Murong Yong

Who was Murong Yong?

Murong Yong, courtesy name Shuming, was the last emperor of the Xianbei state Western Yan. He was the grandson of Murong Yun, 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 The first actual historical reference to his actions, however, was in 386, when, after Murong Chong was assassinated by the general Han Yan and replaced by Duan Sui, Murong Yong and another general, Murong Heng, 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 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, 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.