User:HuangdiOfSongChina/Zhao Yuanzuo

Zhao Yuanzuo (赵元佐; 965 – 1027) was the oldest son of Emperor Taizong of Song.

Zhao Yuanzuo was the only one to defend his uncle Tingmei publicly since they were close. When Tingmei died, Yuanzuo, however, was driven to madness.

Zhao Yuanzuo, became enraged when he was not invited to the Double Night Daylight Feast which ultimately caused Yuanzuo to burn down the palace. As a result, Taizong, under the pressure of his censors demoted Yuanzuo to commoner status and exiled him. This, was changed when 100 officials rejected Yuanzuo's exile and pressured Taizong to let Yuanzuo remain in the palace. Three officials who had responsibility for Yuanzuo asked to be punished by Taizong in which Taizong said "This son, even I have been unable to reform through my teaching. How could you guide him?" in response.

Family
His demotion to commoner status saved his descendants from the Jingkang Incident. One notable descendant of Yuanzuo was Zhao Ruyu, who was deposed by Han Tuozhou.


 * Parents:
 * Zhao Jiong, Taizong (太宗 趙炅; 939 – 997)
 * Empress Yuande, of the Li clan (元德皇后 李氏; 943 – 997)
 * Consorts and Issue:
 * 1) Unknown
 * 2) Zhao Yunsheng
 * 3) Zhao Zongli
 * 4) Zhao Zhongqiao
 * 5) Zhao Zhongmao
 * 6) Zhao Zhonglai
 * 7) Zhao Zongdan
 * 8) Zhao Zongti
 * 9) Zhao Zonghui
 * 10) Zhao Yunyan
 * 11) Zhao Zongshuo
 * 12) Zhao Zhongmin
 * 13) Zhao Zongli
 * 14) Zhao Zongshuo
 * 15) Zhao Zongyu
 * 16) Zhao Yuncheng
 * 17) Zhao Zongyan
 * 18) Zhao Zongne
 * 19) Zhao Zongding
 * 20) Zhao Zongyan
 * 21) Zhao Zonglu
 * 22) Zhao Zongru
 * 23) Zhao Zongshi