Zhao Shen

Zhao Shen – Song Dynasty

Zhao Shen, or Emperor Xiaozong, was the Song Dynasty’s 11th emperor, as well as the 2nd emperor of Southern Song. He was Emperor Taizu’s first descendant to become the empire’s ruler.

Xiaozong of Song was a diligent and exceptional monarch who offered a pleasant environment for culture, agriculture, and economy. During his reign, all of these achieved huge progress, which was great for the Song Empire. The civilians under him lived peacefully, while his national treasury was consistently full of money.

The emperor wasn’t a big fan of the luxurious lifestyle, nor did he care much about beautiful women. As a ruler of a rich empire, he wore simple clothing and never had lavish architecture built.

Reign of Emperor Xiaozong

Emperor Xiaozong reigned in 1162 when Emperor Gaozong, his predecessor and adoptive father, abdicated. Even if his father became a retired emperor or Taishang Huang, he remained the de-facto ruler. So, Zhao Shen was only able to fully take control in 1187 after the death of Gaozong.

Emperor Xiaozong’s Ambition, Failure, and Compromise

During his reign, Xiaozong of Song ruled diligently while preparing for the revenge war. After preparing for about a year, he instigated a northern expedition war against the Jurchens.

In the beginning, they were able to achieve quite a number of successful attacks. But after some time, the Song army failed due to the commanders’ distrust for each other. This made the army disperse.

Achievements during His Rule

During Emperor Xiaozong’s rule, the empire increased their trade missions that docked at ports all over the Indian Ocean. This is where the Hindu and Arab influence was predominant.

Not only that, but Xiaozong of Song was responsible for the posthumous rehabilitation of Yue Fei. That also goes for clearing out every other remnant of Qin Hui’s faction in the empire’s court.

With his skills, he was able to stabilize the economy, making his reign the most powerful. So, Xiangzong was considered the best emperor of the Song Dynasty.

Agriculture, Economy, and Reforms

Zhao Shen, the Song ruler, focused on improving the empire’s economy and agriculture. He did this while simultaneously training and recruiting people for his army.

He put into action a collection of reforms for the army, then continued practicing archery and riding on his own. During his reign, the Military College in 1162 required equestrianism and archery skills for non-military officials.

At some point, Emperor Xiaozong signed a treaty with the Jin empire. This time, it had less insulting items and included a lower money tribute.

In 1165, the Song and Jin Dynasties reached a peaceful stand. With that, the Song Empire finally ended respecting the Jin Empire as the monarch.

When 1187 entered, Emperor Gaozong died, which left Xiaozong of Song filled with grief. He then retreated from the government and focused on mourning over Gaozong’s death. During this process, he shifted all his governmental affairs to Zhao Dun, his son.

In 1189, Emperor Xiaozong abdicated and gave the throne to his son Zhao Dun who ascended as Emperor Guangzong. Xiaozong then gave himself the title Taishang Huang and stayed as the de facto ruler of the Song.

A Retired Emperor

Despite retiring as Xiaozong of Song, Zhao Shen continued to stay in power until he died in 1194. His daughter-in-law, Empress Li, was said to keep him and his son separated, even stopping them from seeing each other.

In 1194, Taishang Huang fell ill. His situation got even worse when Emperor Guangzong refused to pay him a visit. Soon, he died due to complications, and still, his son refused to attend his funeral, which resulted in his fall.

Emperor Guangzong was forced to give up his throne to Emperor Ningzong, Emperor Xiaozong’s grandson.