Murong Sheng

Who was Murong Sheng?

Murong Sheng, courtesy name Daoyun, formally Emperor Zhaowu of Yan, was an emperor of the Xianbei state Later Yan. He was the oldest son of Murong Bao, and after Murong Bao was killed by Lan Han avenged his father in a coup and took the throne. For a large part of his reign, he used the title "Commoner Heavenly Prince" instead of emperor.

Murong Sheng was described as a talented strategist and general, but he overreacted to what he perceived to be his father's weaknesses—being overly lenient and weak—and was harsh in his reign, causing his officials to be constantly insecure and looking to rebel against him. In one of those rebellions in 401, he was stricken by a rebel soldier and died from his injuries. He was succeeded by his uncle Murong Xi.