 Precisely because Prince Yelü Bei exemplified both Chinese and Khitan values , Empress Shulü Ping objected to Bei assuming the role of Emperor . The Empress believed that Bei 's openness to Chinese culture detracted from his leadership ability as a Khitan , and she instead favored Emperor Taizu 's more traditionalist second son , Yelü Deguang . Deguang enjoyed not only the support of his mother , but also of the Khitan nobility . Realizing that he could not assume the throne , and that it would be dangerous to try , Bei campaigned in favor of allowing his younger brother to assume the throne , and by the end of 927 , formally stated to his mother that Deguang 's qualifications were superior to his own , functionally ending his ability to challenge Deguang 's ascension to the throne . 
