Yelü Hongji (Emperor Daozong of Liao)

Timeline

1. 1032–1055Liao Supreme Capital, Linhuang Prefecture · Liao Supreme Capital CircuitBorn in the first year of Chongxi under Emperor Xingzong of Liao, eldest son of Xingzong Yelü Zongzhen. He studied Chinese learning from childhood, was versed in poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting, and was designated crown prince. His father Xingzong favored Chinese institutions; Hongji attended him closely, gradually accumulating experience in statecraft.
2. 1055–1075Liao Supreme Capital, Linhuang Prefecture · Liao Supreme Capital CircuitSucceeded to the throne in 1055, changing the era name to Qingning, and maintained the peace established by the Chanyuan Treaty with the Northern Song. In the early part of his reign he vigorously promoted Buddhism, built temples and pagodas widely, promulgated Buddhist codes, and exchanged poetry with his officials. However, Yelü Yixin gradually gained favor and usurped power, and court affairs grew increasingly corrupt—a hidden danger that first emerged in this period.
3. 1075–1085Liao Supreme Capital, Linhuang Prefecture · Liao Supreme Capital CircuitIn 1075 Yelü Yixin falsely accused Empress Xiao Guanyin (a talented woman versed in poetry and music) of an affair with a court musician; Daozong credulously believed the slander and ordered the empress to take her own life. In 1077 Crown Prince Yelü Jun was likewise framed by Yelü Yixin, deposed, and soon murdered. These two wrongful cases severely shook the prestige of the imperial house, and the Liao state began to decline markedly.
4. 1085–1101Liao Central Capital, Dading Prefecture · Liao Central Capital CircuitIn his later years he realized Yelü Yixin's abuse of power and had him executed, somewhat restoring the political situation. He designated his grandson Yelü Yanxi (the future Emperor Tianzuo) as grand imperial grandson. Yet the Liao's accumulated ills ran deep, and the Jurchen Wanyan clan grew ever more powerful in the northeast. He died at the traveling camp in 1101, with the posthumous name 'Emperor Rensheng Daxiao Wen,' the temple name Daozong, and burial at Qingling.