Emperor Renzong

Emperor Renzong – Song Dynasty

Zhao Zhen, who was named Zhao Shouyi, was born in 1010 and lived until 1063. When he became the 4th Song emperor, he was known as Emperor Renzong.

As Emperor Renzong of Song, he reigned for around 41 years from 1022 until he died in 1063. In the history of the Song, this was the longest rule of their reigning emperor.

Zhao Zhen was the 6th son of Emperor Zhenzong and was succeeded by Yingzong, his cousin’s son. This occurred since Renzong’s son died prematurely.

Throughout China’s history, this Song emperor was the kindest, most thoughtful, benevolent, and open-minded ruler the people had.

The Rule of Emperor Renzong

Emperor Zhenzong died in the year 1022, leaving a 12-year-old Renzong as the new emperor of the Song. But since he was too young to lead, his stepmother Liu became regent of the dynasty.

In 1027, Renzong still couldn’t take the throne since Liu refused to step down. Hence, she ruled until her death.

Based on historical records, there were claims that Emperor Renzong of Song was a tolerant, modest, and merciful ruler. He was even considered to be frugal and seldom showed his feelings to others.

Unlike the other emperors who ruled, this Song emperor wasn’t as popular. However, his rule marked the highest point of the Song Dynasty’s influence and power. At the same time, it was also the start of its disintegration that continued over one-and-a-half centuries.

A Rule of Pacifism

The official policy of the Song during the reign of Renzong was pacifism. This type of rule was the cause of the military’s weakness.

The Western Xia state led by the Tangut took advantage of this. They carried-out small wars against the Song close to its borders.

During Renzong’s rule, he issued various decrees to improve his military and paid huge bribes to the Liao Dynasty. The latter was an adversary of the Western Xia, and he did this to keep the dynasty safe.

However, the policies involved a great price. The taxes were increased, so peasants lived in continuous poverty. This led to the numerous rebellions that took place throughout China, causing the Song government’s breakdown.

Emperor Renzong also ordered government officers to be mindful of using their death penalty. If one of them sentenced an innocent person to death by mistake, the officer would never be promoted.

Thriving of the Song Dynasty Culture and Literature

During his reign, Emperor Renzong of Song was able to make the dynasty’s culture prosper. A lot of popular Chinese poets and literature appeared and lived during this period. The poets included Mei Yaochen, Fan ZHongyan, and Oyang Xiu.

During the 2nd year of Jiayou, students went through the Imperial Examination to become famous throughout the country. Students included Zeng Gong, Su Xun, Su Zhe, and more. They became China’s most important litterateurs in history who started a new area of literature.

End of Emperor Renzong’s Reign

In 1055, Renzong became ill and began worrying about his successor to the throne. Since all his sons died prematurely, he brought two of his young male relatives to his palace.

One of the males was Zhao Zhongshi, who eventually became Emperor Yingzong. He was soon selected as the Crown Prince of that time.

Emperor Renzong died in 1063 and was succeeded by Yongzong.

Based on recorded history, after the death of Renzong, lots of people held memorial ceremonies for the late emperor. He may not be one of the popular emperors for expanding territories or enforcing influential reforms. Despite that, he was a kind ruler with a good heart and was loved by the people of that time.