Emperor Muzong of Liao
| Emperor Muzong of Liao | |||||||||||||
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| Emperor of the Liao dynasty | |||||||||||||
| Reign | 11 October 951 – 12 March 969 | ||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Emperor Shizong | ||||||||||||
| Successor | Emperor Jingzong | ||||||||||||
| Born | Yelü Jing Shulü (infant name) 19 September 931 |
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| Died | 12 March 969 (aged 37) | ||||||||||||
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| Father | Emperor Taizong | ||||||||||||
| Mother | Empress Xiao Wen | ||||||||||||
| Era dates | |
|---|---|
| Yingli (應曆; 951–969) | |
| Posthumous name | |
| Xiao'an Jingzheng Huangdi (孝安敬正皇帝) | |
| Temple name | |
| Muzong |
| Emperor Muzong of Liao | |||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 遼穆宗 | ||||||
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| Simplified Chinese | 辽穆宗 | ||||||
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| Yelü Jing | |||||||
| Chinese | 耶律璟 | ||||||
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| Shulü (infant name) | |||||||
| Chinese | 述律 | ||||||
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| Transcriptions | |
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| Standard Mandarin | |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Liáo Mùzōng |
| Transcriptions | |
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| Standard Mandarin | |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Yēlǜ Jǐng |
| Transcriptions | |
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| Standard Mandarin | |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Shùlǜ |
Emperor Muzong of Liao (19 September 931 – 12 March 969), personal name Yelü Jing, infant name Shulü, was the fourth emperor of the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. He was the eldest son of the second Liao emperor, Emperor Taizong. He succeeded his cousin, Emperor Shizong, after the latter was murdered in 951.
Emperor Muzong's reign was plagued by plots and rebellions against him from both the imperial clan and the Xiao consort clan. He fired many ministers who worked for Emperor Shizong, and used force against those who dared to rebel against him. However, his brutal use of force and repression was eventually able to restore stability and the authority of the throne.
In June 952, his uncle wrote a letter to the Later Zhou dynasty, saying that "Emperor Muzong is a drunkard and has no ambition". Emperor Muzong discovered the letter and executed his uncle. In July 952, Emperor Shizong's brother, Yelü Loguo, attempted to rebel, but the emperor suppressed it and executed his brother. In October 953, Emperor Muzong's brother and several high-ranking officials plotted against him. Once again, the emperor discovered the plot and executed most of the plotters, but imprisoned his brother instead of killing him. A similar situation occurred in November 959, where his brother was spared, but the other plotters were killed.
The Later Zhou dynasty took advantage of Emperor Muzong's troubles to consolidate its position in northern China, a region that had been under the influence of the Khitans since earlier in the century. Despite this, the Northern Han dynasty, who remained under the protection of the Liao dynasty were able to maintain their independence.
The Later Zhou dynasty attacked Liao positions in 958 in an attempt to regain the Sixteen Prefectures. This provoked Emperor Muzong to lead a large army to the southern capital (present-day Beijing). Military confrontation was averted with the death of the Later Zhou emperor Chai Rong. Early the next year, Emperor Muzong returned to the capital.
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Wikipedia