Emperor Xingzong of Liao facts for kids

Emperor Xingzong of Liao (born April 3, 1016 – died August 28, 1055) was an important ruler of the Liao dynasty. His personal name was Zhigu, and his Chinese name was Yelü Zongzhen. He was the seventh emperor of this dynasty, which was led by the Khitan people.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Yelü Zongzhen was the oldest son of Emperor Shengzong. His birth mother was a court lady named Xiao Noujin. However, he was raised by Empress Xiao Pusage, who was his grandmother's niece.

In 1021, when he was six years old, Yelü Zongzhen was made a prince. After his father, Emperor Shengzong, passed away in 1031, Yelü Zongzhen became the new emperor. His birth mother, Xiao Noujin, became a consort dowager. His adopted mother, Xiao Pusage, became the Empress Dowager.

Power Struggles with His Mother

After becoming a consort dowager, Xiao Noujin became very proud. She even gave herself the higher title of Empress Dowager, even though she used to be a concubine. She and Xiao Pusage had been rivals for a long time. Xiao Noujin had even spied on Xiao Pusage when Zongzhen was a prince.

Xiao Noujin tried to convince her son to get rid of Xiao Pusage. But Emperor Xingzong refused because Xiao Pusage had raised him and had no children of her own. While the Emperor was away on a hunting trip, Xiao Noujin sent people to try and kill Xiao Pusage.

Xiao Noujin wanted to control the Emperor's rule. She was very ambitious and did not want to lose her power in the court. She had promised Emperor Jingzong that she would be happy with her title of Consort Dowager. However, she issued a fake order saying she was an Empress Dowager.

She even planned for her younger son, Zhongyuan, to take Zongzhen's place as emperor. But Yelu Zhongyuan told his brother about the plan. Because of this, Xiao Noujin was sent away from the palace. It is said that after the Emperor died, Xiao Noujin told his wife, Empress Xiao Dali, not to be sad.

Emperor Xingzong's Reign

Emperor Xingzong's time as ruler marked the beginning of the end for the Liao dynasty. The government became corrupt, meaning it was not fair or honest. The army also started to weaken and fall apart.

He led many attacks against the Western Xia dynasty. He also fought wars against the Northern Song dynasty. However, his people were not happy about these frequent wars. They were angry about the high taxes needed to pay for them.

Emperor Xingzong did manage to make the Song dynasty pay more money to the Liao dynasty each year. But his invasion of Western Xia was not successful. This was partly because of big sandstorms. Emperor Xingzong was also very interested in Buddhism. He spent a lot of money on his own enjoyment. He passed away in 1055. His son, Emperor Daozong, then became the new emperor.

Family Life

Emperor Xingzong had several children with his consort and other women.

Main Consort and Children:

• Empress Renyi of the Xiao clan (died 1076), whose personal name was Dali.
  • Yelü Hongji, who became Emperor Daozong (born September 14, 1032 – died February 12, 1101). He was the first son.
  • Yelü Heluwo, Imperial Uncle Rensheng (born 1041 – died 1010). He was the third son.
  • Yelü Alian, Prince of Qin (died 1087). He was the fourth son.
  • Princess of Jin State, whose personal name was Baqin. She was the first daughter.
    • She married Xiao Saba.
    • She also married Xiao Asu.
    • And later married Xiao Woni.
  • Princess of Zheng, whose personal name was Wolitai. She was the second daughter.
    • She married Xiao Yuliye.
• Noble Consort, of the Xiao clan, whose personal name was Sanqian. She had no children.
• Unknown mother
  • Yelü Baoxinnu (born 1035). He was the second son.