Taizong of Song

Zhao Jiong (939–997), formally Emperor Taizong, is the 2nd emperor of ancient China's Song Dynasty, reigning from 976 to 997, after his elder brother Emperor Taizu.

He is better known by the personal names Zhao Guangyi, which he uses during his brother's reign, and Zhao Kuangyi, his birth name.

Emperor Taizong is remembered as a hardworking and diligent emperor.

He pays great attention to the welfare of his people and made his empire more prosperous.

He adopts the policies previously enacted by Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou, which include increasing agricultural production, broadening the imperial examination system, compiling encyclopedias, expanding the civil service and further limiting the power of Jiedushis.

He also reunifies China proper by conquering Northern Han, the last kingdom in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Popular legends believe he killed Emperor Taizu for the throne, also forcing Emperor Taizu's son Zhao Dezhao to commit suicide.

No related events match the current filters.