Emperor Renzong of Song, Zhao Zhen

Timeline

1. 1022–1032Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureEmperor Zhenzong died in the first year of Qianxing; thirteen-year-old Zhao Zhen succeeded, with era names Tiansheng and Mingdao in succession. Because of his youth, by imperial edict Empress Dowager Zhangxian Liu and Consort Dowager Yang served as regents; the Empress Dowager ruled behind the screen, with major military and state affairs decided by her.
2. 1033–1037Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureEmpress Dowager Liu died in the third month of the second year of Mingdao; at twenty-three Renzong began personal rule and changed the era name to Jingyou. After taking power he promoted officials suppressed during the regency, handled inner-court affairs such as the deposition of Empress Guo, and continued to invest northwestern tribes to check Western Xia.
3. 1038–1040Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureIn the first year of Baoyuan, Li Yuanhao of Western Xia declared himself emperor; Song-Xia relations took a sharp turn for the worse and the era name was changed to Kangding. Renzong refused to recognize the imperial title while dispatching Han Qi, Fan Zhongyan and others to Shaanxi to manage affairs, and continued to contact the Tibetan Gtsang-lha of Qingtang to check Western Xia.
4. 1043–1063Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureIn the Qingli years he employed Fan Zhongyan and others to carry out the New Policies, later halted by factional strife. Thereafter he maintained peace settlements with Western Xia and Liao; he reigned forty-two years, died in the palace in the eighth year of Jiayou, was buried at Yongzhao Mausoleum, and received the temple name Renzong.