Emperor Renzong (1124–1193), born Li Renxiao, was the 5th emperor of the Western Xia dynasty (reigned 1139–1193).
Li Renxiao was the eldest son of Emperor Chongzong, and succeeded him at the age of sixteen. After ascending into the throne, Renzong made friendly overtures to the Jin Dynasty. In domestic politics, Renzong created many schools and used examinations to choose his officials. He respected Confucianism, and built many temples worshipping Confucius. During era Tian Sheng, Renzong hired a Tibet lama as a religious advisor and printed many copies of Buddhist teachings.
In 1170, Renzong discovered a plot to kill him. He executed the generals who were behind the plot. As a result, Renzong distrusted his army generals and the army began to fall into incompetence. During his later years, Western Xia began to fight wars against various enemies.
Renzong's reign was the peak of Western Xia Dynasty. Many tribes to the north and west became vassal states of Western Xia, and Renzong's focus on internal politics allowed the central government to be more efficient. His reign coincides with the peak of the Southern Song and the Jin Dynasties, and there were relatively few conflicts between these three countries.
He died in 1193.
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Emperor Chóngzōng |
Emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty 1139–1193 |
Succeeded by Emperor Huánzōng |
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Renzong, Emperor of Western Xia |
| Alternative names | |
| Short description | |
| Date of birth | 1124 |
| Place of birth | |
| Date of death | 1193 |
| Place of death | |
Famous quotes containing the words emperor and/or western:
“I cannot consent that my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepared for an Emperor or a King—my republican feelings and principles forbid it—the simplicity of our system of government forbids it.”
—Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)
“Practically everyone now bemoans Western man’s sense of alienation, lack of community, and inability to find ways of organizing society for human ends. We have reached the end of the road that is built on the set of traits held out for male identity—advance at any cost, pay any price, drive out all competitors, and kill them if necessary.”
—Jean Baker Miller (20th century)