Emperor Shizong of Liao

Emperor Taizong was on campaign in China when he died in 947. Yelü Ruan accompanied him on this campaign, allowing him to quickly gain the support of the military leaders. While returning to the capital, his grandmother, Empress Dowager Yingtian, had plotted to have her third son, Yelü Lihu, ascend to the throne, and sent an army to intercept her grandson. She had denounced Yelü Ruan in her campaign to support her son. However, the Khitan nobles, knowing that Yelü Lihu was entirely unfit for the throne, refused to support her this time as they did previously with the ascension of Emperor Taizong. The strong support the Liao imperial court gave to Yelü Ruan's claim prevented a civil war among the Khitans.

Emperor Shizong was known both for his generosity as well as for his martial prowess. This generosity was not extended to either his grandmother or his uncle (Yelü Lihu) both of whom were sent far from the capital by Emperor Shizong. Both died soon afterward, Yelü Lihu in rebellion and Empress Dowager Yingtian of old age.

Emperor Shizong took to the field in 951 in a successful effort to resist Chinese advances from the south. However, later that year, a mere four years after his ascension as emperor, he was killed by a rebellious nephew who was part of an effort within the imperial clan to usurp the throne.

During his reign, Emperor Shizong adopted several reforms that propelled the Liao dynasty into a feudal society and consolidated power into a central government. However, Emperor Shizong was also a drunkard and liked to hunt. On a night in September 951, the emperor was murdered by an officer after a battle. He was only 33 years old and had reigned for only three years.

Consorts and Issue:

• Empress Zhen (甄氏; d. 951), a former court lady of Later Tang
  • Third son Yelü Zhimo (耶律只没; d. 983), the Prince of Ning (宁王)
• Empress Xiao Sagezhi (萧撒葛只; d. 951), a niece of Shulü Ping, honoured as Empress Huaijie (怀节皇后)
  • Eldest son Yelü Hou'abu (耶律吼阿不), honoured as Crown Prince Zhuangsheng (庄圣皇太子)
  • Second son Yelü Xian (耶律贤; 948–982), later Emperor Jingzong of Liao
  • Eldest daughter Yelü Hegudian (耶律和古典), the Princess of Qin (秦国公主)
    • Married Xiao Chuoli (萧啜里)
  • Second daughter Yelü Guanyin (耶律观音), the Princess of Jin (晋国公主)
    • Married Xiao Xiala (萧夏剌)
  • Third daughter Yelü Sala (耶律撒剌; b. 950)
    • Married Xiao Woli (萧斡里)
• Consort Chuoli (啜里; d. 971)
• Consort Puge (浦哥; d. 971)

F.W. Mote (1999). Imperial China: 900-1800. Harvard University Press. pp. 52–53, 67. ISBN 0-674-01212-7.