Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou

Timeline

1. 1126–1127Xiangzhou, Daming Prefecture, Dongping Prefecture · North ChinaIn the first year of Jingkang, Emperor Qinzong appointed Prince Kang Zhao Gou Grand Marshal of Hebei forces, opening a marshal's office at Xiangzhou with Zong Ze and Wang Boyan as deputies. When the Jin again besieged Bianjing, Zhao Gou led troops south and never returned to the capital, becoming one of the few Northern Song imperial family members spared deportation north.
2. 1127–1128Nanjing Yingtianfu · Shangqiu CityUrged on by Zhu Shengfei and others, Zhao Gou ascended the throne at Yingtianfu, adopted the era name Jianyan, and posthumously honored Lady Wei as Empress Xuanhe. He first appointed Li Gang as chancellor, soon dismissed him, and instead trusted Wang Boyan and Huang Qianshan, formally establishing the Southern Song regime.
3. 1128–1130Yangzhou, Mingzhou, Wenzhou · East ChinaJin general Wanyan Zongbi led forces south scouring mountains and seas; Gaozong fled from Yangzhou to Mingzhou, Wenzhou and elsewhere, drifting at sea for months. In the second month of the fourth year of Jianyan the Jin withdrew north, and the Southern Song initially stabilized Jiangnan, laying the foundation for the Shaoxing-era settlement.
4. 1130–1162Lin'an Prefecture · Hangzhou CityGaozong established the capital at Lin'an, adopted the era name Shaoxing, and appointed Qin Hui to pursue peace; after the 1141 Shaoxing Peace Treaty, Song and Jin faced off north and south. In 1162 he abdicated to his adopted son Zhao Shen as retired emperor, died at Deshou Palace in 1187, and was buried at Yongsi Mausoleum.