Xiao Yanyan

Xiao Yanyan was the third child of Xiao Siwen (蕭思溫), Liao's chancellor.^[5] Also referred to by the name Xiao Chuo, Xiao's original Khitan family name was Bali (拔裏氏).^[6] She was the youngest of the Xiao sisters, after Xiao Hunian and Lady Xiao.^[3]

Xiao married Emperor Jingzong of Liao and gave birth to crown Prince Yelü Longxu.^[7][5] As Empress, Xiao was influential during her husband's reign.^[8][4]

She became regent for her son in 982 when he ascended the throne as Emperor Shengzong, aged 12, after Emperor Jingzong of Liao died while returning from a hunting trip.^[4][9][10]

Khitan culture permitted women to take part in military action and to be military commanders; Xiao became a military commander of great renown.^[11] In 986, the Song dynasty to the south under the leadership of Emperor Taizong invaded the Liao Empire, but was defeated by Liao forces under Xiao's command; she commanded the troops herself on the front line of the battle.^[7] They routed the Song soldiers and captured thousands, who Xiao pardoned as it was her birthday.^[4] A further invasion by the Song in 989 was again defeated by Liao forces and resulted in the death of Song general Yang Ye.

In her personal life, Empress Dowager Chengtian had an accepted, spouse-like relationship with Han Derang, her advisor and commander of the Northern Chancellery.^[12][13] She had originally been betrothed to Han before the imperial clan's interference, and had had a child with him. Song ambassador Lu Zhen said Chengtian appeared to be about 50 years old, wore a kingfisher feather cap and jade pendants in her ears, and sat on a stack of cushions on a chair. She had a dozen or so female Khitan attendants tending to her. Lu also saw a boy about 10 years old playing in front of her who resembled Han Derang. Lu speculated this was their son. The History of the Khitan Kingdom states that while serving as regent, Chengtian asked Han to resume their relationship and they copulated many times, had Han's wife poisoned, and produced a son.^[14]

As Empress Dowager Chengtian, Xiao commanded her own army of 10,000 cavalry and personally lead the Liao army in battle against the Song in 1005, despite being over 50 years old.^[4]

Known for her skills in civil administration, Empress Dowager Chengtian retained influence until her death at age 57 in 1009.^[15][4] Chinese chronicles, such as The History of the Liao, credit most of the success of Emperor Shengzong's reign to his mother, Chengtian.^[13][16]

She was instrumental in arranging a marriage between her son and her court lady, Xiao Noujin.^{[citation needed]} She had a poor relationship with her two older sisters, and poisoned or murdered them both.^{[citation needed]}