Wanyan Zongbi

Timeline

1. 1130–1140Huainan · HuainanUnder Emperors Taizong and Xizong of Jin, Zongbi repeatedly led armies south, pursuing the Song court's flight south and at one point reaching Lin'an. Battles such as against Han Shizhong at Huangtiandang and against Yue Fei at Yancheng were key engagements of the Song-Jin wars, establishing his position as Jin's foremost military commander.
2. 1141Yancheng · HenanIn 1140 Zongbi led a southern invasion, was heavily defeated by Liu Qi at Shunchang, and again lost to Yue Fei at Yancheng. After these successive setbacks, Zongbi realized Jin could not destroy Song in one stroke, and in 1141 strongly advocated peace with Southern Song, presenting its benefits to Xizong.
3. 1141–1142Bianjing · HenanZongbi negotiated with Southern Song envoys as commander-in-chief, and the Treaty of Shaoxing was formally signed in 1142: Song submitted as a vassal to Jin, paid annual tribute of 250,000 taels of silver and 250,000 bolts of silk, with the Huai River as the border. The treaty consolidated Jin's gains, and Zongbi thereby gained immense prestige and power.
4. 1143–1148Shangjing Huining Prefecture · Jin ShangjingAfter the treaty Zongbi continued to assist Xizong and garrisoned the Central Plains, maintaining Jin's rule. He died of illness at Huining in the eleventh month of 1148, and the Jin court suspended court audiences for three days. After Zongbi's death, no one in Jin could command the entire army for a southern campaign, and strategy toward Song turned defensive.