Emperor Guangzong

Emperor Guangzong – Song Dynasty

Emperor Guangzong of the Song was the third son of Emperor Xiaozong. He was the twelfth Song dynasty emperor and the third Southern Song Dynasty emperor.

The mother of Guangzong of Song was Lady Guo, the first wife of Emperor Xiaozong. She was posthumously honored and called Empress Chengmu. Interestingly, the reign of this Chinese emperor was fairly peaceful, yet the lack of filial piety led officials to replace him.

The Rule of Emperor Guangzong

When Guangzong succeeded the throne in 1189, it was suggested that the Empress Dowager Wu should act as the regent. This idea was brought about due to his bad health. Yet during his reign, it was Guangzong’s spouse who de-facto ruled the empire.

Emperor Guangzong listened to a couple of the court’s treacherous officials. He then dismissed the known military leader named Xin Qiji. Not only that, the Chinese emperor gave into drinking, which gradually deteriorated his mental stability.

Empress Li Fengniang as a De Facto Ruler

Guangzong of Song often accompanied his father during various banquets and tours. However, it changed due to the huge influence of Empress Li Fengniang, his wife.

She was notoriously known in the history of China for being shrewd and ruthless. Plus, she also ruled the Song state through the emperor. Because of this, Emperor Guangzong was called the hen-pecked weakling who was dominated by the wife.

At some point, the emperor ended up making different excuses to avoid his father. With that said, it was his wife who ended up de-facto ruling the Song.

According to stories, in 1191, Empress Li purportedly had the Chinese emperor’s favorite concubine consort killed. This caused Guangzong to react so badly that he ended up sick and bedridden. It then led Empress Li to handle the state affairs herself.

Additionally, she attempted to keep Emperor Guangzong, and his father separated. Thus, the reason why he kept making up excuses to not meet Emperor Xiaozong.

At one point, Empress Li’s father-in-law threatened that he would have her executed for not taking care of her sick husband. When Emperor Guangzong recovered, she informed him of the threat. Plus, she even said that the medicine his father gave was likely poisoned.

This was why the emperor didn’t visit his father’s funeral when he died in 1194. Due to her influence, Empress Li was blamed for the emperor’s actions, leading Empress Dowager Wu to have Guangzong abdicated.

Beginning of Nanxi Theater

During Guangzong of Song’s reign, the Nanxi theater-style began. It was an early type of Chinese opera based on the ancient mime, dancing, and singing traditions of the Song. The name means southern drama, and its form came from the area along Wenzhou, Southeast China.

This theater-style started as a blend of local folk songs, song plays, and ballads. The colloquial language was utilized, as well as huge numbers of scenes.

End of Emperor Guangzong’s Rule

When the retired Chinese emperor Xiaozong fell ill, Emperor Guangzong did not visit his father at all. This upset Xiaozong further, increasing the impact of his sickness.

In the end, the Chinese emperor had to surrender his position to Zhao Kuo, his only surviving child. His officials and Grand Empress Dowager Wu (his grandmother) were the ones who forced him to abdicate. The reason why he couldn’t conduct the necessary mourning rites was being too sick.

In reality, they forced Guangzong of Song since he refused to attend his father’s funeral because of his wife’s influence. It was also because he refused to wear the mourning outfit, which made his officials angry.

In 1200, Guangzong died near Shaoxing, Zhejiang. His death was likely due to melancholy since he was mentally ill. Or, he ended up getting sick and died because of the complications.