The Ambitious Campaign Against Later Jin

In the mid-10th century, Yelü Deguang, the second emperor of the Khitan-led Liao Dynasty, embarked on a campaign that would redefine his legacy: the conquest of the Later Jin Dynasty. This was no ordinary military endeavor. For Yelü Deguang, defeating the Later Jin was not just about territorial expansion—it was a chance to solidify the Liao Dynasty’s legitimacy and assert Khitan superiority over the Central Plains.

The campaign was deeply personal. Yelü Deguang sought to escape the shadow of his formidable mother, Empress Dowager Yingtian, who had long dominated Liao politics. By conquering the Later Jin and ruling as emperor of the Central Plains, he aimed to prove himself as a sovereign in his own right. However, ruling China was not as simple as military conquest. The Khitan leader quickly discovered that governance required finesse, cultural understanding, and political compromise—qualities he struggled to master.

A Reign of Terror and Miscalculations

Yelü Deguang’s initial approach to governance was brutally straightforward: eliminate all opposition. After the decisive Battle of Zhongdu Bridge, he considered drowning tens of thousands of surrendered Jin soldiers in the Yellow River. Advisors dissuaded him, warning of potential rebellion. Instead, he resorted to a slower, more insidious method—starving and freezing the captives at Chenqiao before executing them.

Yet, even this plan was thwarted by political maneuvering. Zhao Yanshou, a former Jin general with his own ambitions, convinced Yelü Deguang that massacring the surrendered troops would leave the southern borders vulnerable to attacks from the Southern Tang and Later Shu. Reluctantly, Yelü Deguang spared the soldiers, redistributing them as border garrisons.

The Collapse of Khitan Rule

Yelü Deguang’s inability to adapt to Chinese governance became increasingly apparent. His policies alienated the local population:

– Economic Exploitation: He imposed heavy taxes, emptying treasuries and prompting further looting by Khitan troops under the guise of “foraging” (dacaogu).
– Cultural Insensitivity: He appointed Khitan officials to oversee Chinese regions, ignoring the advice of Han advisors like Zhang Li, who warned that alienating the populace would lead to rebellion.
– Failed Diplomacy: His attempts to legitimize his rule—such as adopting Chinese imperial regalia and rituals—rang hollow amid widespread suffering.

By early 947, revolts erupted across Henan and Shanxi. The Khitan occupation became untenable. Facing scorching summer heat, dwindling supplies, and mounting resistance, Yelü Deguang abandoned his dream of ruling China. He retreated north, leaving behind a trail of devastation—including the infamous massacre at Xiangzhou, where nearly the entire male population was slaughtered.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Yelü Deguang’s death in April 947 marked the end of Liao’s brief dominance over northern China. His demise triggered a succession crisis, as factions within the Khitan elite clashed over the throne. The ensuing instability—compounded by the rise of Liu Zhiyuan’s Later Han—prevented the Liao from capitalizing on their earlier victories.

For China, the episode was a turning point. The brutality of Khitan rule galvanized anti-Liao sentiment, paving the way for Liu Zhiyuan’s rebellion and the eventual reunification under the Later Zhou and Song Dynasties. Meanwhile, the Liao Dynasty entered a period of internal strife, delaying their southward ambitions for decades.

Lessons from a Failed Conquest

Yelü Deguang’s campaign offers a stark lesson in the limits of military power. His failure to transition from conqueror to ruler underscores the importance of cultural adaptation and administrative competence. While he expanded the Liao’s territory, his legacy remains one of overreach and miscalculation—a cautionary tale for empires built on force alone.

Ultimately, the rise of Liu Zhiyuan and the resilience of the Central Plains ensured that Yelü Deguang’s dream of a Khitan-ruled China would remain unfulfilled. His story is not just one of personal ambition, but of the enduring complexities of empire-building in a fractured world.