Empress Xiao Yanyan (953–1009)
Art by Chantel Delulio (tumblr)
Xiao Yanyan was the wife of Emperor Jingzong of the Liao Dynasty. She came from a noble Khitan family and was the daughter of an important Liao leader.
In 982, Jingzong died and Xiao Yanyan became regnant for the couple’s twelve year old son Shengzong. Sensing a power void, Emperor Taizong of the Northern Song dynasty invaded Liao territory in 986. Xiao Yanyan and Shengzong led the Liao army and defeated the Song.
Liao attacks continued until peaceful relations were established by the Treaty of Shanyuan in January 1005. In signing the treaty, both sides agreed to respect the current boundary between the two territories. Furthermore, the Song also agreed to pay an annual tribute of 200,000 bolts of silk and 100,000 taels of silver to the Liao.
After signing the Treaty of Shanyuan , Xiao Yanyan gradually transferred power to Shengzong, culminating in Shengzong’s 1009 coronation. Xiao Yanyan died one month later.
Empress Xiao Yanyan is also known as Empress Dowager Chengtian