Song Zhezong

Zhezong (January 4, 1076 – February 23, 1100) was the seventh emperor of the Song dynasty of China. His name was Zhào Xù . He reigned between 1085 and 1100.

Zhezong was the son of Emperor Shenzong. He ascended the throne at the age of 10 under the supervision of Empress Dowager Gao. Under the regency of Empress Gao, several conservatives such as Sima Guang were appointed to the position of Chancellor. Sima Guang immediately discontinued the socioeconomic improvements undertaken by Wang Anshi. Zhezong had no real power until the death of the Empress in 1093. At that time, Zhezong deposed Sima Guang and restarted Wang Anshi's reforms.

Zhezong was one of the best emperors of the Song Dynasty. He reduced taxes, interrupted all negotiations with the Tangut Empire and continued the armed conflict until Xixia adopted less aggressive positions with the Song Empire. Overall, Zhezong's reign gave the Song Dynasty a boost, however, he failed to stop disputes between the conservative members of his government and the liberal branch, supportive of Wang Anshi's reforms. This dispute led in the 12th century to the fall of the Northern Song.

Zhezong had two empresses: Meng and later Liu (1078-1113?) who entered the palace as a lady and became empress at the age of 22. The couple had a boy who died before his birthday and two girls.

Zhezong died in 1100 in Kaifeng and was succeeded by his younger brother. When she died she was only 24. After the death of Emperor Zhezong, Empress Lui was called Empress Dowager Liu and she committed suicide at the age of 35.