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Zhao Shen

Type Figure Region Southern Song Time 1127–1194 Also known as Emperor Xiaozong of Song、Xiaozong、Zhao Shen

Second emperor of the Southern Song, he reformed military and civil administration after acceding in 1162, turned to peace with Jin after the failed …

Timeline

  1. 1162–1179Lin'an Prefecture · Lin'an PrefectureHe received Gaozong's abdication in 1162, reformed administration and built waterworks; after the Longxing Northern Expedition failed he concluded peace with Jin. Early in Chunxi he still sought to recover the Central Plains, later turning to consolidation and fiscal management.
  2. 1180–1188Lin'an Prefecture · Lin'an PrefectureIn later Chunxi, though advanced in years, he personally handled all affairs, appointing Qiu Chong and others to the Privy Council and frontier defense; debate between peace and war continued at court. In 1184 he wished to abdicate but was persuaded by ministers to stay.
  3. 1189Lin'an Prefecture · Lin'an PrefectureIn the second month of the sixteenth year of Chunxi he abdicated to Crown Prince Zhao Dun, changing the era name to Shaoxi, completing the Southern Song's second internal abdication and opening the political situation of Guangzong's reign.
  4. 1190–1194Lin'an Prefecture · Lin'an PrefectureAfter abdicating he resided in the Chonghua Palace, still exerting latent influence over Guangzong's court; he died in 1194 with the posthumous name Xiaozong.

Sources