The Liao Southern Expedition
In the autumn of 1004, Empress Dowager Xiao and Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty launched a massive campaign, leading 200,000 cavalrymen southward against the Song Dynasty. Accompanied by their chief strategist Han Derang, they justified the invasion by demanding the return of territories previously reclaimed by Later Zhou’s Emperor Shizong, which the Liao considered rightfully theirs. The Song, naturally, refused to cede land.
The Liao cavalry moved with blistering speed, bypassing the well-defended city of Dingzhou and pushing deep into Song territory. They skipped over resistant towns, aiming straight for Chanzhou (also known as Chanyuan, modern Puyang, Henan), bringing the war to the very gates of the Song capital, Bianjing.
Panic in the Court: Flight or Fight?
As urgent reports flooded Bianjing, the Song court descended into chaos. Emperor Zhenzong was bewildered by the sudden invasion. In the emergency council, opinions were sharply divided. Prime Minister Wang Qinruo, a native of the south, argued that the capital was indefensible and suggested fleeing to Jinling (Nanjing). Official Chen Yaosou, from Sichuan, proposed an even longer retreat to Chengdu. Many ministers echoed these calls for evacuation.
When the Emperor turned to the newly appointed Prime Minister Kou Zhun for advice, Kou exploded with anger: “Those who suggest fleeing should be beheaded!” Shocked, Zhenzong asked for an alternative. Kou Zhun proposed a bold counter-strategy: instead of retreating, the Emperor must lead the army personally to Chanyuan. “If Your Majesty appears on the front lines,” Kou argued, “the troops’ morale will soar, and we can repel the invaders.” Despite fierce opposition from Wang Qinruo and others who claimed this would endanger the Emperor, Zhenzong was eventually persuaded. Recalling the martial traditions of his ancestors, Taizu and Taizong, he agreed to the expedition to boost national spirit and assert his authority.
The Emperor at the Frontlines
Emperor Zhenzong, accompanied by Kou Zhun, arrived at the southern bank of Chanzhou. However, upon hearing that the Liao camp was just across the river at the northern bank, the Emperor’s courage faltered. He expressed a desire to return immediately. Kou Zhun, refusing to yield, insisted, “We may advance one foot, but not retreat one inch!” With the support of General Gao Qiong, who urged the Emperor not to fear, Zhenzong reluctantly crossed to the northern city.
As the imperial yellow canopy fluttered atop the city wall, the Song soldiers realized their Emperor was truly present. Cheers of “Long live the Emperor” erupted, revitalizing the army’s morale. Local civilians also rallied, joining the defense effort. Emboldened, the Song forces prepared for a decisive battle.
The Turning Point: Death of a General
The unexpected presence of the Song Emperor unsettled Empress Dowager Xiao. Initial skirmishes yielded no advantage for the Liao. Furthermore, reports arrived that Song militias across Hebei were harassing Liao supply lines and threatening to cut off their retreat. Just as the situation grew precarious, a catastrophic blow struck the Liao command.
Xiao Talin (also known as Xiao Dalin), a renowned Liao vanguard general and a relative of the Empress, was scouting near the city walls. Spotting him directing troops from a high ground, Song commanders deployed achuangzi nu (bed crossbow), a heavy weapon capable of launching massive bolts over long distances. A single bolt struck Xiao Talin in the head, killing him instantly.
The death of such a pivotal leader devastated the Liao army. Empress Dowager Xiao mourned deeply, losing the will to continue a risky campaign. With morale plummeting and the strategic situation deteriorating, she consulted with Emperor Shengzong and Han Derang. They concluded that while victory was uncertain, a negotiated peace could still secure material gains without further bloodshed. Envoys were dispatched to the Song camp.
Negotiating the Peace
Both sides had secretly desired peace earlier, but terms had been unreachable. Now, with the Song buoyed by their defensive success, Prime Minister Kou Zhun advocated for a counter-offensive to drive the Liao out completely. However, Emperor Zhenzong, eager to return to the safety of the capital, favored immediate negotiations. When he heard that Kou Zhun was sleeping soundly after a drink – showing remarkable composure – he felt reassured enough to proceed.
The Liao sent envoys Han Qi and later Yao Jianzhi. Negotiations stalled over territorial concessions and indemnities. Emperor Zhenzong authorized his envoy, Cao Yongli, to agree to a payment of up to one million strings of cash or equivalent silk and silver, provided no land was ceded. Kou Zhun, furious at the prospect of such a generous payout without a military victory, privately warned Cao Yongli: “Do not exceed 300,000. If you do, I will have your head!”
Cao Yongli held firm in negotiations. The Liao, pressured by the stalemate and the loss of Xiao Talin, dropped their demand for land and accepted 300,000 units of combined silver and silk. Thus, the historic Covenant of Chanyuan was signed. The treaty established a brotherhood between the two empires: Emperor Zhenzong (the elder) as the brother, and Emperor Shengzong (the younger) with Empress Dowager Xiao as the aunt. The Song agreed to an annual tribute of 100,000 taels of silver and 200,000 bolts of silk. Both sides pledged to respect borders and cease hostilities.
Legacy and Aftermath
Although the treaty was seen by many as a humiliation for the Song – paying tribute despite having the upper hand militarily – it secured over a century of peace along the border. This stability allowed both economies to flourish. Shortly after the treaty, Empress Dowager Xiao and Han Derang passed away. Emperor Shengzong continued his reforms, leading the Liao into its golden age.
Back in Song, Emperor Zhenzong’s memory of the campaign was fraught with fear rather than pride. Influenced by Wang Qinruo’s slander, he gradually distanced himself from Kou Zhun, eventually demoting and exiling the steadfast prime minister.
Zhenzong’s later years were marked by domestic intrigue involving his consort, Liu E. Having no surviving sons of his own early on, Zhenzong fathered a son, Zhao Zhen, with a palace maid named Lady Li. Fearing rivalry, Empress Liu E took the infant as her own, concealing his true motherhood. Lady Li was forced into silence, later titled Consort Chen. Twenty years later, upon Zhenzong’s death, Zhao Zhen ascended as Emperor Renzong, believing Liu E to be his birth mother. Only after both women died did the truth emerge, causing Renzong profound grief. He posthumously honored Lady Li as Empress Dowager. This tragedy inspired the famous folk tale “The Civet Cat Replaces the Crown Prince,” though historically, Emperor Renzong is remembered for his benevolence, tolerance, and frugality, earning him the title “Ren” (Benevolent), the first emperor in Chinese history to be so honored.
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