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Emperor Zhenzong

Emperor Zhenzong of Song
Zhenzong.jpg
Palace portrait on a hanging scroll, kept in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
Emperor of the Song dynasty
Reign 8 May 997 – 23 March 1022
Predecessor Emperor Taizong
Successor Emperor Renzong
Born Zhao Dechang (968–983)
Zhao Yuanxiu (983–986)
Zhao Yuankan (986–995)
Zhao Heng (995–1022)
(968-12-23)23 December 968
Died 23 March 1022(1022-03-23) (aged 53)
Empresses / Wives Princess Pan
Empress Guo
Empress Liu
Concubines Consort Yang
Consort Li
Consort Shen
Consort Cao
Consort Dai
Consort Chen
Consort Du
Consort Xu
Issue
  • Zhao Ti
  • Zhao You
  • Zhao Zhi
  • Zhao Zhong
  • Zhao Gui
  • Zhao Zhen
  • Princess of Hui
  • Princess of Sheng
Era dates
Xianping (咸平; 998–1003)
Jingde (景德; 1004–1007)
Dazhongxiangfu (大中祥符; 1008–1016)
Tianxi (天禧; 1017–1021)
Qianxing (乾興; 1022)
Posthumous name
Yingfu Jigu Shengong Rangde Wenming Wuding Zhangsheng Yuanxiao Huangdi
(膺符稽古神功讓德文明武定章聖元孝皇帝) (awarded in 1047)
Temple name
Zhenzong (真宗)
House House of Zhao
Father Emperor Taizong
Mother Consort Li
Era dates
Xianping (咸平; 998–1003)
Jingde (景德; 1004–1007)
Dazhongxiangfu (大中祥符; 1008–1016)
Tianxi (天禧; 1017–1021)
Qianxing (乾興; 1022)
Posthumous name
Yingfu Jigu Shengong Rangde Wenming Wuding Zhangsheng Yuanxiao Huangdi
(膺符稽古神功讓德文明武定章聖元孝皇帝) (awarded in 1047)
Temple name
Zhenzong (真宗)
Emperor Zhenzong of Song
Chinese 宋真宗
Literal meaning "True Ancestor of the Song"
Zhao Dechang
Traditional Chinese 趙德昌
Simplified Chinese 赵德昌
Zhao Yuanxiu
Traditional Chinese 趙元休
Simplified Chinese 赵元休
Zhao Yuankan
Traditional Chinese 趙元侃
Simplified Chinese 赵元侃
Zhao Heng
Traditional Chinese 趙恆
Simplified Chinese 赵恒

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.

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.


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