Xiao Chuo

Xiao Yanyan (; 953 – 29 December 1009 ), also known as Empress Dowager Chengtian (承天皇太后), was a Khitan empress and military leader of the Liao dynasty of China. She was regent on behalf of her son from 982. Also referred to by the name Xiao Chuo, Xiao's original Khitan family name was Bali (拔裏氏). She was the youngest of the Xiao sisters, after Xiao Hunian and Lady Xiao.

Khitan culture permitted women to take part in military action and to be military commanders; Xiao became a military commander of great renown. 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.

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

Modern references Film and television Portrayed by Mu Qing in the 1995 Chinese movie Great Liao's Empress Dowager. Portrayed by Shim Hye-jin in the 2009 Korean TV series Empress Cheonchu. Portrayed by Mei Lier in the 2019 Chinese movie Battle Between Song and Liao Dynasties (大破天门阵). Portrayed by Tiffany Tang in the 2020 Chinese TV series The Legend of Xiao Chuo.

Literature She is also portrayed as an antagonist in many Generals of the Yang Family adaptations.