Political Situation During Emperor Ningzong's Reign

Timeline

1. 1210–1214Lin'an · HangzhouAfter the failure of the Kaixi Northern Expedition, Shi Miyuan's faction long controlled the central government; though on the throne, Ningzong largely delegated affairs to powerful ministers. The court pursued conservative policies, suppressing calls for another large-scale northern expedition, and focused on grain transport, salt monopolies, and funding for Huai River defenses.
2. 1214–1218Southern Song court · ChinaAfter the Jin moved their capital to Kaifeng and Zhongdu fell, the Song court closely watched the northern war. Under the settled policy of allying with the Mongols to destroy Jin, the court refused to aid Jin against the Mongols while strengthening vigilance along the Huai River to keep the war from reaching Jiangnan. Diplomatic exchanges and border garrisoning became the main axis of this period.
3. 1215–1220Huai River basin · Huai River basinAfter Zhongdu fell and Jin moved south, the Song court intensified Huai River defense deployments, repairing fortifications, adding garrison troops, and adjusting border commanders. Fiscally, it continued to rely on southeastern land taxes and commercial taxes to support military spending, laying the groundwork for the border situation from late Ningzong to early Lizong.