Court Politics in Emperor Renzong's Late Reign, 1050s

Timeline

1. 1051–1053Bianjing · HenanAfter the failure of the Qingli New Policies, Lü Yijian again held power and Xia Song entered the Privy Council, returning the central administration to a conservative line. The censorate still debated policy, but large-scale reform was unlikely as fiscal and overstaffing problems accumulated.
2. 1054–1057Bianjing · HenanRenzong had no son, making the selection of an imperial heir a focus of court and public attention. Ministers repeatedly urged settling the succession; Han Qi, Zeng Gongliang, and others took part, and around 1059 Zhao Zongshi (later Emperor Yingzong), son of Prince of Pu Zhao Yunrang, was designated imperial son, stabilizing the succession.
3. 1058–1060Bianjing · HenanIn his late years Renzong still worried about northwestern defense and palace expenses; a fengshan sacrifice on Mount Tai was proposed to display his achievements but abandoned due to excessive cost and remonstrances. Unbalanced revenues and Imperial Guard waste provided practical motivation for Shenzong's Xining reforms.