Emperor Xiaozong of Song

Zhao Shen
Emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty
Reign 24 July 1162[1] – 18 February 1189[2](&1000000000000002600000026 years, &10000000000000209000000209 days)
Retired Emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty
Reign 1189-1194
Predecessor Emperor Gaozong
Successor Emperor Guangzong
Spouse Empress Chengmu 成穆皇后
Empress Chenggong 成恭皇后
Empress Chengsui 成肅皇后
Full name
Family name: Zhao (趙)
Given name: Bocong (伯琮), later Yuan[3](瑗),
then later Wei[4] (瑋),
then again later Shen[5] (昚)
Courtesy name (字): Yuangui[6] (元瑰),
later Yuanyong[7] (元永)
Era dates
Longxin 隆興 (1163–1164)
Qiandao 乾道 (1165–1173)
Chunxi 淳熙 (1174–1189)
Posthumous name
Emperor Shaotong Tongdao Guande Zhaogong Zhewen Shenwu Mingsheng Chengxiao[8] 紹統同道冠德昭功哲文神武明聖成孝皇帝
Temple name
Xiaozong (孝宗)
Dynasty Song (宋)
Father Zhao Zicheng , Prince Xiu Anxi 趙子偁
Mother Lady Zhang[9]
Born 27 November 1127(1127-11-27)
Died 28 June 1194(1194-06-28) (aged 66)

Emperor Xiaozong (November 27, 1127 – June 28, 1194) was the eleventh emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the second emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Shen. He reigned from 1162 to 1189. His temple name means "Filial Ancestor".

Xiaozong was the 7th generation descendant of Emperor Taizu, the founder of the Song Dynasty. He was found after Emperor Gaozong lost his only child and heir and thus ordered the administration to look for all the descendants of the imperial family all across southern China (all the close relatives of Gaozong had been captured by the Jurchen invaders when they entered the capital Kaifeng during their conquest of northern China in 1127).

Xiaozong was the second son of Zhao Zicheng (趙子偁) ( ? -1143), known posthumously as Prince Xi of Xiu'an (秀安僖王), who was a sixth cousin of emperors Gaozong and Qinzong. Zhao Zicheng was the son of Zhao Linghua (趙令譮), known posthumously as Duke of Qing (慶國公), who was a fifth cousin of emperors Huizong and Zhezong. Zhao Linghua was the son of Zhao Shijiang (趙世將), known posthumously as Marquess of Huayin (華陰侯), who was a fourth cousin of Emperor Shenzong. Zhao Shijiang was the son of Zhao Congyu (趙從郁), known posthumously as Marquess of Xinxing (新興侯), who was a third cousin of Emperor Yingzong. Zhao Congyu was the son of Zhao Weixian (趙惟憲) (979-1016), known posthumously as Duke of Ying (英國公), who was a second cousin of Emperor Renzong. Zhao Weixian was the second son of Zhao Defang (趙德芳) (959-981), known posthumously as Prince Kanghui of Qin (秦康惠王), who was a first cousin of Emperor Zhenzong, and the second surviving son of Emperor Taizu.

Xiaozong's mother, titled Princess Xiu (秀王夫人) ( ? -1167), was from the Zhang (張) family.

Family

Notes

  1. ^ Succeeded Emperor Gaozong who retired on that day, but in practice Gaozong continued to rule through the new emperor almost until his death in November 1187 when Xiaozong gained full control.
  2. ^ Abdicated in favor of his son the crown prince. Granted himself the title Taishang Huang (太上皇) and continued in practice to rule through his son until his death.
  3. ^ His name was changed into Yuan in March 1133 after he had entered the imperial palace.
  4. ^ His name was changed into Wei in April 1160 when he was adopted by Emperor Gaozong.
  5. ^ His name was changed to Shen in July 1162 when he was officially named crown prince. This name became his taboo name when he ascended the throne 12 days later.
  6. ^ Received his courtesy name Yuangui in May 1160.
  7. ^ His courtesy name was changed into Yuanyong in July 1162.
  8. ^ Final version of the posthumous name given in 1197.
  9. ^ Zhao Zichang's princess consort

See also

Emperor Xiaozong of Song
Born: 1127 Died: 1194
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Emperor Gaozong		 Emperor of the Song Dynasty
1162–1189		 Succeeded by
Emperor Guangzong