Li Jiqian

Li Jiqian (963–1004), occasionally also known by his Song-bestowed name of Zhao Baoji (趙保吉), resisted the Song dynasty and organized a rebellion in 984. He created a successful alliance with the Liao dynasty for military support. Li Jiqian arranged a peace agreement with the Song emperor, but violated the treaty himself. To avoid costly military campaigns, Emperor Zhenzong of Song made Li Jiqian the jiedushi of Dingnan, and recognized Li Jiqian's new empire of Xia. He supported the construction of irrigation canals that were crucial for the development of agriculture in the arid areas of Xia, especially around the capital Xingqing 興慶.