Xiao Yu

Life

Xiao Yu was the son of Xiao Kui, the Later Liang emperor Mingdi (542–585); his paternal cousin was Xiao Cong. His elder sister, Xiao, was a consort of Yang Guang, the Sui emperor Yangdi, and became empress when Emperor Wen of Sui came to the throne. In 583 he was enfeoffed as Prince of Xin'an, also styled Prince of Xin'an Commandery; after joining Tang, he was made Duke of Song, with Duke of Zong appearing as another form. After Emperor Wen's accession, he was appointed Shangyi Fengyu, concurrently Zuoyiwei Yingyang Langjiang, and entrusted with confidential affairs; he eventually rose to Neishi Shilang. During the Sui he also held You Qianniu; in 611 he held Shangyi Fengyu, Weiyingyang Langjiang, and Neishi Shilang, and in 617 became governor of Hechi Commandery. When Gaozu entered the capital, he sent a letter to summon him. Xiao Yu surrendered Hechi Commandery to Tang; after joining Tang, he received the title Guanglu Dafu, was made Duke of Song, appointed Minister of Revenue, and promoted to You Pushe. In 618 he was governor of Yongzhou; in 621 he became You Pushe, and after Taizong's accession in 626 he was promoted to Zuo Pushe. From 627 to 630 he served as Taichang Qing, and again from 632 to 634; in 630 he also held Yushi Dafu, the chancellorship, and Taizi Shaofu, in 632 Tejin, and in 634 Xunsheng Dashi for Henan Circuit. In 635 he again held the chancellorship and in 636 became governor of Qizhou; other governorships were in Jinzhou (630–631), Luoyang (643), and Shangluo (646–647). His other offices and titles included Shangzhuguo, Jinzi Guanglu Dafu, Zhongshu Ling, Neishi Ling, and Dudu, as well as the ranks of Duke and Prince of Xin'an. During Zhenguan, his portrait was placed in Lingyan Pavilion; he became Taizi Taibao and Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, and was one of the twenty-four meritorious officials associated with the pavilion. He advocated enfeoffing princes as a defensive screen. When Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were newly entrusted with office, Xiao Yu resented their rise and criticized them; unable to tolerate others' shortcomings, he also quarrelled with ministers before the emperor. He later asked to become a monk, received permission, and then regretted it; after repeated removals and restorations, he reached Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. In the twenty-first year of Zhenguan (647), he died at age seventy-four. He was posthumously granted Sikong and governor of Jingzhou. The Court of Ceremonies first gave him the posthumous name Su; the emperor, citing his jealous nature, changed it to Zhenbian.

Family

Xiao Yu had sons Xiao Rui, Xiao Kai, and Xiao Yue; Xiao Rui was the eldest, and Xiao Kai's death year is also given as 669. He had two daughters, who lived in 599–672 and 631–669, respectively. His grandson was Xiao Jian; a granddaughter, daughter of Xiao Yi, lived in 662–737.

Learning and writings

He valued classical learning, wrote well, favored Buddhism, and was described as narrow-tempered; he was also known for prose and calligraphy. His literary exchanges included presenting poetry and prose to Taizong, Fang Xuanling, and Li Shentong, and receiving works from Ouyang Xun, Taizong, and Changsun Wuji; Taizong was also his superior. His works included a collection titled Wenji (Collected Works of Xiao Yu).