 he named his son Li Yuanhao as crown prince. He died of natural causes in 1032, and was posthumously recognized as 'grand ancestor' of the Western Xia royal family.