Early Reign of Emperor Huizong of Song and the Jianzhong Jingguo Reforms

Timeline

1. 1101Bianjing · Kaifeng CityEmperor Huizong decreed in the eleventh month of Yuanfu 3 that the era name would change to Jianzhong Jingguo from the first month of the following year. In the first month he issued the Edict of Admonition to Court and Country, declaring adherence to Shenzong's established laws, impartiality between New and Old factions, and careful use of talent—essentially a political manifesto of a moderate continuation-of-reforms line.
2. 1101Eastern and Western Offices of Bianjing (Zhongshu and Menxia) · Kaifeng CityHuizong appointed Han Zhongyan as Left Chancellor and Zeng Bu as Right Chancellor, assisted by Li Qingchen, An Tao, Jiang Zhiqi, Xu Jiang, Fan Chunli and others, forming a Grand Council dominated by moderate New Policy advocates and centrists. Ostensibly reconciling New and Old, in fact Huizong already leaned toward continuing Shenzong's policies.
3. 1101Bianjing · Kaifeng CityFan Chunren and Empress Dowager Xiang died in succession, depriving the Old Party of a potential leader and palace protection. Huizong appointed Zeng Bu as commissioner for Zhezong's mausoleum and incited censors to attack; Ren Boyu, Chen You and others were posted outside the capital. He also blocked Lü Xichun from court and dismissed Li Qingchen in the ninth month. The rift between Zeng Bu and Han Zhongyan deepened, and the centrist line existed in name only.
4. 1101Bianjing · Kaifeng CityIn the eleventh month a decree ordered the era name changed to Chongning from the first month of the following year, meaning 'honoring the Xining statutes,' marking the shift of Huizong's reign policy from Jianzhong reconciliation to Chongning continuation-of-reforms. Wen Yi entered the chancellorship and Deng Xunwu presented the Chart of Helpless Admiration, paving the way for Cai Jing's return through public opinion.