Emperor Duzong of Song

Timeline

1. 1240–1250Lin'an · Southern SongZhao Qi was the son of Emperor Lizong and Xie Daoqing, born in Lin'an in 1240. As Lizong's only surviving son, he was designated crown prince from childhood, receiving heir-apparent education in the palace in preparation for eventually inheriting the throne.
2. 1251–1260Lin'an · Southern SongIn the 1250s Zhao Qi grew up in the eastern palace at Lin'an as crown prince; Emperor Lizong was often ill in his later years, and his mother Xie Daoqing frequently took part in inner-court affairs. During this period Möngke campaigned south and Kublai attacked Yunnan, and the Southern Song faced severe military pressure, while the heir's position grew ever more secure.
3. 1264–1274Lin'an · Southern SongEmperor Lizong died in 1264, and Zhao Qi acceded as Emperor Duzong, changing the era name to Xianchun. Over his ten-year reign he neglected state affairs, delegated government to Jia Sidao, and mishandled the Mongol threat; Duzong died in Lin'an in 1274, and his son Emperor Gong of Song succeeded him.