Murong Yong

Murong Yong (Chinese: 慕容永; died 394), courtesy name Shuming (叔明), was the last emperor of the Xianbei-led Chinese Western Yan dynasty.¹ He was the grandson of Murong Yun (慕容運), the uncle of Former Yan's founder Murong Huang. As a member of Former Yan's imperial clan, he was moved to Guanzhong, Former Qin's capital region, when Former Qin destroyed Former Yan in 370. He was described as poor, and he and his wife made their living by selling boots.

Murong Yong apparently became a Western Yan general in 384, when its first two rulers Murong Hong and Murong Chong rose against Former Qin. The first actual historical reference to his actions, however, was in 386, when, after Murong Chong was assassinated by the general Han Yan (韓延) and replaced by Duan Sui, Murong Yong and another general, Murong Heng (慕容恆), jointly attacked Duan Sui and killed him, replacing him with Murong Yi. The Xianbei people then abandoned Chang'an, formerly Former Qin's capital, and headed east back toward their homeland. Later that month, however, after Murong Heng's brother Murong Tao (慕容韜) killed Murong Yi, and Murong Heng supported Murong Chong's son Murong Yao to replace Murong Yi, Murong Yong, along with another general Diao Yun (刁雲), attacked Murong Tao, forcing him to flee to Murong Heng. Later that month, Murong Yong killed Murong Yao and replaced him with Murong Hong's son Murong Zhong.

Three months later, however, Diao killed Murong Zhong and supported Murong Yong to replace him. Murong Yong claimed the title of Prince of Hedong and sought to be a vassal of the Later Yan emperor Murong Chui. He also tried to negotiate with the Former Qin emperor Fu Pi, asking Fu Pi to allow him a path back east, but Fu Pi refused and tried to intercept Western Yan forces. Murong Yong defeated Fu Pi, killing his prime minister Wang Yong (王永) and general Juqu Jushizi (沮渠俱石子), and while Fu Pi fled, Murong Yong captured most of his officials and his wife . Fu Pi soon died at the hands of the general Feng Gai (馮該).