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Zhao Shen

Type Figure Region China Time 1127–1194 Also known as Emperor Xiaozong of Song、Bocong、Zhao Yuan

Zhao Shen (1127-1194), eleventh emperor of the Song with temple name Xiaozong, adopted son of Gaozong, launched the Longxing Northern Expedition and …

Timeline

  1. 1127–1133Xiuzhou · ZhejiangZhao Shen was born in Xiuzhou, son of Zhao Zicheng, a seventh-generation descendant of Song Taizu, originally named Bocong. Selected into the palace as a child and raised by Gaozong's empress, he became an important candidate for the succession.
  2. 1153–1162Lin'an · ZhejiangDuring the Shaoxing era he was enfeoffed as Prince of Yi, later made Crown Prince and renamed Zhao Shen. Ministers such as Shi Hao served as Eastern Palace staff, and he gained experience in court affairs in preparation for succession.
  3. 1162–1165Lin'an · ZhejiangHe acceded in the thirty-second year of Shaoxing, changing the era name to Longxing. He posthumously restored Yue Fei's offices and granted him the posthumous name Wumu; appointing Zhang Jun, he launched the Longxing Northern Expedition; after defeat he concluded the Longxing peace and turned to reforming administration and finance.
  4. 1165–1189Lin'an · ZhejiangDuring the Qian dao and Chunxi eras he governed diligently, appointing capable ministers such as Shi Hao and Chen Kangbo, reforming taxes and corvee, and emphasizing agriculture and sericulture, an age known as the 'Qian-Chun governance'. In the sixteenth year of Chunxi he abdicated to Crown Prince Dun.

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