The Yanyun Terrace (4 Volumes)

The Liao dynasty had nine emperors and lasted 210 years. Empresses came from the Xiao family generation after generation. In the early years of the Khitan state, political power was unstable. Three sisters born into the imperial clan married into three branches of the royal family. For the sake of their lovers' kingdoms and political ideals, they were forced to take up arms against one another.

Xiao Yanyan was born into the imperial clan and had long been in love with her childhood friend, the Han Chinese Han Derang. Yet she caught the eye of Prince Yelu Xian. After a coup, Prince Yelu Xian ascended the throne and took Concubine Xiao Yanyan into the palace.

After Xiao Yanyan entered the palace, Emperor Jingzong of Liao, Yelu Xian, taught her how to wield political power and rule a country. The worthy minister Han Derang helped her become a wise ruler and a great empress. Xiao Yanyan actively promoted Han institutions and laid the foundation for 120 years of peace between Song and Liao. Under her rule, the Khitan went from revival to prosperity!