Emperor Jingzong of Liao

Who was Emperor Jingzong of Liao?

The Emperor Jingzong of Liao, born as Yelü Xian, was an emperor of the Liao Dynasty and reigned from March 13, 969 to October 13, 982.

Yēlǜ Zōngzhēn succeeded Muzong in 969 after Muzong was murdered in a hunting trip. He had support from both Khitan and Han officials.

Emperor Jingzong made several important contributions to Liao Dynasty. He started to use Han officials in the government, appointing one as the Minister of Southern Affairs and the Duke of Qin. This allowed the government to run more efficiently and sped up the transformation of Liao society into a feudal society.

He cracked down on corruption in the government, firing those who were bribed or incompetent. Jingzong also accepted criticisms willingly. He stopped hunting frequently after an official made a connection between hunting and Muzong's death, and Jingzong began to prepare war against his southern neighbors.