Emperor Shenzong of Song

Timeline

1. 1048–1067Bianjing · HenanEldest legitimate son of Emperor Yingzong of Song, Zhao Shu; enfeoffed as Prince of Ying in childhood and raised in the Bianjing court. After Yingzong's death in 1067 (Zhiping 4), the edict enthroned Zhao Xu at age nineteen; he adopted the Xining era name, resolved to remedy long-standing abuses and strengthen the state and military.
2. 1067–1085Bianjing · HenanIn 1069 (Xining 2) appointed Wang Anshi as participating deputy administrator to lead reforms, issuing the Green Sprouts Law, Hiring Service Law, Market Exchange Law, Baojia Law, General-Soldier Law and other new measures, known as the Xining New Policies. After Wang Anshi resigned as chancellor in 1076, Shenzong personally directed government, changed the era name to Yuanfeng, and reformed the official system. In 1081–1082 (Yuanfeng 4–5) launched the five-route campaign against Western Xia, which ended in defeat. Died in March 1085 (Yuanfeng 8) in the Funing Hall, aged thirty-eight; temple name Shenzong.