Chapter 129: Top Ten Wise Empresses in History – #10: Liao

Reason for ranking: As Empress and Grand Empress Dowager, she held the reins of Liao's government for forty years,

Domestically she implemented Han‑style reforms that revitalized the state's power,

Externally she forged the "Treaty of Chanyuan," establishing a century of peace,

She truly realized the governing ideal of "enlightened and discerning rule, following all that is good," and can be called an outstanding female stateswoman who propelled a nomadic dynasty to its zenith.

"Holding power for forty years? Implementing Han reforms? Forging the Treaty of Chanyuan? A century of peace?"

This ranking rationale contains a massive amount of information, instantly making many dismissive people curb their contempt.

Holding power for forty years is almost comparable to the dictatorial tenure of Empress Dowager Cixi, who topped the previous list of tyrants.

Yet her evaluation is "outstanding female stateswoman," indicating that the manner and outcome of her rule differ vastly.

Implementing Han reforms? A Khitan regime's empress proactively promoting sinicization? That requires immense boldness and foresight.

The Treaty of Chanyuan? A century of peace? This moves every dynasty, especially those plagued by border troubles, to emotion.

Peace, especially long‑term peace, is something many enlightened rulers and wise ministers strive for yet cannot obtain.

"Interesting."

Liu Bang put away his jest and sat upright.

"Holding power for forty years, not throwing the country into chaos, yet managing reforms and securing peace—this woman is no simple figure."

Liu Che's gaze sharpened; he had struck north against the Xiongnu and knew the pain of border threats.

If a century of peace is possible, what would the price be?

"Treaty of Chanyuan… exchanging annual tribute for peace? This strategy…"

He mused: as a strong emperor, he instinctively dislikes receiving tribute, but if it truly secures lasting border tranquility and lets the people recuperate, perhaps it is not entirely unacceptable?

The key lies in whether it is worthwhile, whether it is passive.

Ying Zheng nodded slightly: "Being able to reform old systems, promote integration, and lay down arms—this woman truly possesses extraordinary qualities. Holding power for forty years while the state not only avoids decline but flourishes further demonstrates her ability."

Li Shimin's eyes showed admiration: "Enlightened and discerning rule, following all that is good… these eight characters mean that even a ruler cannot be perfect."

"She, as a woman, achieving this in a northern dynasty where Khitan and Han coexist, makes it even harder."

"The Treaty of Chanyuan… though it may seem humiliating, it can secure a century of prosperity for the peoples of both states; it is truly a great virtue. This vision and decision qualify her as a statesman."

Wei Zheng praised: "Not clinging to old customs, not exhausting troops in endless war, putting the people first, and fostering peace on the borders."

"Such actions align with the Way of the Sage. This Empress Xiao truly embodies a virtuous empress."

Cheng Yaojin scratched his head: "It sounds impressive, but she's still a Khitan empress; we're not on the same side."

Great Ming.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression softened slightly, yet he said: "She may be adept at governing the Khitan state, but she remains an outsider."

"The so‑called peace is also won by force, which is why the Song dynasty is considered soft."

Zhu Di thought further: "Implementing Han systems and promoting integration… this is a brilliant strategy to erase Khitan‑Han divides and solidify rule. Empress Xiao truly grasps the art of governance."

【Achievements tally:

1. Reform and renewal: Modeled on Central Plains institutions, overhauled bureaucracy, instituted imperial examinations, encouraged agriculture, dramatically reduced taxes on the sixteen Yan‑Yun prefectures, accelerating Liao's transition from tribal confederation to feudal dynasty.

2. People‑first policy: Established "Yi Cang" relief granaries for disaster victims, strictly punished corruption, weakened tribal aristocratic privileges, allowing low‑ranking herders and Han farmers to recuperate.

3. Sword into plow: During the Tonghe era, she personally led campaigns that repelled Song forces but chose not to continue southward invasion; instead she forged the Treaty of Chanyuan, exchanging annual tribute for peace, freeing the border populace from a century of war, and border trade thrived like the endless caravans of Bai Gou Yi.

4. Cultural fusion: Vigorously promoted sinicization while preserving Khitan foundations, fostering deep integration of the two civilizations; in the Yanjing region a unique scene emerged where "every market heard Khitan speech, and the court half‑recited Tang and Song poetry."

As the celestial screen displayed Xiao Chuo's deeds line by line, especially the concrete people‑benefiting measures (tax reductions, Yi Cang, anti‑corruption, border trade promotion) and the cultural‑fusion scenes, the perceptions of discerning officials from various dynasties shifted further.

"Tax cuts, Yi Cang, anti‑corruption… these are truly tangible benevolent policies."

Liu Che, as an emperor, deeply understood the difficulty and impact of implementing such policies.

"Especially the tax relief in the newly annexed Yan‑Yun Han lands, this is a masterstroke to win the people's hearts and solidify rule. Empress Xiao truly comprehends governance."

"Modeling after Han institutions, instituting examinations, encouraging agriculture… this fundamentally transforms a nomadic state's visage."

Li Shimin reflected, "When Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital and sinicized, the resistance was enormous."

"Empress Xiao's successful implementation in Liao, her skill and resolve, command respect."

Ying Zheng's eyes flickered: "Overhauling bureaucracy, weakening aristocratic privileges… these are necessities for strengthening central authority."

"It seems that under her rule, Liao's royal authority is reinforced, tribal powers are restrained, and the state can issue clear commands and carry out reforms."

"Allowing low‑ranking herders and Han farmers to recuperate…"

Although Zhu Yuanzhang harbored resentment toward the "barbarian hordes," "rest and recovery" was his consistent stance, and his expression brightened at the remark.

"Whether Khitan or Han, if the common people can enjoy peaceful lives, that's always good. Empress Xiao, after all, does not merely plunder."

"Border trade flourishes, caravans stretch endlessly…" Zhu Di also paid close attention to economic commerce.

"Opening reciprocal markets is far more beneficial than isolation or endless conquest. The peace dividends brought by the Treaty of Chanyuan appear substantial."

The Three Kingdoms plane.

"Every market hears Khitan speech, the court half‑recites Tang and Song poetry…"

Cao Cao, savoring the description, praised: "What a vivid tableau of Khitan‑Han integration and flourishing culture."

"To create such a situation, Empress Xiao's breadth and bearing are extraordinary. Her governance transcends clan or family interests, possessing a universal outlook."

Liu Bei also sighed: "If one can eliminate warfare, let the people live peacefully, border markets thrive, and cultures blend, then even a non‑Han ruler has merits."

"Empress Xiao far surpasses those Han tyrants who only know internal strife and extravagance."

Zhuge Liang, fanning himself, said: "The way to govern lies in pacifying the people, benefiting them, and promoting livelihoods. Everything Empress Xiao does aligns with this principle."

"With the dignity of Grand Empress Dowager, she enacts benevolent rule, fosters peace, and drives integration; calling her a 'wise empress' is fitting. As the tenth on the list, she truly deserves it."

Northern Song, during Emperor Zhenzong's reign (after the Treaty of Chanyuan).

Inside Bianjing, Emperor Zhao Heng and his ministers also watched the celestial screen.

When they saw "Liao's Empress Xiao" and "Treaty of Chanyuan," the emperor and ministers wore complex expressions.

Zhao Heng let out a sigh of relief, and felt a bit embarrassed.

He relaxed because the celestial canopy seemed to endorse the peace brought by the treaty,

The embarrassment stemmed from the fact that this peace was bought by tribute to Liao, and was orchestrated by an Empress Dowager on the other side.

Prime Minister Kou Zhun snorted coldly, "Hmph, the Liao Empress Dowager, even with a few achievements, is merely foreign intrigue. Our Great Song… sigh."

He wanted to say that the Song's national strength could have been greater, but recalling Emperor Zhenzong's later "Heavenly Book Sealing" and the current state of court affairs, he swallowed the words.

A minister whispered, "Empress Xiao is indeed formidable, having ruled Liao for forty years, with the nation's power rising. In contrast, our court…"

"Watch your words!"

Someone immediately intervened.

Yet the celestial canopy's affirmation of Xiao Chuo's achievements—especially the "century of peace" and "prosperous border trade"—made many ministers who had seen war silently nod.

In any case, this roughly twenty‑year peace gave the people a genuine respite, and border commerce indeed flourished considerably.

Only that the title "Virtuous Empress" attached to an enemy nation's Empress Dowager always feels unsettling.