Yelü Lihu (911–960), Sinicized name Yelü Honggu, courtesy name Xiyin, was an imperial prince of the Liao dynasty of China. As the third son of the Liao's founding emperor Emperor Taizu (Yelü Abaoji) and his wife Shulü Ping, Yelü Lihu served as crown prince during the reign of his older brother Emperor Taizong (Yelü Deguang). While Empress Shulü wanted Yelü Lihu to succeed Emperor Taizong after the latter's death, their older brother Yelü Bei's son Yelü Ruan was able to defeat Yelü Lihu in battle and take the throne. Yelü Lihu was placed under house arrest and then imprisoned, dying in captivity. He was posthumously honored as an emperor by Emperor Shengzong.
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Life
Early years
Yelü Lihu was born in 911, as the third son of the first Liao emperor Yelü Abaoji and his wife Shulü Ping. His older brothers were Yelü Bei and Yelü Deguang. Yelü Lihu was Lady Shulü's youngest son, although Yelü Abaoji would later have a younger son, Yelü Yaliguo (耶律牙里果), by a Lady Xiao. In 916, Yelü Abaoji claimed the title of emperor, establishing the Liao dynasty.