Accession of Emperor Xiaozong of Song and government rectification

Timeline

1. 1162Lin'an imperial palace · Zhejiang ProvinceEmperor Gaozong of Song (Zhao Gou) abdicated to his son Zhao Shen, who took the throne as Emperor Xiaozong of Song, changing the era name to Longxing. Xiaozong was a seventh-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu; after accession he honored Gaozong as retired emperor.
2. 1162Lin'an · Zhejiang ProvinceXiaozong appointed war-party figures such as Zhang Jun, Li Xianzhong, and Chen Kangbo, posthumously honored Yue Fei, redressed the Yue case, adjusted border defenses, and actively prepared for the northern expedition, showing determination to recover the Central Plains.
3. 1162Lin'an · Zhejiang ProvinceXiaozong reduced redundant staff, merged agencies, investigated hidden lands, lightened tax and corvée burdens, and filled the treasury to support armaments. He also curbed powerful ministers and strengthened imperial power, providing fiscal and political guarantees for the northern expedition.