The
Southern Qi (479-502) was the second of the
Southern dynasties in
China, followed by the
Liang Dynasty. During its 23-year history, the dynasty was largely filled with instability, as after the death of the capable
Emperor Gao and
Emperor Wu, Emperor Wu's grandson
Xiao Zhaoye was assassinated by Emperor Wu's intelligent but cruel and suspicious cousin
Xiao Luan, who took over as Emperor Ming, and proceeded to carry out massive executions of Emperor Gao's and Emperor Wu's sons and grandsons, as well as officials that he suspected of plotting against him. The arbitrariness of these executions was exacerbated after Emperor Ming was succeeded by his son
Xiao Baojuan, whose actions drew multiple rebellions, the last of which, by the general
Xiao Yan led to Southern Qi's fall and succession by Xiao Yan's
Liang Dynasty.