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Emperor Shengzong of Liao

Son of Emperor Jingzong of Liao, enthroned at twelve in 982 under his mother's regency, who made the Chanyuan treaty

Also known as Yelu Longxu · Yelu Wenshunu · Wenshunu · Wenxian Tiande Huangdi

Emperor Shengzong of Liao, Yelü Longxu, the eldest son of Jingzong, was born in 972 and took the throne in 982 at twelve by Chinese reckoning as the sixth Liao emperor, with his mother Xiao Chuo as regent. His era names were Qianheng, Tonghe, Kaitai and Taiping. In 1004 the empress dowager and he led an invasion of Song that ended in the Treaty of Chanyuan, under which Song paid Liao a yearly sum. His reign introduced civil-service examinations and revised the laws, and later historians see it as the height of Liao power. He died in 1031.

Life and times

  1. 972BornFive Dynasties and Ten KingdomsSong
  2. 1005Treaty of ChanyuanIn powerThe first treaty establishing equal status and trade boundaries with a northern power.
    1. Kou Zhun and Treaty of Chanyuan1004Chancellor Kou Zhun urged Emperor Zhenzong to the frontlines at Chanzhou, forcing the Treaty of Chanyuan that secured 120 years of peace.
  3. 1031Died

Family tree

  1. Direct kin
    Emperor Shengzong of Liao