Spread of Buddhism Emperor Shengzong began the active patronage of Buddhism, rebuilding temples such as the Monastery of Solitary Joy. Within a century of his reign, an estimated 10% of the Liao population were Buddhist monks or nuns, though this figure may have been exaggerated. While the Khitans did not associate Buddhism with the Chinese people because it was seen more as a Uyghur religion and thus not the religion of the Chinese, whom they saw as inferior, what is not clear is the extent that Buddhism penetrated the Khitan population, as the bulk of Buddhist shrines and temples were located in the southern part of the domains of the Liao where the largely Chinese sedentary population resided. There is evidence to suggest that the Khitan populace maintained their animistic belief systems along with their rituals. Innovations During the rule of Emperor Shengzong, the Liao dynasty instituted feudal reform, spurring its economy. Prior to this, it had depended on territorial expansion, slavery and thievery. Under Emperor Shengzong's rule, most slaves were liberated, becoming normal members of society. The most important parts of the economy from then on were animal husbandry, particularly horse and sheep raising, as well as agriculture and fishing. During Emperor Shengzong's reign, the Liao dynasty enjoyed peace and prosperity, so it is widely praised that Emperor Shengzong's reign was a golden age of the Liao dynasty Goryeo-Khitan Wars Family Consort and issue(s): Deposed Empress, of the Xiao clan (廢后蕭氏) Empress Rende, of the Xiao clan (仁德皇后 蕭氏; 983–1032), personal name (菩薩哥), a niece of Empress Ruizhi Unnamed Prince, 2nd son Unnamed Prince, 3rd son Empress Qin'ai, of the Xiao clan (欽哀皇后 蕭氏; d. 1057), personal name Noujin (耨斤) Yelü Zongzhen, Emperor Xingzong of Liao (耶律宗真; 1016–1055), 4th son Yelü Zongyuan (耶律宗元; 1021–1063), 6th son Princess Zhang of Qin State (秦國長公主 耶律岩母堇), personal name Yanmuqin (岩母堇), 2nd daughter Married Xiao Zhuobu (蕭浞卜) Married Xiao Haili (蕭海里) Married Xiao Hudu (蕭胡覩) Married Xiao Hui (蕭惠) and had issue (one son) Princess of Yue State (越國公主), personal name Shuogu (槊古), 3rd daughter Married Xiao Xiaozhong (蕭孝忠) and had issue (Xiao Guanyin) Noble Consort Xiao, of the Xiao clan (貴妃 蕭氏; 970–993), daughther of Xiao Pai (蕭排) Unnnamed Prince Unnamed Princess Princess of Qin (秦國公主, b. 990), personal name Yange (燕哥), 1st daughter Married Xiao Pili (蕭匹里) in 1012 and had issue (five sons and six daughters). Virtuous Consort Xiao, of