Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)

Overview

Emperor Xingzong of Liao was a Seventh emperor of the Liao dynasty.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Personal name	Yelü Zongzhen	耶律宗真	Yēlǜ Zōngzhēn
Courtesy name	Yibujin	夷不堇	Yíbùjǐn
Childhood name	Zhigu	只骨	Zhǐgǔ
Posthumous name	Emperor the Divine Sage, Filial and Patterned	神聖孝章皇帝

Life and dates

Birth

AD 1016 開泰五年
Directly stated · History of Liao 15, passage 239

Death

AD 1055 重熙二十四年秋八月己
Directly stated · History of Liao 21, passage 9
AD 1055 興宗崩
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 15
Directly stated · History of Liao 97, passage 70

Attested activity

AD 1046 十五年春正月乙酉
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 174
AD 1046 十五年冬十月己酉
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 200
AD 1046 十五年十一月乙巳
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 203
AD 1046 十五年十一月己亥
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 202
AD 1046 十五年十二月壬申
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 204
AD 1046 十五年二月丙寅
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 177

Show 77 more source-backed claims

AD 1046 十五年二月乙卯
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 176
AD 1046 十五年三月丁酉
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 181
AD 1046 十五年三月乙酉
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 179
AD 1046 十五年三月
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 182
AD 1046 十五年四月戊午
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 184
AD 1046 十五年四月甲子
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 186
AD 1046 十五年四月甲戌
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 187
AD 1046 十五年夏四月辛亥朔
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 183
AD 1046 十五年六月戊辰
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 189
AD 1046 十五年七月丁酉
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 195
AD 1046 十五年七月丙申
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 194
AD 1046 十五年七月戊子
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 192
AD 1046 十五年七月辛丑
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 196
AD 1046 十五年九月甲辰
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 199
AD 1021 太平元年
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 250
AD 1030 太平十年六月
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 18, passage 251
AD 1031 太平十一年夏六月己卯
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 2
AD 1048 重熙十七年
Directly stated · History of Liao 36, passage 158
AD 1031 AD 1031-1055
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 30, passage 22
AD 1042 十一年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 38, 51, 53, 55, 58, 61, 63, 66
AD 1044 十三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 107
AD 1050 十九年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 114, passage 38
AD 1043 十二年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 68, 94
AD 1049 十八年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 114, passages 35-36
AD 1045 十四年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 154-155
AD 1041 十年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 1-2, 17, 19-20, 25, 34
AD 1031 景福
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 18, passages 3, 6, 44, 47
AD 1031 聖宗崩
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passages 2-3
AD 1031 聖宗崩後
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 88, passage 151
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗
Directly stated · History of Liao 31, passages 25, 130; History of Liao 67, passage 161
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 65, passage 102
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗以定州俘戶建州
Directly stated · History of Liao 39, passage 218
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗先有事於菩薩堂及木葉山遼河神
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 49, passage 67
AD 1031 興宗即位
Directly stated · History of Liao 59, passage 45; History of Liao 80, passage 85; History of Liao 87, passage 132
AD 1031 興宗即位
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 62, passage 2; History of Liao 93, passage 154
AD 1055 興宗崩
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 15
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗延慶宮
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 45, passage 314
AD 1044 興宗敗於李元昊
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 109, passage 9
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗時
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 83, passage 74
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗更制
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 49, passage 70
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗朝
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 104, passage 109
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗神聖孝章皇帝
Directly stated · History of Liao 66, passage 544
AD 1038 興宗重熙七年
Directly stated · History of Liao 57, passage 12
AD 1036 興宗重熙五年
Directly stated · History of Liao 45, passage 265
AD 1031 to AD 1055 舊史稱聖宗、興宗
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 54, passage 2
AD 1055 道宗諒陰
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 86, passage 126
AD 1031 重元以所謀白於上
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 112, passage 124
AD 1032 to AD 1055 重熙
Directly stated · History of Liao 82, passage 34
AD 1032 to AD 1055 重熙
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 90, passage 83; History of Liao 97, passages 70, 77
AD 1037 重熙
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 162, 164
AD 1038 重熙
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 194, 203, 205
AD 1039 重熙
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 222, 225, 227
AD 1034 重熙三年
Directly stated · History of Liao 87, passage 54; History of Liao 95, passage 20
AD 1034 重熙三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 96, passages 8-9
AD 1034 重熙三年五月
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 104
AD 1032 to AD 1055 重熙中
Directly stated · History of Liao 92, passage 49
AD 1032 to AD 1055 重熙中
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 110, passages 118, 120
AD 1040 重熙九年
Directly stated · History of Liao 54, passage 45
AD 1040 重熙九年冊皇太子儀
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 57, passage 25
AD 1052 重熙二十一年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 45, passage 90; History of Liao 86, passage 125
AD 1053 重熙二十二年
Directly stated · History of Liao 56, passage 30
AD 1055 重熙二十四年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 21, passages 9, 37
AD 1036 重熙五年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 56, passage 56; History of Liao 62, passages 21, 24
AD 1036 重熙五年
Directly stated · History of Liao 80, passage 15
AD 1032 重熙元年
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 57, 74
AD 1032 重熙元年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 62, passages 9-10
AD 1037 重熙六年
Directly stated · History of Liao 95, passages 8, 10
AD 1032 to AD 1034 重熙初
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 109, passage 48
AD 1032 重熙初
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 86, passage 60; History of Liao 89, passage 10; History of Liao 96, passage 138
AD 1042 重熙十一年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 112, passages 138-139
AD 1044 重熙十三年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 114, passages 34, 36
AD 1044 重熙十三年春
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passages 156, 165
AD 1043 重熙十二年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 91, passage 18
AD 1046 重熙十五年
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passage 124
AD 1045 重熙十四年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 90, passages 36, 38
AD 1035 重熙四年
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 111; History of Liao 103, passages 16-17
AD 1016 開泰五年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 15, passage 239

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Ancestor of Yelü Chun (耶律淳)
grandfather of 孫 · 2 generations
grandson 孫 · 2 generations
fourth-generation grandson 第四孫 · paternal line · 4 generations
descent line from 係出 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 100, passage 66; History of Liao 30, passage 22; History of Liao 66, passages 536, 544
Ancestor of Shulie (朮烈)
grandson 孫 · 2 generations
Directly stated · History of Liao 114, passage 93
Parent of Crown Prince (太子)
crown prince 太子
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 109, passages 9, 13
Parent of Baqin (跋芹)
daughter 女
Directly stated · History of Liao 65, passages 207, 209
Parent of Wolitai (斡里太)
daughter 女
Directly stated · History of Liao 65, passages 207, 216
Ancestor of Heluwo (和魯斡)
descent line from 係出 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 66, passages 519, 544
Ancestor of Yuan (遠)
descent line from 係出 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 66, passages 528, 544
Ancestor of Shi Du (石篤)
descent line from 係出 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 66, passages 520, 544
Sibling of Chongyuan (重元)
elder brother 兄
imperial younger brother 太弟 · Uncertain siblings
imperial younger brother 皇太弟
Imperial Younger Brother 皇太弟 · Uncertain siblings
younger brother of the heir 次子 · Full siblings
Sources vary in certainty · History of Liao 18, passage 158; History of Liao 109, passage 16; History of Liao 19, passage 62; History of Liao 21, passage 17; History of Liao 112, passages 120, 124
Sibling of Princess of Qin-Jin (秦晉國長公主)
elder sister 姊
Directly stated · History of Liao 93, passage 40
Parent of Emperor Daozong of Liao (遼道宗)
father 父
imperial prince 皇子
imperial prince
eldest son 長子 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 86, passage 126; History of Liao 18, passage 70; History of Liao 19, passage 60; History of Liao 21, passage 3
Child of Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
eldest son 長子 · paternal line
father 父
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 245
Spouse of Empress Renyi of Xiao (仁懿皇后蕭氏)
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
empress consort 皇后
empress 皇后
Sources vary in certainty · History of Liao 21, passage 3; History of Liao 67, passage 161; History of Liao 65, passage 208
Child of Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
mother 母
empress dowager mother 皇太后
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 18, passages 44, 52
Kin of Empress Qin'ai (欽哀皇后)
empress dowager 皇太后
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 97, passage 79
Child of Empress Qin'ai (欽哀皇后)
son 子
Empress Dowager 皇太后
mother and son 母子
Sources vary in certainty · History of Liao 112, passage 123; History of Liao 21, passage 28; History of Liao 109, passages 50-51
Child of Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
mother 母
empress dowager 皇太后
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 18, passage 104
Spouse of Empress Xiao (皇后蕭氏)
husband 夫 · Primary marriage
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 18, passage 111
Spouse of Ren'ade (仁德皇后)
empress 皇后
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 86, passage 125
Spouse of Empress Xiao (皇后蕭氏)
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 58
Spouse of Empress of Emperor Xingzong
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 110, passages 119-120
Child of Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
son 子
father 父
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 112, passages 120, 123-124; History of Liao 80, passage 14
Child of Empress Qi Tian (齊天皇后)
took to raise 取養 · Foster parentage
foster mother 取養 · Foster parentage
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 246
Kin of Xiao Liuning (蕭留寧)
imperial maternal uncle 國舅 · maternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 18
Parent of Hongji (洪基)
imperial prince 皇子
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 176
Parent of Hulu Woli (胡盧斡裏)
imperial prince 皇子
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 25
Parent of Baoxinnu (寶信奴)
imperial prince 皇子
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 114
Child of Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
imperial son 皇子
Directly stated · History of Liao 15, passage 239
Sibling of Princess of Qin (秦國公主)
imperial younger sister 皇妹
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passage 31
Child of Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
mother 母
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 3, 245
Parent of Princess Xingping (興平公主)
princess 公主
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 18, passage 56
Parent of Parent of Shulie (朮烈之父或母)
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 114, passage 93

Kinship Role daughters · Count 2
Directly stated · History of Liao 65, passage 207
four ancestors 四祖
Kinship Role ancestors · Count 4
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passage 164

Key source chapters

Origins and identity

Ethnicity Khitan 契丹
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 49, passage 67
Khitan 契丹
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 59, passages 2, 45

Career and standing

Crown Prince 皇太子
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 太平元年 · Reign Id: liao-taiping · Regnal Year: 1 · Western Year: AD 1021
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 250
overseer of Northern and Southern Privy Council affairs 判北南院樞密使事
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 太平十年六月 · Reign Id: liao-taiping · Regnal Year: 10 · Western Year: AD 1030
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 251
Prince of Liang 梁王
Enfeoffed
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 249
Bestowed
Honor Sagacious Cultured, Sagacious Martial, Heroic Strategist, Divine Merit, Wise Sage, Benevolent Filial Emperor 聰文聖武英略神功睿哲仁孝皇帝
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 58
Cultured and Martial Benevolent Sage Manifest Filial Emperor 文武仁聖昭孝皇帝
AD 1032 重熙元年十一月己卯 · Received
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 73
Held
Emperor
Directly stated · History of Liao 56, passage 30

Show 3 more source-backed claims

Ascended
Directly stated · History of Liao 59, passage 45
AD 1031 興宗即位
Directly stated · History of Liao 80, passages 14, 85; History of Liao 93, passage 154
Polity Id liao · From Source Date: Text: 太平十一年夏六月己卯 · Reign Id: liao-taiping · Regnal Year: 11 · Western Year: AD 1031
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 2

Places and affiliations

Polity Id liao · Relation Active in
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passage 2
Polity Id liao · Relation Associated with
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 45, passage 90
Polity Id liao · Relation Belonged to
Directly stated · History of Liao 92, passage 49
Polity Id liao · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passages 2, 55, 72, 104, 129, 162, 164, 194, 203, 205, 222, 225, 227, 244; History of Liao 19, passages 174, 189; History of Liao 21, passage 3; History of Liao 31, passage 25; History of Liao 32, passage 29; History of Liao 36, passage 158; History of Liao 39, passage 218; History of Liao 45, passage 265; History of Liao 49, passage 67; History of Liao 50, passage 2; History of Liao 54, passages 2, 45; History of Liao 56, passage 30; History of Liao 57, passage 12; History of Liao 59, passage 45; History of Liao 60, passage 58; History of Liao 65, passage 102; History of Liao 66, passage 544; History of Liao 86, passage 60; History of Liao 87, passage 132; History of Liao 88, passage 151; History of Liao 89, passage 10; History of Liao 100, passage 66; History of Liao 109, passage 9; History of Liao 110, passage 120
Polity Id liao · Relation Served
Directly stated · History of Liao 15, passage 239; History of Liao 19, passage 1; History of Liao 67, passage 161; History of Liao 80, passage 14; History of Liao 90, passage 83; History of Liao 95, passage 10; History of Liao 96, passage 138; History of Liao 97, passage 70; History of Liao 103, passage 17; History of Liao 104, passage 109; History of Liao 114, passage 36
Polity Id liao · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 91, passage 15; History of Liao 112, passage 18

Show 5 more source-backed claims

AD 1046 十五年六月戊辰
At Cool Hall 清涼殿 · Relation Present at
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 189
At Hall of Imperial Portrait 御容殿 · Relation Visited
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 13
At Qing Mausoleum 慶陵 · Relation Buried at
Directly stated · History of Liao 21, passage 37
At Yanqing Palace 延慶宮 · Relation Eponym of
Directly stated · History of Liao 45, passage 314
At Zangtu Hall 菆塗殿 · Relation Present at
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 2

Learning and skills

Belief Buddhism 佛法 · Relation Discussed
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 222
Belief Buddhism 浮屠法 · Relation Adherent of
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passage 9
Skill mounted archery 騎射 · Level excelled
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 248
Skill pitch and rhythm 音律 · Level fully-conversant · Mode named-source-report Source Work earlier histories 舊史
Directly stated · History of Liao 54, passage 2
Skill Confucian learning 儒術
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 248
Skill music 音律
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 248

Works and attributed material

Ordered household registration and fair burdens
Edict · Issuer
Directly stated · History of Liao 59, passages 46-49
Refused request
Edict · Issuer · Paraphrased
Directly stated · History of Liao 36, passage 158
AD 1046 十五年二月丙寅
Edict · Author
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 177
AD 1046 十五年三月
Edict · Author
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 182
AD 1046 十五年七月辛丑
Edict · Author
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 196
AD 1046 十五年九月甲辰
Edict · Author
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 199

Show 14 more source-backed claims

AD 1046 十五年
Edict · Author
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 19, passage 175
AD 1046 重熙十五年
Edict · Author · With Xiao Hanjianu (蕭韓家奴) · Mode quotation Speaker Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passages 124-127
Edict · Author · With Xiao Hanjianu (蕭韓家奴) · Mode quotation Speaker Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passages 105-107
Edict · Author · With Yelü Shucheng (耶律庶成)
Directly stated · History of Liao 89, passages 14-16
Edict · Author · Mode named-source-report Speaker Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 56, passage 30
Edict · Author · Direct quotation
Directly stated · History of Liao 86, passage 45
Edict · Author
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passages 10-11
Speech · Speaker · With Xiao Hanjianu (蕭韓家奴) · Mode quotation Speaker Emperor Xingzong of Liao (遼興宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passages 115, 118
You bear heavy responsibility on the frontier; you should fill the treasuries and relieve the poor to repay Us.
Speech · Speaker · With Yelü Hanba (耶律韓八)
Directly stated · History of Liao 91, passage 18
Speech · Speaker · With Yang Ji (楊佶)
Directly stated · History of Liao 89, passage 80
Speech · Speaker · With Yelu Hanliu (耶律韓留)
Directly stated · History of Liao 89, passage 129
Speech · Speaker · With Yelu Pulu (耶律蒲魯)
Directly stated · History of Liao 89, passage 35
Speech · Speaker · Quote true
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 74; History of Liao 114, passage 36
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passages 17, 24

Events and relationships

Abolished garrison
AD 1046 十五年四月戊午 · Military · Principal · Organization Yaolian Tent 遙輦帳
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 184
Accepted memorial and began enshrining Xuan and De ancestors
AD 1044 重熙十三年春 · Ritual · Authority
Directly stated · History of Liao 103, passage 165
Amnesty on shengzong birthday
AD 1046 十五年十二月壬申 · Commemoration · Principal · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passages 204-205
Appointed and transferred
AD 1046 十五年六月癸丑 · Appointment · Appointing authority
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 188
Appointed
AD 1046 十五年四月壬戌 · Appointment · Appointing authority · With Xiao Gaoliu (蕭高六)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 185
Banned unauthorized official brewing
Legal · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 59, passages 50-51

Show 70 more source-backed claims

Began personal rule
AD 1034 重熙三年秋七月戊子朔 · Political · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 106
Commuted and released prisoners
AD 1046 十五年三月乙酉 · Legal · Principal
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 179
Commuted death sentence
Legal · Authority
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passages 24-25
Composed poetry while tipsy
Literary · Author
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 162
Conferred jinshi
AD 1046 十五年六月戊辰 · Examination · Presiding authority · At Cool Hall 清涼殿 · With Wang Tang (王棠)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 189
Crown prince investiture ceremony
AD 1040 重熙九年冊皇太子儀 · Ritual · Reigning emperor
Directly stated · History of Liao 57, passage 25
Defeated
AD 1044 興宗敗於李元昊 · Military · Commander · With Yuanhao (元昊) · Outcome Fled alone and nearly failed to escape
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 9
Did not personally handle routine affairs under Empress Dowager regency
AD 1031 景福 · Political · Subject
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 55
Yanqing Palace 延慶宮
AD 1031 to AD 1055 延慶宮 · Institutional · Founder · Established · Organization Woduwang orudo 窩篤碗斡魯朵
Directly stated · History of Liao 31, passage 130
Forbade cuju
AD 1046 十五年夏四月辛亥朔 · Legal · Principal · At Five Capitals 五京
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 183
Founded Yi Prefecture with Ding captives
Administrative · Ruler · At Yi Prefecture 宜州
Directly stated · History of Liao 39, passage 218
Granted relief
AD 1046 十五年十一月乙巳 · Relief · Principal · At Nanjing 南京
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 203
Halted
AD 1046 十五年冬十月己酉 · Travel · Principal · At Zhonghui River 中會川
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 200
Herd administration continued
AD 916 to AD 1055 自太祖及興宗 · Administrative · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 60, passage 58
Honored mother as Empress Dowager
AD 1031 景福壬午 · Ritual · Subject · With Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 3
Honorific title investiture in dragon regalia
AD 1036 重熙五年 · Ritual · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 56, passage 56
Led officials in offerings at Zutu Hall
AD 1031 景福十一月壬辰 · Ritual · Leader
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 47
Led funeral rites
AD 1031 聖宗崩 · Ritual · Officiant · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passages 3, 5, 10-12, 14
Lost cities at backgammon
Personal · Gambler · With Chongyuan (重元)
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passages 18-19
Made Guyu poetry companion and sought governance counsel
Political · Ruler · With Yelü Guyu (耶律谷欲)
Directly stated · History of Liao 104, passage 109
Mass reappointment
AD 1046 十五年十一月丁亥 · Appointment · Appointing authority
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 201
Mourned Hanba and sent envoys with funeral goods
Ritual · Patron · With Yelü Hanba (耶律韓八)
Directly stated · History of Liao 91, passages 21-22
Mourned at bier
AD 1031 聖宗崩 · Ritual · Mourner · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗) · At Zangtu Hall 菆塗殿
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 2
Moved empress dowager to tomb guarding
AD 1032 to AD 1034 重熙初 · Political · Conspirator · With Empress Qin'ai (欽哀皇后) · At Qingzhou 慶州
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 49
Observed harvest
AD 1046 十五年七月戊子 · Ritual · Principal
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 192
Offered libations
Ritual · Mourner · With Honggu (弘古)
Directly stated · History of Liao 95, passage 12
Ordered Yelu Shucheng to compose commemorative text inscribed at Chongxiao Temple in Shangjing
AD 1035 重熙四年 · Political · Ruler · With Yelü Shucheng (耶律庶成)
Directly stated · History of Liao 91, passage 44
Ordered eight house clans to wear headcloths
AD 1053 重熙二十二年 · Political · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 56, passage 30
Ordered registration
AD 1046 十五年十一月己亥 · Administrative · Principal
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 202
Paid respects to Empress Dowager
AD 1031 景福庚戌 · Ritual · Participant · With Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 30
Paid respects
AD 1046 十五年三月甲申 · Ritual · Principal · With Empress Dowager (皇太后)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 178
Paid respects
AD 1046 十五年三月辛卯 · Ritual · Principal · With Empress Dowager (皇太后)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 180
Pardoned Yelü Baba at brother's plea
Legal · Authority
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 137
Pardoned younger brother
Legal · Authority
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passage 26
Partial amnesty
AD 1046 十五年十二月壬申 · Legal · Principal
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 204
Personally inspected Qing Mausoleum
AD 1031 景福九月戊申 · Inspection · Inspector
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 29
Personally escorted mother back
Personal · Son · With Empress Qin'ai (欽哀皇后)
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 50
Played cuju with ministers
Sport · Participant
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 129
Presented honorific title to Empress Dowager
AD 1032 重熙元年十一月己卯 · Ritual · Participant · With Empress Qin'ai Xiao (欽哀皇后蕭氏)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 72
Presented khitan investiture register
AD 1040 重熙九年 · Ritual · Participant
Directly stated · History of Liao 54, passage 45
Promised future succession
Political · Promiser · With Chongyuan (重元)
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 16
Promoted for diligence
Political · Ruler · With Xiao Wuye (蕭烏野)
Directly stated · History of Liao 92, passage 49
Promoted
AD 1046 十五年七月丁未 · Appointment · Appointing authority · With Zhemu (遮母)
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 197
Received bequeathed gifts
AD 1031 聖宗崩 · Ritual · Recipient · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗) · At Hall of Imperial Portrait 御容殿
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 13
Received privy council memorial on retitling changgun
AD 1036 興宗重熙五年 · Administrative · Reigning emperor
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 45, passage 265
Received tribute
AD 1046 十五年三月丁酉 · Diplomatic · Recipient · Counterparty Goryeo 高麗
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 181
Refused Iron Forbidden State aid against Xia
AD 1048 重熙十七年 · Diplomatic · Issuer of edict
Directly stated · History of Liao 36, passage 158
Registered troops
AD 1046 十五年七月丙申 · Military · Principal
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 194
Revised system
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗更制 · Ritual · Reformer · Object ritual system 更制
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 49, passage 70
Revised
AD 1031 to AD 1055 興宗先有事於菩薩堂及木葉山遼河神 · Ritual · Actor · Object Mountain Sacrifice Rite sequence and regalia 拜山儀 · At Bodhisattva Hall and Mount Muye Liao River spirit 菩薩堂及木葉山遼河神
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 49, passage 67
Sent envoys to inspect crops
Administrative · Ruler
Directly stated · History of Liao 59, passage 45
Summer retreat
AD 1046 十五年四月甲子 · Travel · Principal · At Yong'an Mountain 永安山
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 186
Summoned monks to discuss Buddhist dharma with Empress Dowager
Religious · Participant
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 222
Summoned to drink and gamble
AD 1031 景福秋七月 · Social · Host · With Xiao Pugu (蕭普古)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 11
Temple rites
Ritual · Honoree
Directly stated · History of Liao 21, passages 44, 71, 81, 144
Tested jinshi with poems on shooting 36 bears and visiting Yan
Examination · Examiner
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 141
Tested presented scholars on transmission seal essay
AD 1038 興宗重熙七年 · Examination · Examiner authority
Directly stated · History of Liao 57, passage 12
Visited late Emperor portrait and mourned
AD 1031 景福丁巳 · Ritual · Mourner · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 21
Visited residence to inquire after illness
AD 1031 景福 · Visit · Visitor · With Xiao Pugu (蕭普古)
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 25
Visited spirit tablet tent
AD 1031 景福壬申 · Ritual · Participant
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 27
Went to
AD 1046 十五年春正月乙酉 · Travel · Principal · At Huntong River 混同江
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 174
Went to
AD 1046 十五年二月乙卯 · Travel · Principal · At Changchun River 長春河
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 176
Went to
AD 1046 十五年七月丁酉 · Travel · Principal · At Autumn Mountain 秋山
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 19, passage 195
Wore mourning dress at Zutu Hall for Song envoys
AD 1031 景福庚午 · Ritual · Mourner
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 34
Court ritual · Offered the Empress Dowager wine for longevity · With Empress Dowager (皇太后)
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 19
Hunt · Hunted at Ma Meng Mountain · At Ma Meng Mountain 馬孟山
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 20
Memorial ritual · Wore plain dress and fed monks on Empress Xuanxian's death anniversary · With Empress Xuanxian (宣獻皇后)
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 63
Policy decision · Accepted Fu Bi's peace argument · With Fu Bi (富弼) · Outcome Friendly relations settled
Directly stated · History of Liao 19, passage 53
Relation Intimate with · Person Chongyuan (重元)
Directly stated · History of Liao 109, passage 16
Relation Addressed as elder brother · Person Yelü Maliu (耶律馬六)
Directly stated · History of Liao 95, passage 21

Assessments and attributes

Assessment began-decline-of-liao-governance-through-purges · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · History of Liao 62, passage 100
Assessment clever as a child; open-minded and magnanimous · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 247
Assessment revised rites could not be grounded in canonical learning and did not greatly surpass earlier forms · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · History of Liao 49, passage 70
imposing stature, dragon-like countenance and sun-cornered brow
Physical description
Directly stated · History of Liao 18, passage 247
Item late emperor's bequeathed gifts 遺賜 · Relation Received · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 50, passage 13

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · History of Liao 45, passage 90; History of Liao 50, passage 2; History of Liao 60, passage 58; History of Liao 65, passage 102

References in the histories

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History

194 passages

History of Liao, Chapter 15Volume 15 Annals 15: Shengzong 6 · 1 passage

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戊戌，皇子宗真生。 On wuxu day Prince Zongzhen was born.

History of Liao, Chapter 18Volume 18 Annals 18: Xingzong 1 · 33 passages

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興宗一 Xingzong, Part One

興宗神聖孝章皇帝，諱宗真，字夷不堇，小字只骨。 The Emperor Xingzong, posthumous title Shensheng Xiaozhang, personal name Zongzhen, courtesy name Yibujin, childhood name Zhigu.

三歲封梁王。 At three he was enfeoffed as Prince of Liang.

太平元年，冊為皇太子。 In the first year of Taiping he was invested as crown prince.

壬午，尊母元妃蕭氏為皇太后。 On renwu day the new Emperor honored his mother, Lady Xiao, as Empress Dowager.

上召晉王蕭普古等飲博，夜分乃罷。 The Emperor summoned Prince of Jin Xiao Pugu and others to drink and gamble; only at midnight did they stop.

丁巳，上謁大行皇帝御容，哀慟久之。 On dingsi day the Emperor visited the late Emperor's portrait and mourned deeply for a long time.

壬申，上謁神主帳，時奧隈蕭氏始入宮，亦命拜之。 On renshen day the Emperor visited the tent containing the spirit tablets; at that time aowei Lady Xiao had just entered the palace, and she too was ordered to bow before them.

九月戊申，躬視慶陵。 In the ninth month, on wushen day, the Emperor personally inspected Qing Mausoleum.

庚戌，問安於皇太后。 On gengxu day the Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager.

庚午，以宋使吊祭，喪服臨菆塗殿。 On gengwu day, because Song envoys came to mourn and sacrifice, the Emperor wore mourning dress and attended at Zutu Hall.

右監門衛上將軍耶律元載、引進使魏永充皇帝謝宋使。 Right Palace Gate Guard upper general Yelü Yuanzai and presenting envoy Wei Yong served as the Emperor's envoys to thank Song.

有司請以生辰為永壽節，皇太后生辰為應聖節，從之。 The relevant offices requested making the Emperor's birthday the Eternal Longevity Festival and the Empress Dowager's birthday the Responding Sage Festival; approval was granted.

十一月壬辰，上率百僚奠於菆塗殿。 On renchen day of the eleventh month the Emperor led all officials in offerings at Zutu Hall.

問安皇太后。 The Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager.

皇太后聽政，帝不親庶務，群臣表請，不從。 The Empress Dowager held court; the Emperor did not personally handle routine affairs; ministers memorialized requesting that he do so, but he did not agree.

重熙元年春正月壬申朔，皇太后禦正殿，受帝與群臣朝。 In the first year of Chongxi, on the renshen new moon of the first spring month the Empress Dowager held court at the main hall and received obeisance from the Emperor and ministers.

十一月己卯，帝率群臣上皇太后尊號曰法天應運仁德章聖皇太后； On jimao day of the eleventh month the Emperor led ministers in presenting to the Empress Dowager the honorific title Responding to Heaven, Following the Mandate, Benevolent and Virtuous, Manifest Sage Empress Dowager;

群臣上皇帝尊號曰文武仁聖昭孝皇帝。 ministers presented to the Emperor the honorific title Cultured and Martial, Benevolent and Sage, Illustrious and Filial Emperor.

是月，皇太后還政於上，躬守慶陵。 That month the Empress Dowager returned government to the Emperor and personally guarded Qing Mausoleum.

秋七月戊子朔，上始親政，以耶律庶徵、劉六符、耶律睦、薄可久充賀宋來歲正旦使副。 On the wuzi new moon of the seventh autumn month the Emperor began to personally administer government; Yelü Shuzheng, Liu Liufu, Yelü Mu, and Bo Kejiu were appointed chief and deputy envoys to congratulate Song on New Year's Day of the coming year.

己巳，上與大臣分朋擊鞠。 On jisi day the Emperor and ministers divided into teams and played cuju.

上憫而從之。 The Emperor took pity and granted the request.

壬子，禦元和殿，以《日射三十六熊賦》、《幸燕詩》試進士於廷，賜馮立、趙徽四十九人進士第。 On renzi day the Emperor attended Yuanhe Hall, tested jinshi at court with "Essay on Shooting Thirty-six Bears in a Day" and "Poem on the Journey to Yan," and granted jinshi rank to forty-nine including Feng Li and Zhao Hui.

上酒酣賦詩，吳國王蕭孝穆、北宰相蕭撒八等皆屬和，夜中乃罷。 The Emperor, tipsy with wine, composed poetry; King of Wu Xiao Xiaomu, Northern Chancellor Xiao Saba, and others all joined in with matching verses; only at midnight did they stop.

癸未，賜南院大王耶律胡睹袞命，上親為制誥詞，並賜詩以寵之。 On guiwei day commission was bestowed on Southern Court great king Yelü Huchuo; the Emperor personally drafted the appointment edict wording and also bestowed poetry to honor him.

六月乙亥，禦清涼殿試進士，賜邢彭年以下五十五人第。 On yihai day of the sixth month the Emperor attended the Cool Hall, tested jinshi, and granted rank to fifty-five including Xing Pengnian and below.

辛丑，問安皇太后，進珍玩。 On xinchou day the Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager and presented precious curios.

十二月，召善擊鞠者數十人於東京，令與近臣角勝，上臨觀之。 In the twelfth month several dozen skilled cuju players were summoned to the Eastern Capital to compete against close ministers while the Emperor watched.

南面侍御壯骨裏詐取女直貢物，罪死，上以有吏能，黥而流之。 Southern attendant Zhuangguli fraudulently seized Jurchen tribute goods, a capital offense; because the Emperor valued his administrative ability, he was tattooed and banished instead.

戊戌，朝皇太后，召僧論佛法。 On wuxu day the Emperor attended the Empress Dowager at court and summoned monks to discuss Buddhist teaching.

閏十二月壬辰，視吳國王蕭孝穆疾。 On renchen day of the intercalary twelfth month the Emperor visited King of Wu Xiao Xiaomu, who was ill.

九年春正月丙辰朔，上進酒於皇太后宮，禦正殿。 In the ninth year, on the bingchen new moon of the first spring month, the Emperor offered wine at the Empress Dowager's palace and held court in the main hall.

History of Liao, Chapter 19Volume 19 Annals 19: Xingzong 2 · 15 passages

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興宗二 Xingzong, Part Two

九月辛亥，朝皇太后。 On xinhai day of the ninth month the Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager.

庚申，皇太后射獲熊，上進酒為壽。 On gengshen day the Empress Dowager shot and captured a bear, and the Emperor offered wine to wish her long life.

癸亥，上獵馬孟山，草木蒙密，恐獵者誤射傷人，命耶律迪姑各書姓名於矢以誌之。 On guihai day the Emperor hunted at Ma Meng Mountain; vegetation was thick and dense, and fearing hunters might accidentally shoot and injure people, he ordered Yelü Digu and the others each to write their names on their arrows for identification.

辛卯，以皇子胡盧斡裏生，北宰相、駙馬撒八寧迎上至其第宴飲，上命衛士與漢人角觝為樂。 On xinmao day, because the imperial prince Hulu Woli was born, Northern Chancellor and imperial son-in-law Saba Ning welcomed the Emperor to his residence for feasting and drinking; the Emperor ordered guards and Han people to wrestle for amusement.

上聞宋設關河，治壕塹，恐為邊患，與南、北樞密吳國王蕭孝穆、趙國王蕭貫寧謀取宋舊割關南十縣地，遂遣蕭英、劉六符使宋。 The Emperor heard that Song had fortified the passes and rivers and dug moats and feared it would become a border threat; with Southern and Northern Privy Commissioners Prince of Wu Xiao Xiaomu and Prince of Zhao Xiao Guanning he plotted to recover the ten Song counties south of the passes ceded in former times, and thereupon dispatched Xiao Ying and Liu Liufu as envoys to Song.

是時，富弼為上言，大意謂遼與宋和，坐獲歲幣，則利在國家，臣下無與； At that time Fu Bi spoke to the Emperor, the general purport being that if Liao made peace with Song and passively received annual tribute, the benefit lay with the state and subordinates had no share;

上感其言，和好始定。 The Emperor was moved by his words, and friendly relations were finally settled.

帝喜，宴群臣於昭慶殿。 the Emperor was pleased and feasted ministers at Zhaoqing Hall.

冬十一月丁亥，群臣加上尊號曰聰文聖武英略神功睿哲仁孝皇帝，冊皇后蕭氏曰貞懿宣慈崇聖皇后。 On dinghai day of the eleventh winter month ministers added the honorific title Sagacious Cultured, Sagacious Martial, Heroic Strategist, Divine Merit, Wise Sage, Benevolent Filial Emperor, and invested Empress Xiao as Chaste Virtuous, Proclaiming Benevolence, Exalted Sage Empress.

十二月癸卯，朝皇太后。 On guimao day of the twelfth month the Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager.

己酉，以宣獻皇后忌日，上與皇太后素服，飯僧於延壽、憫忠、三學三寺。 On jiyou day, because it was Empress Xuanxian's death anniversary, the Emperor and Empress Dowager wore plain dress and fed monks at Yanshou, Minzhong, and Sanxue temples.

己未，宋遣賀正旦及永壽節使居邸，帝微服往觀。 On jiwei day Song envoys congratulating on New Year's Day and the Eternal Longevity Festival were staying at their lodgings, and the Emperor went in disguise to observe them.

九月壬申，朝皇太后，謁望仙殿。 On renshen day of the ninth month the Emperor paid respects to the Empress Dowager and visited Wangxian Hall.

戊辰，禦清涼殿，放進士王棠等六十八人。 On wuchen day the Emperor attended the Cool Hall and conferred the jinshi degree on sixty-eight men, including Wang Tang.

History of Liao, Chapter 21Volume 21 Annals 21: Daozong 1 · 9 passages

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興宗皇帝長子，母曰仁懿皇后蕭氏。 He was the eldest son of Emperor Xingzong; his mother was Empress Renyi of the Xiao clan.

帝性沈靜、嚴毅，每朝，興宗為之斂容。 The Emperor's nature was calm and stern; at each audience Xingzong would compose himself on his account.

二十四年秋八月己，興宗崩，即皇帝位於柩前，哀慟不聽政。 In the twenty-fourth year, in the eighth autumn month on a ji day, Xingzong died; he took the throne before the bier and, in deep grief, would not govern.

十一月甲子，葬興宗皇帝於慶陵。 On jiazi day of the eleventh month Emperor Xingzong was buried at Qing Mausoleum.

戊寅，冬至，有事於太祖、景宗、興宗廟，不受群臣賀。 On wuyin day, the winter solstice, rites were performed at Taizu's, Jingzong's, and Xingzong's temples; the court did not receive congratulations from the ministers.

乙巳，以興宗在時生辰，宴群臣，命各賦詩。 On yisi day, because it was Xingzong's birthday while he lived, ministers were feasted and each ordered to compose a poem.

甲辰，有事於興宗廟。 On jiachen day rites were performed at Xingzong's temple.

九月庚子，幸中京，祭聖宗、興宗於會安殿。 On gengzi day of the ninth month the court visited the Central Capital and sacrificed to Shengzong and Xingzong at Hui'an Hall.

冬十月壬子朔，幸南京，祭興宗於嘉寧殿。 On the renzi new moon of the tenth winter month the court visited Nanjing and sacrificed to Xingzong at Jianing Hall.

History of Liao, Chapter 30Volume 30 Annals 30: Emperor Tianzuo 4: Ye Luchun, Ye Luyali, Ye Ludashi and Son: Yilie, Yi Lie and Younger Sister: Pu Suwan, Yi Lieci and Son: Zhilugu · 1 passage

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淳小字涅里，興宗第四孫，南京留守、宋魏王和魯斡之子。 Chun's childhood name was Nieli; he was Emperor Xingzong's fourth-generation grandson, son of Southern Capital regent and Song Prince of Wei Heluwo.

History of Liao, Chapter 31Volume 31 Treatises 1: Management of Guards 1 · 2 passages

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穆宗曰延昌宮，景宗曰彰湣宮，承天太后曰崇德宮，聖宗曰興聖宮，興宗曰延慶宮，道宗曰太和宮，天祚曰永昌宮。 Muzong: Yanchang Palace; Jingzong: Zhangmin Palace; Empress Chengtian: Chongde Palace; Shengzong: Xingsheng Palace; Xingzong: Yanqing Palace; Daozong: Taihe Palace; Tianzuo: Yongchang Palace.

窩篤碗斡魯朵，興宗置。 The Woduwang orudo, established by Xingzong.

History of Liao, Chapter 32Volume 32 Treatises 2: Management of Guards 2 · 1 passage

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道宗每歲先幸黑山，拜聖宗、興宗陵，賞金蓮。 Each year Daozong first visited Black Mountain, paid respects at the tombs of Emperors Shengzong and Xingzong, and admired the golden lotus.

History of Liao, Chapter 36Volume 36 Treatises 6: Military 3 · 1 passage

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又有鐵不得國者，興宗重熙十七年乞以兵助攻夏國，詔不許。 In Xingzong's Chongxi year 17 the Iron-Forbidden State once asked to join an attack on Western Xia; the court denied the request.

History of Liao, Chapter 39Volume 39 Treatises 9: Geography 3 · 1 passage

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興宗以定州俘戶建州。 Xingzong founded it with Ding Prefecture captives.

History of Liao, Chapter 45Volume 45 Treatises 15: Official Posts 1 · 3 passages

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興宗重熙二十一年，耶律義先拜惕隱，戒族人曰：「國家三父房最為貴族，凡天下風化之所自出，不孝不義，雖小不可為。」 In Xingzong Chongxi year 21 Yelü Yixian became tithen and warned the clan: "The Three Fathers' lines are the highest nobility and the source of public morals—no unfilial or unjust act, however slight, is permissible."

興宗重熙五年，樞密院奏，國舅乙室已小翁帳敞史，準大橫帳及國舅二父帳，改為將軍。 In Xingzong Chongxi year 5 the Privy Council asked that the Yishi lesser elder-account changgun, like the Great Horizontal Account and the two Boliji father accounts, be retitled general.

聖宗興聖宮興宗延慶宮道宗太和宮天祚永昌宮 Shengzong Xingsheng Palace, Xingzong Yanqing Palace, Daozong Taihe Palace, and Tianzuo Yongchang Palace

History of Liao, Chapter 49Volume 49 Treatises 19: Rites 1 · 2 passages

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興宗先有事於菩薩堂及木葉山遼河神，然後行拜山儀，冠服、節文多所變更，後因以為常。 Xingzong first performed rites at the Bodhisattva Hall and to the Liao River spirit on Mount Muye before conducting the Mountain Sacrifice Rite; he altered regalia and ritual stages extensively, and these changes later became standard.

興宗更制，不能正以經術，無以大過於昔，故不載。 Xingzong's revised rites could not be grounded in canonical learning and did not greatly surpass the earlier forms, and so are not recorded here.

History of Liao, Chapter 50Volume 50 Treatises 20: Rites 2 · 4 passages

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喪葬儀：聖宗崩，興宗哭臨於菆塗殿。 Funeral rites: When Emperor Shengzong passed away, Emperor Xingzong came to mourn at the bier in the Zangtu Hall.

大行之夕四鼓終，皇帝率群臣入，柩前三致奠，奉柩出殿之西北門，就辒京車，藉以素裀。 On the night the late emperor died, after the fourth watch had ended, the emperor led his ministers inside. Before the bier they presented offerings three times, then carried the coffin out through the northwest gate of the hall, set it on the encoffining carriage, and laid a plain white mat underneath.

皇帝御幄，命改火，面火致奠，三拜。 The emperor took his seat in the imperial tent, ordered the mourning fire to be kindled anew, faced the fire to present offerings, and bowed three times.

興宗崩，道宗親擇地以葬。 When Emperor Xingzong died, Emperor Daozong personally selected the ground for his burial.

History of Liao, Chapter 54Volume 54 Treatises 24: Music · 2 passages

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舊史稱聖宗、興宗咸通音律，聲氣、歌辭、舞節，徵諸太常、儀鳳、教坊不可得。 Earlier histories report that Emperors Shengzong and Xingzong were fully conversant with pitch and rhythm, yet the timbres, lyrics, and dance patterns could not be recovered from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Office of Ceremonial Phoenixes, or the Training Bureau.

興宗重熙九年，上契丹冊，皇帝出，奏《隆安》之樂。 In the ninth year of Chongxi under Emperor Xingzong, when the Khitan document of investiture was presented, the music Long Peace was played as the emperor came forth.

History of Liao, Chapter 56Volume 56 Treatises 26: Ceremonial Guards 2 · 1 passage

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興宗重熙二十二年，詔八房族巾幘。 In the twenty-second year of Chongxi, Emperor Xingzong ordered the eight house clans to wear headcloths and caps.

History of Liao, Chapter 57Volume 57 Treatises 27: Ceremonial Guards 3 · 1 passage

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興宗重熙七年，以《有傳國寶者為正統賦》試進士。 In the seventh year of the Chongxi era (1038), during the reign of Emperor Xingzong, candidates for the presented-scholar degree were tested with the essay topic, "Whoever Holds the Imperial Transmission Seal Holds Legitimate Rule."

History of Liao, Chapter 59Volume 59 Treatises 29: Finance and Economics 1 · 1 passage

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興宗即位，遣使閱諸道禾稼。 When the Xingzong Emperor ascended the throne, he dispatched envoys to inspect the grain crops in every circuit.

History of Liao, Chapter 60Volume 60 Treatises 30: Finance and Economics 2 · 1 passage

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自太祖及興宗垂二百年，群牧之盛如一日。 From Taizu through Emperor Xingzong, nearly two centuries, the herds remained as abundant as on a single prosperous day.

History of Liao, Chapter 62Volume 62 Treatises 32: Punishment and Law 2 · 3 passages

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興宗即位，欽哀皇后始得志，昆弟專權。 When Xingzong came to the throne, Empress Dowager Qin'ai finally had her way, and her brothers seized control of the government.

然興宗好名，喜變更，又溺浮屠法，務行小惠，數降赦宥，釋死囚甚眾。 Yet Xingzong cared deeply for his reputation, loved to change policy, and was devoted to Buddhism; he showered petty favors, issued frequent amnesties, and released a great many prisoners under sentence of death.

蓋自興宗時，遽起大獄，仁德皇后戕於幽所，遼政始衰。 From Xingzong's reign great purges began; Empress Ren'ade died in confinement—and Liao governance began its decline.

History of Liao, Chapter 65Volume 65 Tables 3: Princesses · 2 passages

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封隨國公主，進封秦國。興宗封宋國長公主。 She was enfeoffed Princess of Sui State and advanced to Qin State; Xingzong enfeoffed her as Princess of Song State.

興宗二女： Xingzong had two daughters:

History of Liao, Chapter 66Volume 66 Tables 4: Imperial Family · 1 passage

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右係出興宗神聖孝章皇帝。 Right descent line from Emperor Xingzong the Divine Sage, Filial and Patterned.

History of Liao, Chapter 67Volume 67 Tables 5: Families of Imperial Consorts · 1 passage

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興宗仁懿皇后父孝穆 Xiaomu, father of Empress Renyi, consort of Emperor Xingzong

History of Liao, Chapter 80Volume 80 Biographies 10: Zhang Jian, Xing Baopu, Ma Dechen, Xiao Pu, Yelu Eight Brothers · 16 passages

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帝不豫，受遺詔輔立太子，是為興宗，賜貞亮弘靖保義守節耆德功臣，拜太師、中書令，加尚父，徙王陳。 When the Emperor fell ill, Jian received the deathbed edict to assist in establishing the heir, who became Xingzong; he was granted the title of meritorious minister of steadfast integrity and aged virtue, appointed Grand Preceptor and Secretariat Director, raised to Honored Father, and transferred to Prince of Chen.

重熙五年，帝幸禮部貢院及親試進士，皆儉發之。 In the fifth year of Chongxi the Emperor visited the Board of Rites examination compound and personally tested jinshi candidates — reforms that Jian had proposed.

進見不名，賜詩褒美。 When he came to audience his name was not announced aloud, and the Emperor granted him a poem of praise.

方冬，奏事便殿，帝見衣袍弊惡，密令近侍以火夾穿孔記之，屢見不易。 One winter, while Jian was reporting on business in the side hall, the Emperor noticed his robe and cloak were worn and shabby; he secretly ordered attendants to burn marker holes in them with fire-tongs, yet saw them again and again unchanged.

帝問其故，儉對曰：「臣服此袍已三十年。」 The Emperor asked why; Jian replied, "Your servant has worn this robe for thirty years."

上憐其清貧，令恣取內府物，儉奉詔持布三端而出，益見獎重。 The Emperor, pitying his poverty, told him to take whatever he wished from the inner treasury; Jian obeyed the edict, took only three bolts of cloth, and left — and was esteemed all the more.

儉弟五人，上欲俱賜進士第，固辭。 Jian had five younger brothers; the Emperor wished to grant them all jinshi degrees, but Jian firmly declined.

上勃然曰：「卿欲朕償命耶！」 The Emperor flared up and said, "Do you wish that We repay lives with lives!"

乃從之。 The Emperor then granted his request.

致政歸第，會宋書辭不如禮，上將親征。 After retiring from office and returning home, it happened that Song's diplomatic reply was not in proper form; the Emperor was about to lead a campaign in person.

幸儉第，尚食先往具饌，卻之； The Emperor visited Jian's house; the imperial kitchen went ahead to prepare a feast, but Jian declined it.

進葵羹幹飯，帝食之美。 He served sunflower broth and plain dried rice; the Emperor ate it and pronounced it excellent.

徐問以策，儉極陳利害，且曰：「第遣一使問之，何必遠勞車駕？」 The Emperor gradually questioned him on policy; Jian set forth at length the advantages and harms, and said, "Why not simply send an envoy to inquire? Why trouble the imperial carriage to go so far?"

上悅而止。 The Emperor was pleased and abandoned the campaign.

復即其第賜宴，器玩悉與之。 The Emperor again came to his house to grant a feast and gave him all the vessels and curios used there.

興宗即位，皇太后稱制，國事一委弟孝先。 When Xingzong took the throne, the Empress Dowager assumed regency and entrusted all state affairs to her younger brother Xiaoxian.

History of Liao, Chapter 82Volume 82 Biographies 12: Yelu Longyun, Yelu Boguzhe, Xiao Yanga, Wu Bai, Xiao Changge, Yelu Hugu · 1 passage

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滌魯神情秀徹，聖宗子視之，興宗待以兄禮，雖貴愈謙。 Dilu possessed a clear, penetrating grace of manner. Emperor Shengzong treated him as a son, and Emperor Xingzong honored him with the courtesy owed an elder brother; the higher he rose, the more modest he became.

History of Liao, Chapter 83Volume 83 Biographies 13: Yelu Xiuge, Yelu Xiezhen, Yelu Xidi, Yelu Xuegu · 2 passages

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興宗時，以散職入見，上問：「卿奉佛乎？」 Under Emperor Xingzong he appeared at court in a minor post. The emperor asked, "Do you worship the Buddha?"

帝悅。 The emperor was pleased.

History of Liao, Chapter 86Volume 86 Biographies 16: Yelu Hezhu, Liu Jing, Liu Liufu, Ye Luniaolu, Niu Wenshu, Du Fang, Xiao Heshang, Yelu Helizhi, Yelu Pode · 1 passage

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道宗諒陰，為大行皇帝山陵使。 During Emperor Daozong's mourning for his father, he served as commissioner for the late emperor's tomb.

History of Liao, Chapter 87Volume 87 Biographies 17: · 8 passages

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興宗即位，徙王秦，尋復為南京留守。 When Emperor Xingzong took the throne, Xiaomu was transferred to Prince of Qin and soon again became Military Governor of Nanjing.

時天下無事，戶口蕃息，上富於春秋，每言及周取十縣，慨然有南伐之志。 At that time the realm was at peace and the population was growing. The emperor, still in the prime of life, would sigh with resolve whenever he spoke of recovering the ten counties south of the passes and harbored a desire for a southern campaign.

時上意已決，書奏不報。 At that time the emperor's mind was already made up; the memorial went unanswered.

帝每燕飲，喜諧謔。 Whenever the emperor feasted and drank, he enjoyed witty banter.

興宗諒陰，欽哀弒仁德皇后，孝先與蕭浞卜、蕭匹敵等謀居多。 While Emperor Xingzong was in mourning, Qin'ai murdered Empress Rende; Xiaoxian, together with Xiao Fubu, Xiao Pidi, and others, played the leading part in the plot.

三年，太后與孝先謀廢立事，帝知之，勒衛兵出宮，召孝先至，諭以廢太后意。 In the third year the Empress Dowager and Xiaoxian plotted to depose the emperor and enthrone another. When the emperor learned of it, he ordered the palace guards out of the palace, summoned Xiaoxian, and told him of his plan to depose the Empress Dowager.

會伐夏，孝友與樞密使蕭惠失利河南，帝欲誅之，太后救免。 During a campaign against Xia, Xiaoyou and Commissioner Xiao Hui were defeated south of the Yellow River. The emperor wished to put them to death, but the Empress Dowager intervened and spared them.

上思其功，遣使祭於家。 The emperor remembered his service and sent envoys to offer sacrifices at his home.

History of Liao, Chapter 88Volume 88 Biographies 18: Xiao Dilie, Yelu Pennu, Xiao Paiya, Yelu Zizhong, Yelu Yaozhi, Yelu Honggu, Gao Zheng, Yelu Delu, Da Kangyi · 1 passage

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氣絕而蘇，興宗命醫治疾。 He fainted and revived. Emperor Xingzong ordered physicians to treat his illness.

History of Liao, Chapter 89Volume 89 Biographies 19: Yelu Shucheng, Yang Ji, Yelu Hanliu, Yang Ji, Yelu Heshang · 17 passages

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與蕭韓家奴各進《四時逸樂賦》，帝嗟賞。 He and Xiao Hanjianu each submitted Rhapsodies on Leisure through the Four Seasons, which the emperor received with warm admiration.

初，契丹醫人鮮知切脈審藥，上命庶成譯方脈書行之，自是人皆通習，雖諸部族亦知醫事。 At first Khitan physicians seldom knew pulse diagnosis or how to judge medicines. The emperor ordered Shucheng to translate works on pulse lore and put them into practice, after which the art became widely known, and even the tribal peoples learned medical practice.

與樞密副使蕭德修定法令，上詔庶成曰：「方今法令輕重不倫。 Working with Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Xiao De, he revised the statutes. The emperor addressed Shucheng: "At present the penalties in our statutes are inconsistent in severity.

帝覽而善之。 The emperor read it and expressed his approval.

主文以國制無契丹試進士之條，聞於上，以庶箴擅令子就科目，鞭之二百。 The chief examiner reported to the throne that national law contained no provision for Khitans to sit the jinshi examination. Shuzhen was judged to have presumptuously placed his son in the examination and was given two hundred strokes of the whip.

帝嘉賞，顧左右曰：「文才如此，必不能武事。」 The emperor was delighted and remarked to his attendants, "With literary talent like this, he surely cannot be skilled in arms."

帝未之信。 The emperor was not yet convinced.

會從獵，三矢中三兔，帝奇之，轉通進。 Once on a hunt he brought down three hares with three arrows. The emperor was astonished and promoted him to Tongjin.

登對稱旨，進樞密副使。 His answers in audience pleased the emperor, and he was promoted to Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs.

上欲召用韓留，解裏言目病不能視，議前寢。 The emperor wished to summon Hanliu to office, but Jieli said he had an eye ailment and could not see, and the matter was dropped before discussion.

帝曰：「朕早欲用卿，聞有疾，故待之至今。」 The emperor said, "I long wished to employ you; hearing you were ill, I waited until now."

詔進《述懷詩》，上嘉嘆。 An edict ordered him to present Expressing Feelings, and the emperor sighed in admiration.

上御清涼殿宴勞之，即日除吏部尚書，兼門下侍郎、同中書門下平章事。 The emperor entertained him in the Qingliang Hall to honor his service and that same day appointed him Minister of Personnel with concurrent posts as vice director of the Gate Department and associate grand councilor.

上曰：「卿今日何減呂望之遇文王！」 The emperor said, "How is the favor shown you today any less than what Lü Wang received from King Wen!"

上悅。 The emperor was delighted.

時帝篤於親親，凡三父之後，皆序父兄行第，於和尚尤狎愛。 The emperor was then deeply devoted to his kinsmen; all descendants of the three paternal uncles were ranked by paternal generation, and he was especially intimate and affectionate toward Heshang.

然每侍宴飲，雖詼諧，未嘗有一言之過，由是上益重之。 Yet whenever he attended banquets, though playful in manner, he never let a single improper word slip, and for this the emperor esteemed him all the more.

History of Liao, Chapter 90Volume 90 Biographies 20: Xiao Ala, Yelu Yixian, Xiao Taowei, Xiao Talage, Yelu Dilu · 2 passages

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幼養宮中，興宗尤愛之。 Raised in the palace from childhood, he was especially beloved by Emperor Xingzong.

信先，興宗以其父瑰引為刺血友，幼養於宮。 Xinxian: Emperor Xingzong had sworn blood brotherhood with his father Guiyin, and Xinxian was raised in the palace from boyhood.

History of Liao, Chapter 91Volume 91 Biographies 21: Yelu Hanba, Yelu Tanggu, Xiao Paizhe, Yelu Jue, Yelu Pulidu · 4 passages

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入朝，帝從容謂曰：「卿守邊任重，當實府庫、振貧乏以報朕。」 When he came to court, the emperor said at ease, "You bear heavy responsibility on the frontier; you should fill the treasuries and relieve the poor to repay Us."

上聞，悼惜。 When the emperor heard of it, he mourned and grieved.

死之日，篋無舊蓄，椸無新衣，遣使吊祭，給葬具。 On the day of his death his chest held no old stores and his wardrobe no new clothes; the emperor sent envoys to mourn him and provide funeral goods.

乞勒其父屋質功於石，帝命耶律庶成制文，勒石上京崇孝寺。 He asked that his father Wuzhi's achievements be carved on stone; the emperor ordered Yelu Shucheng to compose the text, which was inscribed at Chongxiao Temple in Shangjing.

History of Liao, Chapter 92Volume 92 Biographies 22: Xiao Duola, Xiao Puda, Yelu Houshen, Yelu Guyue, Yelu Dumei, Xiao Hanjia, Xiao Wuye · 1 passage

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重熙中，補護衛，興宗見其勤恪，遷護衛太保。 During the Chongxi era he entered the guard corps; Emperor Xingzong noted his diligence and promoted him to Grand Guard Captain.

History of Liao, Chapter 93Volume 93 Biographies 23: Xiao Hui, Xiao Yulu, Xiao Tuyu, Yelu Duozhen · 2 passages

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興宗即位，知興中府，歷順義軍節度使、東京留守、西南面招討使，加開府儀同三司、檢校太師，兼侍中，封鄭王，賜推誠協謀竭節功臣。 When Emperor Xingzong took the throne, Hui governed Xingzhong Prefecture and held successive posts as military commissioner of the Shunyi Army, Eastern Capital prefect, and southwestern route pacification commissioner; he was further made acting three excellencies of the opening office, honorary grand preceptor, and vice director of the secretariat, created Prince of Zheng, and granted the title Meritorious Subject of Sincere Counsel and Utmost Loyalty.

興宗使惠恣取珍物，惠曰：「臣以戚屬據要地，祿足養廉，奴婢千餘，不為闕乏。 Emperor Xingzong urged him to help himself to treasures; Hui replied, "As imperial kin in high office, my stipend suffices for honest living, and with more than a thousand servants I want for nothing.

History of Liao, Chapter 95Volume 95 Biographies 25: Yelu Honggu, Yelu Maliu, Xiao Dilie, Yelu Shilu, Yelu Chenjianu, Yelu Teme, Yelu Xiantong, Xiao Susa, Yelu Dabeinu · 6 passages

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帝閔其勞，復授武定軍節度使，卒。 The emperor, moved by his long service, again appointed him Military Commissioner of the Wuding Army, after which he died.

訃聞，上哭曰：「惜哉善人！」 When word of his death arrived, the emperor wept and said, "What a loss — such a good man!"

以故上益親狎。 For this reason the emperor grew all the more fond and familiar with him.

六年，奉詔使宋，傷足而跛，不告遂行，帝怒。 In the sixth year, he was ordered on embassy to Song. His foot had been injured and he was lame, yet he departed without reporting it, and the emperor was furious.

會帝獵，陳家奴逐鹿圍內，鞭之二百。 Once when the emperor was hunting, Chenjianu chased a deer inside the hunting enclosure and was flogged two hundred strokes.

帝怒，鞭之。 The emperor was furious and had him flogged.

History of Liao, Chapter 96Volume 96 Biographies 26: Yelu Renxian, Yelu Liang, Xiao Hanjianu, Xiao De, Xiao Weixin, Xiao Leyinnu, Yelu Dilie, Yao Jingxing, Yelu Asi · 6 passages

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帝與論政，才之。 The emperor discussed affairs of state with him and was impressed by his ability.

蕭惠失利於河南，帝猶欲進兵，仁先力諫，乃止。 Xiao Hui suffered defeat south of the Yellow River, yet the emperor still wished to press forward. Renxian remonstrated forcefully, and the advance was halted.

會獵秋山，良進《秋遊賦》，上嘉之。 When the emperor was hunting at Autumn Mountain, Liang presented his 《Rhapsody on an Autumn Outing》, and the emperor praised it.

重熙初，興宗獵奚山，過拔剌所居，奚列阿不言於近臣，拔剌得見上。 Early in the Chongxi reign, Emperor Xingzong hunted in the Xi mountains and passed Bala's dwelling. Xilie Abu spoke to close ministers, and Bala was brought before the emperor.

帝悅之，錫賚甚厚。 The emperor was pleased with him and bestowed gifts very generously.

上以其名家，又有時譽，就拜舍利軍詳穩。 Because he came from a distinguished family and enjoyed contemporary renown, the emperor appointed him xiangwen of the Sheli Army.

History of Liao, Chapter 97Volume 97 Biographies 27: Yelu Wotela, Hai Li, Dou Jingyong, Yelu Yinji, Yang Ji, Zhao Hui, Wang Guan, Yelu Xisun · 3 passages

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興宗崩，充夏國報哀使； When Emperor Xingzong died, he served as envoy to the Xia state to announce the mourning;

興宗在青宮，嘗居左右輔導。 When Xingzong was heir apparent in the Eastern Palace, Xisun had once served at his side as instructor.

帝以喜孫有翼戴功，且悼其子罪死，欲世其官，喜孫無所出之部，因見馬印文有品部號，使隸其部，拜南府宰相。 Because Xisun had merit in supporting the emperor's accession and the emperor also grieved that his son had died for a crime, he wished to make his office hereditary; as Xisun had no division of origin, the emperor saw on a horse-brand the mark of the Pin tribe, had him attached to that tribe, and appointed him Chancellor of the Southern Administration.

History of Liao, Chapter 100Volume 100 Biographies 30: Yelu Tanggu, Xiao Delidi, Xiao Chouwo, Yelu Zhangnu, Yelu Paizhe · 1 passage

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今天下土崩，竊見興宗皇帝孫魏國王淳道德隆厚，能理世安民，臣等欲立以主社稷。 Now the realm is crumbling; we have seen that Emperor Xingzong's grandson, Prince of Wei Chun, is a man of deep virtue who can govern the age and bring peace to the people, and we wish to set him up to rule the state.

History of Liao, Chapter 103Volume 103 Biographies 33: Literature 1 · 20 passages

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帝與語，才之，命為詩友。 The emperor spoke with him, recognized his talent, and named him a poetry companion.

嘗從容問曰：「卿居外有異聞乎？」 On one relaxed occasion the emperor asked, "In your posts away from court, have you heard anything noteworthy?"

帝大笑。 The emperor laughed aloud.