Overview
Qinde, a kinsman of Xi'erzhi, is identified with Hendejin Qaghan, the last Yaonian qaghan. The sources disagree on when he began to rule: the Tang histories place him in the 880s, while the Liao History dates his accession to 901.
Rise to Power
He succeeded Xi'erzhi; the Tang histories call him a member of the same clan.
Rule and Achievements
- Raided the Xi and Shiwei peoples and made the smaller tribes serve the Khitans
- Clashed with Liu Rengong, the warlord of Youzhou, who burned the Khitan pastures
- In 901 made Abaoji chief (yilijin) of the Yila tribe, and in 903 gave him command of the Khitan army
Legacy
In early 907 the Khitan chiefs set Hendejin aside and raised Abaoji as qaghan, ending the Yaonian line. Under the Liao the Yaonian clan was honoured as the nine Yaonian households.