Emperor Muzong of Liao
Encyclopedia
The Emperor Muzong of Liao (September 19, 931–March 12, 969); born as Yelü Jing , was an emperor of the Liao Dynasty
and reigned from 11 October 951 to 12 March 969. He was the son of Emperor Taizong of Liao
, and succeeded Emperor Shizong
, who was murdered in 951.
In June 952, his uncle wrote a letter to the Later Zhou Dynasty
, saying that "Muzong is a drunkard and has no ambition". Muzong discovered the letter and executed his uncle. In July 952, Shizong's brother Yelu Loguo attempted to rebel, but Muzong suppressed it and executed him. In October 953, Muzong's brother and several high-ranking officials plotted against him. Once again, Muzong 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.
took advantage of Muzong’s troubles to consolidate its position in North China, a region that had been under the influence of the Khitan
since earlier in the century. Despite this, the Northern Han
, who remained under the protection of the Liao Dynasty
were able to maintain their independence.
The Later Zhou emperor attacked Liao positions in 958 in an attempt to regain the Sixteen Prefectures
. This provoked Muzong to lead a large army to the southern capital (modern-day Beijing
). Military confrontation was averted with the death of the Later Zhou emperor. Early the next year, Muzong returned to the capital.
Midway through Muzong’s reign, the Song Dynasty
had supplanted the last of the Five Dynasties, the Later Zhou Dynasty
. Relations with the Song were peaceful during the reign of Muzong. Despite this peace, there were two issues outstanding between the two states that would result in war following Muzong’s reign: those of the Sixteen Prefectures
and Northern Han
state. Neither of these issues would be resolved during the reign of Muzong.
The two states began exchanging annual visitations on New Year’s Day. Profitable trade also continued to grow between the two sides.
In February 969, Muzong went out to hunt in the Black Mountains
. Muzong and his servants drank and had a feast. After midnight, Muzong called out for food, but no one responded. He went into a rage and threatened to kill the chefs. The frightened chefs, along with some servants, sneaked into Muzong's tent and murdered him.
Liao Dynasty
The Liao Dynasty , also known as the Khitan Empire was an empire in East Asia that ruled over the regions of Manchuria, Mongolia, and parts of northern China proper between 9071125...
and reigned from 11 October 951 to 12 March 969. He was the son of Emperor Taizong of Liao
Emperor Taizong of Liao
The Emperor Taizong of Liao , born as Yelü Deguang , was the second emperor of the Khitan Empire .-Succession to the Throne:...
, and succeeded Emperor Shizong
Shizong
Shizong may refer to:* Emperor Shizong of Liao , Khitan emperor, reigned 947–951* Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou , Chinese emperor, reigned 954–959* Emperor Shizong of Jin China , Jurchen emperor, reigned 1161–1189...
, who was murdered in 951.
Rebellions
Muzong's reign was plagued by plots and rebellions against him from both the Yelu 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
Later Zhou Dynasty
The Later Zhou Dynasty was the last a succession of five dynasties that controlled most of northern China during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, which lasted from 907 to 960 and bridged the gap between the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.-Founding of the Dynasty:Guo Wei, a Han...
, saying that "Muzong is a drunkard and has no ambition". Muzong discovered the letter and executed his uncle. In July 952, Shizong's brother Yelu Loguo attempted to rebel, but Muzong suppressed it and executed him. In October 953, Muzong's brother and several high-ranking officials plotted against him. Once again, Muzong 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.
Relations with China
The Later Zhou DynastyLater Zhou Dynasty
The Later Zhou Dynasty was the last a succession of five dynasties that controlled most of northern China during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, which lasted from 907 to 960 and bridged the gap between the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.-Founding of the Dynasty:Guo Wei, a Han...
took advantage of Muzong’s troubles to consolidate its position in North China, a region that had been under the influence of the Khitan
Khitan people
thumb|250px|Khitans [[Eagle hunting|using eagles to hunt]], painted during the Chinese [[Song Dynasty]].The Khitan people , or Khitai, Kitan, or Kidan, were a nomadic Mongolic people, originally located at Mongolia and Manchuria from the 4th century...
since earlier in the century. Despite this, the Northern Han
Northern Han
The Northern Han kingdom is a state of the Ten Kingdoms in the Period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. It was founded by Liu Min , formerly known as Liu Chong , and lasted from 951 – 979.-Founding of the Northern Han:...
, who remained under the protection of the Liao Dynasty
Liao Dynasty
The Liao Dynasty , also known as the Khitan Empire was an empire in East Asia that ruled over the regions of Manchuria, Mongolia, and parts of northern China proper between 9071125...
were able to maintain their independence.
The Later Zhou emperor attacked Liao positions in 958 in an attempt to regain the Sixteen Prefectures
Sixteen Prefectures
The Sixteen Prefectures are a region in northern China stretching from present-day Beijing westward to Datong. In most areas, it is approximately seventy to one hundred miles in width...
. This provoked Muzong to lead a large army to the southern capital (modern-day Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
). Military confrontation was averted with the death of the Later Zhou emperor. Early the next year, Muzong returned to the capital.
Midway through Muzong’s reign, the Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
had supplanted the last of the Five Dynasties, the Later Zhou Dynasty
Later Zhou Dynasty
The Later Zhou Dynasty was the last a succession of five dynasties that controlled most of northern China during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, which lasted from 907 to 960 and bridged the gap between the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.-Founding of the Dynasty:Guo Wei, a Han...
. Relations with the Song were peaceful during the reign of Muzong. Despite this peace, there were two issues outstanding between the two states that would result in war following Muzong’s reign: those of the Sixteen Prefectures
Sixteen Prefectures
The Sixteen Prefectures are a region in northern China stretching from present-day Beijing westward to Datong. In most areas, it is approximately seventy to one hundred miles in width...
and Northern Han
Northern Han
The Northern Han kingdom is a state of the Ten Kingdoms in the Period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. It was founded by Liu Min , formerly known as Liu Chong , and lasted from 951 – 979.-Founding of the Northern Han:...
state. Neither of these issues would be resolved during the reign of Muzong.
The two states began exchanging annual visitations on New Year’s Day. Profitable trade also continued to grow between the two sides.
Fate
Emperor Muzong, like Shizong, was an alcoholic and had many vices. His alcoholism earned him the nickname “The Dozing Emperor.” He had a violent temper and frequently killed people without reason. He also liked to hunt. Muzong's reign was one of the darkest in Liao Dynasty's history, and his government was a shambles.In February 969, Muzong went out to hunt in the Black Mountains
Black Mountains
There are several mountain ranges named the Black Mountains:* Black Mountains * Black Mountains * Black Mountains * Black Mountains * Black Mountains * Black Mountains...
. Muzong and his servants drank and had a feast. After midnight, Muzong called out for food, but no one responded. He went into a rage and threatened to kill the chefs. The frightened chefs, along with some servants, sneaked into Muzong's tent and murdered him.