Background
He is the son of Prince Bei, the eldest son of Abaoji, the founder of the Khitan Empire. He came to power after the death of his uncle, Emperor Taizong, who raised him after his father left for China and the court of the Later Tang.
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Emperor Shizong Liao
Edit Profile辽世宗, 耶律阮
Career
Emperor Taizong was on campaign in China when he died in 947. Ruan accompanied him on this campaign, allowing him to quickly gain the support of army leaders. However, the Khitan nobles, knowing that Prince Lihu was entirely unfit for the throne, refused to support her this time as they did previously with the ascension of Deguang as Emperor Taizong.
Fortunately, the strong support the court gave to Ruan’s claim prevented a civil war among the Khitans.
Shizong was known both for his generosity as well as for his martial prowess. Both died soon afterward, Prince Lihu in rebellion and Yingtian of old age.
Shizong took to the field in 951 in a successful effort to resist Chinese advances from the south. However, later that year, a mere four years after his ascension as emperor, he was killed by a rebellious nephew who was part of an effort within the imperial clan to usurp the throne.
During his reign, Shizong adopted several reforms that propelled the Liao Dynasty into a feudal society and consolidated power into one central government.
However, Shizong was also a drunkard and liked to hunt. On a night in September 951, Shizong was murdered by an officer after a battle. He was only thirty-three, and had reigned for only three years.
