Accession of Emperor Huizong

Timeline

1. 1100Funing Hall · BianjingEmperor Zhezong Zhao Xu reigned fourteen years and died in the Funing Hall in the first month of Yuanfu three, aged only twenty-five, leaving no heir; the question of imperial succession suddenly became the focus of court and country.
2. 1100Chui Gong Hall · BianjingAfter Zhezong's death, Empress Dowager Xiang summoned grand councilors Zeng Bu, Cai Bian, and others to discuss selecting the successor. Zeng Bu strongly advocated for Prince Duan Zhao Ji, and the empress dowager also favored him; the decision was made in the Chui Gong Hall, excluding competitors such as Prince Shen Zhao Xi.
3. 1100Daqing Hall · BianjingPrince Duan Zhao Ji ascended the throne in the Daqing Hall as Emperor Huizong, and the following year the era was changed to Jianzhong Jingguo. Huizong was renowned for his artistic talent, but his accession also opened a new phase in the political and cultural course of the late Northern Song.