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About Duzong Emperor
Lifespan: 1240 – 1274 A.D
Reign Years: 1264 – 1274 A.D
Given Name: Zhao Qi
Reign Name: Duzong
Duzong Emperor
Duzong Emperor – Song Dynasty
Zhao Qi was commonly known as the Duzong Emperor. He was the 15th Chinese emperor of the Song dynasty and the sixth emperor of the Southern Song dynasty. His rule lasted for ten years, from 1264 until 1274.
Huang Dingxi, Emperor Duzong’s mother, wanted to have an abortion while she was pregnant to Duzong. Her low social status worried her, so she took drugs, attempting to abort her child.
However, Huang Dingxi’s attempt failed, and Duzong was born, but the drugs affected him physically and mentally. His hands and feet were soft, causing him to move awkwardly. He was also unable to speak until age 7, and his intelligence was lower than that of an average person.
How Duzong Emperor Ascended the Throne
The Duzong Emperor was discovered by Emperor Lizong or Zhao Yun, his paternal uncle, in 1253. At that time, Emperor Lizong didn’t have a son to inherit the throne. To compensate, he adopted Zhao Qi and designated him as the crown prince in 1260.
When Emperor Lizong died in 1264, Duzong Emperor ascended the throne.
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Buy Now!A Rule of Rebellions, Corruption, and Warfare
The reign of the Duzong Emperor was afflicted with warfare, rebellions, and corruption in his court. The officials accused Duzong’s trusted chancellor, Jia Sidao, of corruption.
Despite that, Emperor Duzong trusted and bowed down to him. He also called Jia Sidao his teacher. In anecdotes, it was mentioned that Duzong begged Jia Sidao to remain in office when the latter planned to resign.
During his rule, Emperor Duzong ignored his duties. Instead of fulfilling his role, he entrusted all state and military affairs to Jia Sidao.
Duzong Emperor lived indulgently and enjoyed drinking and women. He was also often depressed. Although he commanded his officials to be straightforward by informing him of the country’s problems, it was only an act.
Eventually, he completely neglected his duties as a Chinese emperor.
Aside from that, Emperor Duzong had a high sexual drive. Under the Song dynasty’s laws, any woman who had sexual affairs with the emperor had to pay respects. One morning, thirty women paid respects to the Duzong Emperor.
The emperor also gave official documents to his four most favored women.
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Song Dynasty Antique Celadon Plate
This rare preserved Song Dynasty celadon plate has a design devoid of decoration that makes it look like a beautiful, untouched piece of jade. Its bottom rests on a base that grows in layers around a small foot that grows along fine grooved borders.
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Buy Now!Battle of Xiangyang
For decades, the Mongols constantly invaded the Song Empire. However, Emperor Duzong ignored the problem and continued living indulgently.
Once, the Southern Song Dynasty’s commander-in-chief, Lu Wenhuan, sent a messenger to the emperor. He requested immediate reinforcements and troops to defend Xiangyan.
The messenger was successful in reaching Emperor Duzong. However, after he learned of the efficiency of the new trebuchets that the Mongols used, Duzong considered the area lost. Hence, he ignored the request and did not send any reinforcements.
This led to the decisive Battle of Xiangyang, which occurred in 1274. It was the time when the Mongol army won, captured, then destroyed the last stronghold of the Song.
It was a tragic defeat, and the news about it led Jia Sidao to deliberately keep it a secret. With that, the Duzong Emperor had no idea about the capture of his empire.
After capturing Xiangyang, it allowed the Mongols to control the Hand and Yangtze rivers. Doing so deprived the Song Dynasty of benefitting the two natural barriers. This defeat devastated the dynasty, leading to its collapse a few years after the Battle of Yamen.
End of Duzong’s Reign
Shortly, Emperor Duzong died. Some claim that his death was caused by overindulging in wine, while other sources claim that the palace doctor’s negligence caused his death.
He died in the year 1274 and left behind three sons. One of them took the throne and was hailed Emperor Gong, the last emperor of the Song who issued coins.