When Yelü Xian, Emperor Jingzong of the Liao Dynasty, ascended the throne, the Liao state was in complete chaos. Determined to revive the Liao, he implemented a series of reforms in politics, economy, and other areas, and achieved multiple victories in foreign wars. He laid a solid foundation for the Liao's golden age and is hailed as the restorer of the Liao Dynasty.
Unfortunately, Yelü Xian had been frail and sickly since childhood, and even after reaching adulthood, he was constantly plagued by illness. At the age of thirty-five, he died prematurely due to his ailments. After his death, his son Yelü Longxu ascended the throne, historically known as Emperor Shengzong of Liao. At that time, Emperor Shengzong was only twelve years old, and the government was assisted by the ministers Yelü Xiezhen and Han Derang. The emperor's mother was the renowned Empress Dowager Xiao. The following year, Emperor Shengzong and the court officials began to honor Empress Dowager Xiao with the title "Empress Dowager Chengtian." From then on, the military and political power of the Liao state was formally placed in the hands of Empress Dowager Xiao.
Empress Dowager Xiao, named Xiao Chuo and affectionately called Xiao Yanyan, came from a prominent family; her father, Xiao Siwen, served as the Privy Councilor of the Northern Court and Prime Minister of the Northern Prefecture of the Liao Dynasty, maintaining power through the reigns of four emperors—Taizong, Shizong, Muzong, and Jingzong—wielding immense influence over the court, while her mother was the Princess of Yan, the eldest daughter of Emperor Taizong, Yelü Deguang.
From a young age, Xiao Chuo was exceptionally intelligent and always persevered in whatever she did. As a child, she once did household chores with her sisters, and among all of them, she was the only one who carried out the tasks meticulously. Xiao Siwen therefore had a special fondness for this daughter and predicted that she would one day accomplish great things.
Before Emperor Jingzong of Liao, Yelü Xian, ascended the throne, the Liao state had been under the incompetent and tyrannical rule of Emperor Muzong. To seize the throne, Yelü Xian won over the influential court minister Xiao Siwen, and it was with the support of Xiao Siwen and others that Yelü Xian eventually became emperor.
After Yelü Xian ascended the throne, he decided to form a marriage alliance with his key supporter, the great minister Xiao Siwen, and Xiao Chuo was subsequently chosen as a consort and entered the palace. Once inside, Xiao Chuo was deeply favored by Emperor Jingzong and was soon appointed as empress, while Xiao Siwen was enfeoffed as the Prince of Wei, enjoying unprecedented prestige and influence for a time.
Because Emperor Jingzong was in poor health, many court affairs were handled on his behalf by Xiao Chuo. The emperor had great trust in his wife, and many difficult military and political issues were resolved successfully thanks to her strategic advice.
During the reign of Emperor Jingzong of the Liao Dynasty, many of the reform measures implemented in politics, military, economy, education, and law originated from the proposals of Xiao Chuo. Xiao Chuo was dedicated to easing tensions between the Liao and Song Dynasties, promoting trade between the two sides, and driving economic development. Additionally, the principles of "trusting those you employ without suspicion" and "appointing people based solely on merit" were also put forward by Xiao Chuo. It can be said that the achievements made during Emperor Jingzong's reign were largely due to his virtuous wife.
After Emperor Jingzong of Liao passed away, Xiao Chuo remarried the prominent minister Han Derang. Before this, she first ordered the secret murder of Han Derang's original wife, removing the final obstacle between them. Xiao Chuo's remarriage to Han Derang was said to be partly due to a youthful bond they once shared, and partly because Han Derang was an exceptional talent in both politics and military affairs—if he could wholeheartedly assist Emperor Shengzong of Liao, Shengzong's rise to become a wise ruler would be within reach. Thereafter, Han Derang and Xiao Chuo lived like an ordinary couple, sharing the same tent and eating together. Xiao Chuo instructed Han Derang to treat Shengzong as his own son, and in practice, Emperor Shengzong also treated Han Derang with the respect due a father. Grateful for this favor, Han Derang devoted himself entirely to serving Shengzong and Empress Dowager Xiao.
Xiao Chuo consistently valued Han Chinese officials; besides Han Derang, many talented Han individuals within the Liao Kingdom gained her favor. She governed the Liao court for forty years, during which she implemented a series of sinicization measures that transformed the Liao from a slave-based state into a feudal one.
When Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty first ascended the throne, many in the court eyed the imperial seat with covetous intent, eager to eliminate Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo and her son as quickly as possible. Coupled with the growing threat from the increasingly powerful Northern Song Dynasty to the south, Xiao Chuo was forced to act decisively to stabilize their positions. To this end, she tearfully confided to her ministers that the Liao state was beset by internal strife and external threats, leaving her and Shengzong at a loss. Some ministers promptly pledged their unwavering loyalty and vowed to do their utmost to support the young emperor. In response, Xiao Chuo entrusted these ministers with key responsibilities. Once Emperor Shengzong's rule was secured, the Liao Dynasty entered a glorious period marked by political stability, economic prosperity, and national strength. On the military front, reports of victories also came in steadily.
The Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun were a constant point of contention between the Liao Dynasty and the Northern Song Dynasty. During his reign, Zhao Kuangyin failed to reclaim these territories, and after his brother Zhao Guangyi ascended the throne, he launched a large-scale campaign against the Liao, determined to seize back this strategically vital region. Subsequently, in the Battle of Gaoliang River, the Song army led by Zhao Guangyi suffered a crushing defeat. However, Zhao Guangyi did not give up; after the death of Emperor Jingzong of Liao, he once again attacked the Liao. This time, Xiao Chuo personally led the Liao forces, defeating the Song army and capturing the Northern Song general Yang Ye.
After Emperor Taizong of Song died, his successor Zhao Heng ascended the throne as Emperor Zhenzong of Song. Xiao Chuo led an army of 200,000 troops into Chanzhou, directly threatening the Song capital of Bianliang. Panic spread throughout the Northern Song, but fortunately, Prime Minister Kou Zhuo stepped in to turn the tide. He insisted that Emperor Zhenzong personally lead the campaign, which greatly boosted the morale of the Song frontline forces. Meanwhile, the Liao general Xiao Talin was killed in battle, causing Liao morale to plummet. The two sides then entered a stalemate, and Xiao Chuo proactively proposed peace negotiations with the Song government. The result of these talks was the Treaty of Chanyuan. This treaty not only brought substantial tribute payments to the Liao dynasty but also secured decades of peace between Song and Liao, allowing the people of both nations to live and work in peace, fostering social stability and economic prosperity.
During Xiao Chuo's regency, the Liao Dynasty reached its peak. After assisting Emperor Shengzong for twenty-seven years, Empress Dowager Xiao officially retired, handing over all military and political power to him. At the end of that year, Empress Dowager Xiao, who had devoted her entire life to the Liao Dynasty, passed away due to illness.