Emperor Shengzong of Liao facts for kids

Emperor Shengzong of Liao (born January 16, 972 – died June 25, 1031) was a powerful ruler. His personal name was Wenshunu. He also had a Chinese name, Yelü Longxu. He was the sixth emperor of the Liao dynasty. This dynasty was led by the Khitan people. Emperor Shengzong ruled for a very long time. He was the longest-reigning emperor of the Liao dynasty.

Conflict with the Song Dynasty

Emperor Shengzong became emperor in 982. He was only 12 years old when his father, Emperor Jingzong, passed away. Because he was so young, his mother, Empress Dowager Xiao, ruled for him. She was like a temporary leader.

Early Battles with Song

The Northern Song dynasty saw this as a chance to attack. Their emperor, Emperor Taizong, wanted to take over the Liao dynasty's southern capital. This city is now known as Beijing. In 986, the Song dynasty sent three large armies. They attacked different areas leading to the capital.

At first, the Song armies did well. But young Emperor Shengzong and his mother fought back. They led an army of Liao cavalry. They defeated the Song forces in June at the Battle of Qigou Pass. Empress Dowager Xiao then chose Yelü Xiuge as a top general. He continued to attack the Song dynasty for another year.

The Treaty of Shanyuan

In 1004, the Liao dynasty launched a huge invasion. They set up camp near Shanyuan. This town was about 100 miles north of the Song capital, Kaifeng. This big move led to a peace agreement. It was called the Treaty of Shanyuan. It was signed in January 1005.

Under this treaty, the Song dynasty agreed to pay the Liao dynasty every year. They would pay 200,000 bolts of silk and 100,000 taels of silver. This payment was for peace. This agreement lasted for a long time. It continued, with some changes, until the end of the Liao dynasty. Later, the Jurchens also continued this arrangement. They did so when they started their own Jin dynasty.

New Ways to Choose Officials

Emperor Shengzong made an important change. He started a system of state examinations. These exams were for choosing government officials. This began in 988. He based this system on ideas from the Han Chinese-led Tang and Song dynasties.

Who Could Take the Exams?

Even though the exams were important, not many people passed at first. Only three to five people were chosen. By 1014, this number grew to between 30 and 130 candidates. Most people who earned the jinshi degree (a high exam pass) did not get a job right away. Khitan nobles were more likely to get important positions. They got jobs through special connections. Khitan people were not allowed to take the exams themselves.

Buddhism Spreads

Emperor Shengzong also strongly supported Buddhism. He helped rebuild temples, like the Monastery of Solitary Joy. About 100 years after he ruled, many people were Buddhist monks or nuns. Some say about 10% of the Liao population.

Buddhism and the Khitan People

The Khitans did not see Buddhism as a Chinese religion. They thought of it more as a Uyghur religion. Most Buddhist temples were in the southern part of the Liao lands. This is where many Chinese people lived. It is not fully clear how much Buddhism spread among the Khitan people. There is evidence that Khitans kept their animistic beliefs. These are beliefs that spirits are in nature. They also kept their traditional rituals.

Important Changes and Peace

During Emperor Shengzong's rule, the Liao dynasty made big changes. They reformed their feudal system. This helped their economy grow. Before, the economy depended on taking over new lands, slavery, and stealing.

A Golden Age

Under Emperor Shengzong, most slaves were freed. They became regular members of society. The most important parts of the economy became animal husbandry. This included raising horses and sheep. Farming and fishing were also very important. During his reign, the Liao dynasty had a time of peace and wealth. Many people say Emperor Shengzong's rule was a "golden age" for the Liao dynasty.

Family Life

Emperor Shengzong had several wives and many children.

Empresses and Heirs

• Empress Rende, from the Xiao clan (983–1032). Her personal name was Pusage.
  • She had two sons, but their names are not known.
• Empress Qin'ai, from the Xiao clan (died 1057). Her personal name was Noujin.
  • She was the mother of Yelü Zongzhen, who became the next emperor (1016–1055). He was the 4th son.
  • She also had another son, Yelü Zongyuan, Prince of Qin (1021–1063).
  • She had a daughter, Princess Zhang of Qin State.
• Noble Consort Xiao, from the Xiao clan (970–993).
  • She had a daughter, Princess of Qin (born 990).

Emperor Shengzong had many other children with different consorts. These included many princes and princesses. They often married into important families.