Xiao Talin

A vanguard general of the Liao southern campaigns, killed by a bed crossbow bolt outside the walls of Chanzhou.

Life

Imperial in-law general

Xiao Talin was an imperial in-law of the Liao royal house, both wise and brave, who fought for many years in the northwest and the south. During the Song northern expedition of 986 he helped defeat the Song army and captured Yang Ye.

Struck fear across the northern steppe

He repeatedly led troops against the Zubu tribes of the northwest, striking fear across the northern steppe.

Death at Chanzhou

In 1004 he accompanied Empress Dowager Xiao and Emperor Shengzong of Liao on their southward advance as vanguard commander, taking cities and territory all the way to the walls of Chanzhou. While surveying the terrain he was struck in the head by a bolt from a powerful Song bed crossbow and died that night. Liao morale was badly shaken, and the Liao soon concluded the Treaty of Chanyuan with the Song.

Legacy

The death of Xiao Talin was one of the direct reasons the Treaty of Chanyuan could be concluded; his death in battle changed the course of the Song–Liao war.

Major works & achievements

• Captured Yang Ye

Did you know? The bed crossbow that shot him was the Song dynasty's most powerful long-range weapon, with a range of several hundred paces.

Key dates

• 986Defeated the Song army and captured Yang Ye
• 994Campaigned against the Zubu (approx.)
• 1004Killed by a crossbow bolt beneath Chanzhou