Li Yu (Southern Tang)

Li Yu (Chinese: 李煜; c.15 August 937 – 13 August 978), before 961 known as Li Congjia (李從嘉), also known as Li Houzhu (李後主; literally "Last Ruler Li" or "Last Lord Li"), was the third ruler of the Southern Tang state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He reigned from 961 until 976, when his state was conquered by the Northern Song dynasty. Taken captive to the Song capital Bianjing, Li Yu was given the title Marquis of Disobedience (違命侯), reflecting Emperor Taizu of Song’s resentment over Li’s delayed surrender. In 978 he was executed by poisoning on the orders of Emperor Taizong of Song.

Li Yu is generally regarded as an ineffective ruler but an accomplished artist, especially renowned for his ci poetry. His early lyrics depict courtly pleasures and romantic love, while his later poems express profound grief over the loss of his kingdom.