Sui Dynasty · 581 – 618

Empress Xiao

Artist: Xiang Li
Year: 2012
Medium: watercolor on silk
Dimension: 36×79 in.

Empress Xiao (566–648), formally known as Empress Min, was the wife of Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty. Born into the Western Liang imperial family, she married Yang Guang (later Emperor Yang) in 582. As empress from 605, she was respected by her husband, who appointed many of her relatives to official positions. She often accompanied him on imperial tours and attempted to counsel him against his extravagant lifestyle, though her advice was largely ignored.

Her Spouse: Emperor Yang of Sui

Emperor Yang of Sui (569–618 CE), born Yang Guang, was the second emperor of the Sui dynasty and son of Emperor Wen. Ambitious and visionary, he expanded his father’s reforms and completed major projects such as the Grand Canal, which linked northern and southern China, boosting trade and cultural exchange for centuries. He also strengthened the capital at Luoyang and expanded the civil service system. However, his rule was marked by extravagance and relentless demands on the people through massive construction projects and costly military campaigns, including disastrous invasions of Korea.