Xiao Cong

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Xiao Cong, known as Emperor Jing of Western Liang, was the last ruler of Western Liang. He was born in the 550s and died around 607. The son of Xiao Kui, he became emperor in 585 after his father’s death.

Early in his reign he tried to attack the Chen dynasty but could not take Gong’an. The Sui dynasty moved in and reasserted control over Western Liang. Xiao Cong’s uncle Xiao Yan and his brother Xiao Huan fled to Chen to surrender, and the people of Jiangling cried, fearing they would lose their ruler. In 587, Sui abolished Western Liang and made Xiao Cong the Duke of Ju.

In 589, Sui conquered Chen and united much of China. In 604, Emperor Wen of Sui died and his son Yang Guang became Emperor Yang. Because Yang Guang’s wife Empress Xiao was Xiao Cong’s sister, Xiao Cong received greater respect and was later titled Duke of Liang. He held a high office but was not very active in ruling. He stayed proud and did not bow to the northern great clans.

In 607, after Emperor Yang punished several officials for giving large rewards to the Qimin Khan, Xiao Cong’s close friend Heruo Bi was in danger of disgrace. A revival song about Xiao Cong spurred Emperor Yang’s suspicions, and Xiao Cong was removed from his post. He died at home not long after, with the exact year unclear.

Xiao Cong may have had no children, and his nephew Xiao Ju inherited the title of Duke of Liang. In 617, when Xiao Yan’s grandson Xiao Xian briefly rebelled against Sui, he honored Xiao Cong as Emperor Jing posthumously.