Xiao Guanyin (Chinese: 蕭觀音; 1040–13 December 1075), known as the Empress Yide (懿德皇后) during her tenure from 1055 to 1075, and as Empress Xuanyi (宣懿皇后) after her death, was an empress consort of the Liao dynasty of China, married to her cousin Emperor Daozong. She was falsely accused of adultery and forced to commit suicide.
Xiao Guanyin was described as "exceedingly beautiful". A sinicized Khitan, she was a pipa virtuoso and wrote songs as well as Chinese poetry. Fourteen of her poems have survived, which have all been translated into English.
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Biography
Xiao Guanyin was the daughter of Xiao Hui and Yelü Shuogu. Yelü Shuogu was the daughter of Xiao Noujin and Emperor Shengzong of Liao, and Xiao Hui was the brother of Xiao Noujin - an ambitious woman who was involved in the murder of a former Empress Dowager and a plot to overthrow her son, Emperor Xingzong. She's named after Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Xiao Guanyin had an affection for fine arts, and she was a skilled pipa player and music composer, and excelled in debate. She also wrote several poems and was chosen by Yelü Hongji as his consort. She gave birth to three daughters, Yelü Sagezhi (耶律撒葛只), Yelü Jiuli (耶律糾里), and Yelü Teli (耶律特里). She later gave birth to a son named Yelü Jun (耶律浚), who would become the Crown Prince. When Yelü Hongji became Emperor, Xiao Guanyin would receive the title of Empress Yide.
The Empress was known to be virtuous and wise. When Yelü Zhongyuan's wife allured other men, Xiao Guanyin warned her that she was wed to the Emperor's uncle. Despite Xiao Guanyin's beauty, the Emperor distanced from her and she composed several poems out of sadness. She told a court musician named Zhao Weiyi to play for her and his music was intricate and deliberate. Many servants heard the music and spread rumors that the Empress and Zhao Weiyi had an affair. An official named Yelü Yixin would later use these rumors to bring the Empress's downfall.