Predecessor Emperor Taizong Successor Emperor Renzong | Name Emperor Zhenzong Children Emperor Renzong of Song | |
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Reign 8 May 997 – 23 March 1022 Born 23 December 968 ( 968-12-23 ) Empress / Wife Princess Pan
Empress Guo
Empress Liu Imperial Concubine Consort Yang (楊淑妃)
Consort Li
Consort Shen (沈充媛)
Consort Cao (曹婉儀)
Consort Dai (戴婉儀)
Consort Chen (陳司衣)
Consort Du (杜氏)
Consort Xu (徐夫人) Issue Zhao Ti (趙褆), son
Zhao You (趙祐), son
Zhao Zhi (趙祇), son
Zhao Zhong (趙祉), son
Zhao Gui (趙祈), son
Zhao Zhen (Emperor Renzong), son
Princess Hui
Princess Sheng Died March 23, 1022, Kaifeng, China Spouse Consort Chen, concubine, Consort Xu, concubine, Consort Cao, concubine, Consort Du, concubine Parents Empress Li, Emperor Taizong of Song Grandchildren Zhao Xin, Zhao Xi, Luguo, Chen, Fukang, Tang, Yu, Zhao Fang, Xu, Gun, Deng, Luqin, Shang, Baoshou, Chu, Zhen Similar People Emperor Renzong of Song, Emperor Taizong of Song, Emperor Taizu of Song | ||
Emperor Zhenzong of Song (23 December 968 – 23 March 1022), personal name Zhao Heng, was the third emperor of the Song dynasty in China. He reigned from 997 to his death in 1022. His personal name was originally Zhao Dechang, but was changed to Zhao Yuanxiu in 983, Zhao Yuankan in 986, and finally Zhao Heng in 995. He was the third son of his predecessor, Emperor Taizong, and was succeeded by his sixth son, Emperor Renzong.
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Emperor Zhenzong's reign was noted for the consolidation of power and the strengthening of the Song Empire. The empire prospered, and its military might was further reinforced. However, it would also mark the beginning of a foreign policy towards the Khitan-led Liao dynasty in the north that would ultimately result in humiliation. In 1004, the Khitans waged war against the Song Empire. Emperor Zhenzong, leading his army, struck back at the Khitans. Despite initial successes, in 1005, Emperor Zhenzong concluded the Shanyuan Treaty. The treaty resulted in over a century of peace, but at the price of the Song Empire agreeing to an inferior position to the Liao Empire, and also agreeing to pay an annual tribute of 100,000 ounces of silver and over 200,000 bolts of silk. The admission of inferiority would come to plague the foreign affairs of the Song Empire, while the payments slowly depleted the empire's coffers.
He was responsible for ordering the shipment of 30,000 bushels of quick-maturing rice seed from the Fujian Province to the lower Yangtze basin in 1011–1012, improving agriculture.
Emperor Zhenzong stressed the importance of Taoism at his imperial court. It was during his reign that the so-called Heavenly Texts, which glorified the Zhao family, were allegedly discovered. This was followed up by imperial sacrificial ceremonies carried out at Mount Tai. From 1013 to 1015, the emperor issued official decrees deifying the Jade Emperor as the highest ruler of Heaven.
Champa rice was introduced to China from Champa during Emperor Zhenzong's reign.
Archaeology
A number of Chinese artifacts dating from the Tang dynasty and Song dynasty, some of which had been owned by Emperor Zhenzong were excavated and then came into the hands of the Kuomintang general Ma Hongkui, who refused to publicise the findings. Among the artifacts were a white marble tablet from the Tang dynasty, gold nails, and bands made out of metal. It was not until after Ma died, that his wife went to Taiwan in 1971 from the United States to bring the artifacts to Chiang Kai-shek, who turned them over to the Taipei National Palace Museum.