Xiao Yanyan


Xiao Yanyan was a Khitan empress and military leader of imperial China's Liao dynasty.

History

Xiao Chuo was the 3rd child of Xiao Siwen, Liao's chancellor. Another Chinese name for her was Xiao Chuo. She had two older sisters, who had married into the Liao imperial family. Her original Khitan family name was Bali. She married Emperor Jingzong of Liao.
At a young age, she distinguished herself from her sisters by very thoroughly sweeping the floors. Impressed, her father chose her to marry the new Emperor Jingzong as a consort. Soon afterward, she was given the title of empress; she later gave birth to Emperor Shengzong. She was one of the greatest women in Liao history.
She commanded her own army of 10,000 cavalry which she stayed at the head of until she was near the age of sixty. After the death of Jingzong in 982, she became regent for her son Emperor Shengzong. She was formally referred to as Empress Dowager Chengtian. Song dynasty troops attacked the Liao in 986, but they were pushed back and later defeated in 989 with the help of Xiao's trusted general Han Derang. She was known for her great skills in civil administration and retained great influence until her death.

Modern references

Film and television