Emperor Shengzong of Liao (16 January 972-25 June 1031), born Yelu Longxu, was the Emperor of the Liao dynasty from 982 to 1031, succeeding Emperor Jingzong of Liao and preceding Emperor Xingzong of Liao.
Biography[]
Yelu Longxu was born on 16 January 972 to the Buddhist Khitan [[House of Liao], and he became emperor at the young age of ten after the death of Emperor Jingzong of Liao. Emperor Taizong of Song attempted to invade the Liao dynasty after Shengzong's accession, taking advantage of his youth. However, the young Shengzeng and the empress dowager Empress Xiao Yanyan led a Khitan cavalry force and defeated the Song at the Battle of Qigou Pass in June 986. In 1004 he launched a large-scale invasion of Song and forced the Song to pay 200,000 bolts of silk and 100,000 ounces of silver every year as tribute to the Liao. During his rule, he rebuilt Buddhist temples and became a patron of the religion. During his rule, he liberated the slaves and made feudal reforms, and under his mostly-peaceful rule the Liao reached a golden age.