Xiao Dalin

Xiao Dalin (蕭大臨, 527 – 551) was a member of the Chinese imperial clan of the Liang dynasty during the Northern and Southern dynasties period. His courtesy name was Renxuan (仁宣), and he was the fourth son of Emperor Jianwen of Liang. His mother was Lady of the Left (左夫人).

Life

In 536, he was enfeoffed as Duke of Ningguo County (寧國縣公) and received a fief of 1,500 households. As a child, he was quick and intelligent.

In 537, when Lady of the Left died, Xiao Dalin wept bitterly and became emaciated, and for this he became famous for his deep filial piety. Afterwards, he studied at the National Academy in the classics (明經), the examination of policy questions (射策), the top examination grade (甲科), and reading. He became Gentleman Attendant of the Central Secretariat (中書侍郞). He was later promoted again to Gentleman Attendant of the Imperial Secretariat (黃門侍郞).

In 545, he became Light Chariot General (輕車將軍) and Governor of Langye and Pengcheng commanderies.

When the Rebellion of Hou Jing broke out, he became Holder of the Imperial Credentials (使持節) and General Who Spreads Benevolence (宣惠將軍), and he camped and defended at Xinting. Not long after, he returned and camped and defended at the Duanmen gate, and became Commander of All Military Affairs South of the City (都督城南諸軍事).

In 549, when Emperor Jianwen ascended the throne, on 18 July of that year he was enfeoffed as Prince of Nanhai (南海郡王) and received a fief of 2,000 households. In July of that year, he became Holder of the Imperial Credentials, Commander of Military Affairs in the Two Prefectures of Yang and Nanxu (都督揚·南徐二州諸軍事), General Who Pacifies the South (安南將軍), and Governor of Yang Prefecture (揚州刺史). Afterwards, his titles were changed again to General Who Pacifies the East (安東將軍) and Governor of Wu Commandery (吳郡太守).

In August 551, after Hou Jing deposed Emperor Jianwen, he sent men to Wu to kill Xiao Dalin; he was 25 years old at the time of his death.