Chai Rong

Timeline

1. 954–957Kaifeng · KaifengHe succeeded in 954 after Guo Wei's death, implementing equalized taxation, reducing redundant monks, and reorganizing the imperial guard; in 955 he promulgated the Great Zhou Penal Code, strengthening central authority and building national strength for northern and southern campaigns.
2. 956–959Huainan · HuainanFrom 956 to 958 he campaigned three times against Southern Tang, recovering fourteen prefectures south of the Huai; in 959 he campaigned north against the Khitans, taking three passes. He fell ill and died at Chanzhou during the northern expedition; the Later Zhou failed to complete unification, but his conquests laid a solid foundation for Northern Song unification.