Emperor Huizong's Abdication to Qinzong

Timeline

1. 1125–1126Kaifeng · HenanIn the winter of Xuanhe seven, Wanyan Zongwang and Zonghan invaded southward on separate routes. Huizong first planned to flee southeast, shocking the court and country. Li Gang and others urged holding firm, and Crown Prince Zhao Huan was pushed forward. Under pressure, Huizong decided to abdicate to appease the realm, hoping that a change of era name and ruler would ease both the Jin and public opinion.
2. 1126Kaifeng · HenanOn the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, Huizong abdicated to the crown prince; Zhao Huan took the throne as Qinzong, and the following year the era was changed to Jingkang. The retired emperor withdrew to Longde Palace. The abdication failed to stop the Jin siege of Kaifeng; in Jingkang one another treaty was imposed at the city walls, and in Jingkang two the city fell and the two emperors were taken north.