Yuanhao (元昊) | 24 Histories

Overview

Yuanhao was a king of Xia.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Personal name	Li Yuanhao	李元昊	Lǐ Yuánhào

Life and dates

Death

AD 1048 十七年
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 34

Attested activity

AD 1044 十三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 93, passage 28
AD 1038 to AD 1048 元昊、諒祚智勇過人
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 36, passage 224
AD 1038 元昊始大
Dated from the passage context · History of Jin 134, passage 189
AD 1038 初，元昊反
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 113
AD 1048 十七年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 20, passage 34
AD 1044 十三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 107, 120-122, 137-139, 141, 145

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AD 1043 十二年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 68, 73
AD 1038 始稱帝
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 134, passage 5
AD 1040 康定元年
Dated from the passage context · History of Song 253, passage 195
AD 1042 慶曆二年
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passages 205, 210, 213-214, 217
AD 1041 to AD 1048 慶歷中
Dated from the passage context · History of Song 253, passage 60
AD 1038 to AD 1044 昔元昊擾邊
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 94, passage 25
AD 1031 是歲
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 56
AD 1038 to AD 1048 李元昊在位
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 20, passage 138
AD 1038 自元昊反
Dated from the passage context · History of Song 253, passage 66
AD 1044 興宗敗於李元昊
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 109, passages 9-10
AD 1038 to AD 1048 西夏李元昊在位期間
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 20, passage 79
AD 1038 重熙
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 190
AD 1032 重熙元年
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 79
AD 1037 重熙六年
Directly stated · History of Liao 95, passage 30
AD 1042 重熙十一年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 85, passage 119
AD 1044 重熙十三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 91, passage 49; History of Liao 114, passages 47, 49
AD 1032 to AD 1055 重熙間
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 74, passage 96

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Ancestor of Li Qianshun (李乾順)
after several generations 傳數世至 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 134, passage 5
Descendant of Tuoba Sigong (托跋思恭)
forebear…several generations until Yuanhao 其先…傳數世至元昊 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 134, passages 3, 5
Spouse of Princess Xingping (興平公主)
husband 婿 · Widowed
princess consort 公主 · Widowed
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 190
Descendant of Li Jiqian (李繼遷)
Jiqian…Yuanhao 繼遷…元昊 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 134, passage 189
Spouse of Princess Xingping (興平公主)
son-in-law 婿 · Marriage
married to 下嫁 · Marriage
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 56
Child of Li Dezhao (李德昭)
son 子
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 56, 79
Parent of Li Liangzuo (李諒祚)
son 子
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passages 34, 36
Descendant of Tuoba Sigong (托跋思恭)
Tuoba Sigong…Yuanhao 托跋思恭…元昊 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · History of Jin 134, passages 188-189
Spouse of Wife of Li Yuanhao (李元昊妻)
wife 妻
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 138
Spouse of Wife of Li Yuanhao (李元昊妻)
wife 妻
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 79

Key source chapters

Career and standing

Xia State king 夏國王
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 34
imperial son-in-law commandant 駙馬都尉
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 56
Duke of Xia 夏國公
AD 1031 是歲 · Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 56
King of Xia 夏國王
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 190
King of Xia 夏國王
AD 1032 重熙元年 · Invested
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 79
Emperor 帝
AD 1038 始稱帝 · Proclaimed
Directly stated · History of Jin 134, passage 5

Places and affiliations

Western Xia 西夏
Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 36, passages 223-224
Xia 夏
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 73; History of Liao 114, passage 49
Xia 夏國
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Liao 93, passage 28
Polity Western Xia 夏 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Jin 134, passage 5
Polity Western Xia 西夏 · Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · History of Song 289, passage 205
Polity Xia 夏 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Jin 94, passage 25; History of Liao 18, passage 79; History of Song 253, passages 60, 66

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Polity Xia 夏 · Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 20, passages 79, 138; History of Song 253, passage 195; History of Song 289, passage 113
Polity Xia 夏 · Relation Served
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 190
Polity Xia 夏國 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 34

Works and attributed material

Submitted a memorial begging forgiveness.
Memorial · Author
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 137

Events and relationships

Ambushed
AD 1040 康定元年 · Military · Commander · At Jinming 金明 · With Li Shibin (士彬)
Dated from the passage context · History of Song 253, passage 195
Attacked
AD 1040 康定元年 · Military · Rebel commander · At Bao'an Army 保安軍
Dated from the passage context · History of Song 253, passage 195
Crossed frontier moat destroyed plank bridge and encircled Huaimin
AD 1042 慶曆二年 · Military · Commander · With Huaimin (懷敏) · At Dingchuan Fort 定川砦
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 213
Cut off Dingchuan springs to starve and thirst the Song force
AD 1042 慶曆二年 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 214
Defeated
AD 1044 興宗敗於李元昊 · Military · Commander · With Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 9
Emerged from Bianjiangsan and Yexiehui and surrounded Song army
AD 1042 慶曆二年 · Military · Commander · At Bianjiangsan and Yexiehui 褊江三、葉燮會
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 217

Show 16 more source-backed claims

Enabled Tangut and Zubu to check great powers
Military · Leader · With Li Liangzuo (李諒祚)
Directly stated · History of Liao 36, passage 224
Enlarged state and moved capital
Political · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Jin 134, passage 189
Failed to take then besieged
AD 1041 to AD 1048 慶歷中 · Military · Commander · At Linzhou then Fuzhou 麟州、州城
Directly stated · History of Song 253, passage 60
Harassed Song frontier
AD 1038 to AD 1044 昔元昊擾邊 · Military · Raider
Directly stated · History of Jin 94, passage 25
Moved army outside the new moat
AD 1042 慶曆二年 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 210
Mutilated captives noses
Military · Captor
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 10
Raided Zhenrong Army
AD 1042 慶曆二年 · Military · Commander · At Zhenrong Army 鎮戎軍
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 205
Rebelled and threatened Guan Long
AD 1038 初，元昊反 · Military · Rebel leader
Directly stated · History of Song 289, passage 113
Sued for peace
AD 1037 重熙六年 · Diplomatic · Counterpart
Directly stated · History of Liao 95, passage 30
Diplomatic mission · Sent envoys offering to recover and present the rebels
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 138
Diplomatic mission · Sent envoys presenting local products
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 139
Military conflict · Target of a Liao mobilization
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 121
Military decision · Ceased hostilities
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 73
Military intervention · Aided the rebel tribes
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 120
Pardon · Permitted to reform and dismissed
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 142
Submission · Acknowledged guilt and received wine
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 141

Assessments and attributes

Assessment surpassingly clever and brave · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · History of Liao 36, passage 224
Assessment was not on good terms with Princess Xingping · Mode imperial-edict
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 190

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 34; History of Song 253, passage 60; History of Song 289, passage 205

Later references and commemoration

Wife earlier captured
AD 1051 六月丙戌 · Retrospective reference · Named husband
Directly stated · History of Liao 20, passage 138

References in the histories

Search passages

History

36 passages

History of Jin, Chapter 94Volume 94 Biographies 32: Jiaguqingchen, Xiang, Jia Guheng, Wan Yananguo, Yaolibeidie · 1 passage

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上曰：「昔元昊擾邊，宋終不能制，何也？」 The emperor said: "When Yuanhao once raided the frontier, Song could never bring him to heel—why was that?"

History of Jin, Chapter 134Volume 134 Biographies 72: Foreign Countries 1: Xixia · 2 passages

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曆五代至宋，傳數世至元昊，始稱帝。 The line passed through the Five Dynasties and into Song for several generations until Yuanhao, who was the first to proclaim himself emperor.

繼遷再立國，元昊始大，乃北渡河，城興州而都之。 Jiqian re-established the state; Yuanhao first made it great, then crossed the river northward, walled Xing Prefecture, and made it his capital.

History of Liao, Chapter 18Volume 18 Annals 18: Xingzong 1 · 3 passages

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是歲，以興平公主下嫁夏國王李德昭子元昊，以元昊為夏國公、駙馬都尉。 That year Princess Xingping was married to Li Dezhao's son Yuanhao of Xia State; Yuanhao was made Duke of Xia State and Commandant of Imperial Son-in-law.

夏國王李德昭薨，冊其子夏國公元昊為夏國王。 King Li Dezhao of Xia State died; his son Duke of Xia State Yuanhao was enfeoffed as King of Xia State.

夏四月己巳，以興平公主薨，遣北院承旨耶律庶成持詔問夏國王李元昊，公主生與元昊不睦，沒，詰其故。 On jisi day of the fourth summer month, because Princess Xingping had died, Northern Court recipient Yelü Shucheng was dispatched with an edict to question Xia King Li Yuanhao, as the Princess had been at odds with Yuanhao in life and the reason was to be demanded upon her death.

History of Liao, Chapter 19Volume 19 Annals 19: Xingzong 2 · 9 passages

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甲寅，耶律敵烈等使夏國還，奏元昊罷兵，即遣使報宋。 On jiayin day Yelü Dilie and others returned from their mission to Xia State and reported that Yuanhao had ceased hostilities; envoys were immediately dispatched to inform Song.

李元昊來援叛黨。 Li Yuanhao came to aid the rebels.

戊辰，詔征諸道兵會西南邊以討元昊。 On wuchen day an edict ordered troops from all routes mustered to assemble on the southwestern border to attack Yuanhao.

六月甲午，阻卜酋長烏八遣其子執元昊所遣求援使窊邑改來，乞以兵助戰，從之。 On jiawu day of the sixth month Zubu chieftain Wuba sent his son with Yuanhao's dispatched envoy seeking aid, Woyigai, whom he had seized, requesting troops to aid in battle; approval was granted.

丁酉，李元昊上表謝罪。 On dingyou day Li Yuanhao submitted a memorial begging forgiveness.

己亥，元昊遣使來奏，欲收叛黨以獻，從之。 On jihai day Yuanhao sent envoys memorializing that he wished to take back the rebels and present them; approval was granted.

辛亥，元昊遣使來進方物，詔北院樞密副使蕭革迓之。 On xinhai day Yuanhao sent envoys presenting local products; an edict ordered Northern Court Privy Vice Commissioner Xiao Ge to meet them.

革言元昊親率党項三部來，詔革詰其納叛背盟，元昊伏罪，賜酒。 Xiao Ge reported that Yuanhao was personally leading three Tangut tribes; an edict ordered Ge to reproach him for accepting rebels and breaking the alliance; Yuanhao acknowledged guilt and was granted wine.

丁巳，元昊遣使以先被執者來歸，詔所留夏使亦還其國。 On dingsi day Yuanhao sent envoys returning those previously captured; an edict ordered detained Xia envoys also returned to their state.

History of Liao, Chapter 20Volume 20 Annals 20: Xingzong 3 · 2 passages

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夏國王李元昊薨，其子諒祚遣使來告，即遣永興宮使耶律裏、右護衛太保耶律興老、將作少監王全慰奠。 Xia State king Li Yuanhao died; his son Liangzuo sent envoys to announce it; the court immediately dispatched Yongxing Palace commissioner Yelü Li, Right Defender of the Guard grand guardian Yelü Xinglao, and Director of Works junior supervisor Wang Quan to offer condolences.

丙午，夏國李諒祚遣使上其父元昊遺物。 On bingwu day Xia State Li Liangzuo sent envoys presenting his father Yuanhao's bequeathed goods.

History of Liao, Chapter 36Volume 36 Treatises 6: Military 3 · 1 passage

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雖西北士馬雄勁，元昊、諒祚智勇過人，能使党項、阻卜掣肘大國，蓋亦襟山帶河，有以助其勢耳。 Even with strong northwestern cavalry, Yuanhao and Liangzuo's talent let Tangut and Zubu allies tie down a great empire, aided by mountains and rivers at their flank.

History of Liao, Chapter 74Volume 74 Biographies 4: Yelu Dila, Xiao Hendu, Kang Moji, Han Yanhui, Han Zhigu · 1 passage

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時延議征李元昊，力諫不聽，出為廣德軍節度使。 When the court debated war against Li Yuanhao he argued against it without success and was posted as Guangde Army military commissioner.

History of Liao, Chapter 85Volume 85 Biographies 15: Xiao Talin, Xiao Guanyinnu, Yelu Tizi, Yelu Xieli, Yelu Nugua, Xiao Liu, Gao Xun, Xi Heshuonu, Xiao Taliege, Yelu Sahe · 1 passage

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重熙十一年，使西夏，諭伐宋事，約元昊出別道以會。 In the eleventh year of Chongxi he was sent as envoy to Western Xia to discuss the campaign against Song and arranged for Yuan Hao to advance by a separate route to rendezvous with Liao forces.

History of Liao, Chapter 91Volume 91 Biographies 21: Yelu Hanba, Yelu Tanggu, Xiao Paizhe, Yelu Jue, Yelu Pulidu · 1 passage

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重熙十三年，將衛兵討李元昊有功，遷興聖宮使。 In the thirteenth year of Chongxi he led the guard troops against Li Yuanhao with merit and was promoted to director of the Xingsheng Palace.

History of Liao, Chapter 93Volume 93 Biographies 23: Xiao Hui, Xiao Yulu, Xiao Tuyu, Yelu Duozhen · 4 passages

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十三年，夏國李元昊誘山南党項諸部，帝親征。 In year 13, Li Yuanhao of Xia won over the Shannan Tangut tribes, and the emperor took the field in person.

元昊懼，請降。 Fearing the imperial advance, Yuanhao offered to submit.

惠曰：「元昊忘奕世恩，萌奸計，車駕親臨，不盡歸所掠。 Hui said, "Yuanhao has forgotten generations of imperial favor and plotted treason; even with the emperor himself on campaign, he still will not return all he has taken.

元昊走，惠麾先鋒及右翼邀之。 Yuanhao fled, and Hui sent the vanguard and right wing to cut him off.

History of Liao, Chapter 95Volume 95 Biographies 25: Yelu Honggu, Yelu Maliu, Xiao Dilie, Yelu Shilu, Yelu Chenjianu, Yelu Teme, Yelu Xiantong, Xiao Susa, Yelu Dabeinu · 2 passages

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會車駕西征，元昊乞降，帝以前後反覆，遣滴冽往覘誠否。 When the emperor campaigned westward and Yuanhao sued for peace, the emperor, mindful of Yuanhao's past reversals, sent Dilie to ascertain whether his submission was sincere.

因為元昊陳述禍福，聽命乃還。 He laid out for Yuanhao the blessings and calamities of each course; once Yuanhao submitted to his counsel, Dilie returned.

History of Liao, Chapter 109Volume 109 Biographies 39: Music and Imperial Officials · 2 passages

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興宗敗於李元昊也，單騎突出，幾不得脫。 After Emperor Xingzong's defeat at the hands of Li Yuanhao of Western Xia, he fled the field alone and nearly failed to get away.

先是，元昊獲遼人，輒劓其鼻，有奔北者惟恐追及。 Before this, Yuanhao had captured Liao soldiers and routinely mutilated their noses, so men fleeing homeward lived in terror of being overtaken.

History of Liao, Chapter 114Volume 114 Biographies 44: Rebellious Officials 3 · 1 passage

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遇夏王李元昊來圍，勢甚急。 He encountered the Xia ruler Li Yuanhao coming to surround him; the situation grew extremely desperate.

History of Song, Chapter 253Volume 253 Biographies 12: Zhe Deyi, Feng Jiye, Wang Chengmei, Li Jizhou, Sun Xingyou · 3 passages

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慶歷中，元昊兵攻麟州不克，進圍州城。 During the Qingli era Yuan Hao's army failed to take Linzhou and instead laid siege to Fuzhou.

自元昊反，繼閔招輯歸業者三千餘戶。 After Yuan Hao's rebellion Jiyin resettled more than three thousand households who returned to farming.

康定元年，元昊反，攻保安軍，而潛兵襲金明，士彬父子俱被禽。 In 1040, when Yuan Hao rebelled and attacked Bao'an Army while secretly striking Jinming, Shibin and his son were both captured.

History of Song, Chapter 289Volume 289 Biographies 48: Gao Qiong, Fan Tingzhao, Ge Ba · 3 passages

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初，元昊反，聲言侵關隴。 When Yuanhao first rebelled, he declared his intention to invade the Guan and Long region.

慶曆二年，元昊寇鎮戎軍，懷敏出瓦亭砦，督砦主都監許思純、環慶路都監劉賀、天聖砦主張貴，及緣邊都巡檢使向進、劉湛、趙瑜等禦敵。 In the second year of Qingli, Yuanhao raided Zhenrong Army. Huaimin advanced from Wating Fort and directed Fort Commander and Supervisor Xu Sichun, Huan-Qing route supervisor Liu He, Tiansheng Fort Commander Zhang Gui, and frontier overall inspectors Xiang Jin, Liu Zhan, Zhao Yu, and others to resist the enemy.

聞元昊徙軍新壕外，懷敏議質明襲之，乃命諸命將分四路趣定川砦：劉湛、向進出西水口，涇原路都監趙珣出蓮華堡，曹英、李知和出劉璠堡，懷敏出定西堡。 Hearing that Yuanhao had moved his army outside the new moat, Huaimin proposed a dawn attack. He ordered his commanders to advance by four routes toward Dingchuan Fort: Liu Zhan and Xiang Jin by the Western Water Pass, Jingyuan route supervisor Zhao Xun from Lianhua Fort, Cao Ying and Li Zhihe from Liu Fan Fort, and Huaimin himself from Dingxi Fort.