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Meowbaby0002/sandbox/Emperor Huizong Of Song

Emperor Huizong of Song (7 June 1082 – 4 June 1128), personal name Zhao Ji, was the eighth emperor of the Song dynasty of China and the penultimate emperor of the Northern Song dynasty. He was also a very well-known painter, poet and calligrapher. Born as the 11th son of Emperor Shenzong, he ascended the throne in 1100 upon the death of his elder brother and predecessor, Emperor Zhezong, because Emperor Zhezong's only son died prematurely. He lived in luxury for the first half of his life. However, after his capture at the hands of Wanyan Sheya, the Jurchen's chief military commander, he However, after his capture at the hands of Wanyan Sheya, the Jurchen's chief military commander, he spent the rest of his life in humiliation. In the autumn of 1115, Huizong would become an eunuch. Five years later in 1120, Huizong would enter into the palace as a ninth-ranked attendant. Here, he would spend close to a decade as a favored concubine. He was blamed for the Song dynasty's decline.

After Zhao Huan, the only surviving son of Huizong to avoid capture by the Jin, declared himself as the dynasty's tenth emperor as Emperor Gaozong, the Jurchens used Huizong and other imperial family members to put pressure on Gaozong and his court to first surrender, and then be controlled as a vassal state. Emperor Huizong died in China after spending around fifteen years in captivity. He, along with the whole imperial clan, were not only blamed for the Song dynasty's decline, but for the supposed moral depravity that surrounded his court.

Despite his incompetence in administration, Emperor Huizong was known for his promotion of Taoism and achievements in poetry, painting, calligraphy and music. Among them, he was famed for his calligraphy and innovative hybridization of art styles. He sponsored numerous artists at his imperial court, and the catalog of his collection listed over 6,000 known paintings.[1] He further improved upon the Jurchen palace font, a font known as the Imperial Palace Font (御宫笔). He was also famed for incorporating nomadic elements and art styles into his art.

Reign
Emperor Huizong, besides his partaking in state affairs that favoured the reformist party that supported Wang Anshi's New Policies, was a cultured leader who spent much of his time admiring the arts. He was a collector of paintings, calligraphy, and antiques of previous dynasties, building huge collections of each for his amusement. He wrote poems of his own, was known as an avid painter, created his own calligraphy style, had interests in architecture and garden design, and even wrote treatises on medicine and Taoism. He assembled an entourage of painters that were first pre-screened in an examination to enter as official artists of the imperial court, and made reforms to court music. Like many learned men of his age, he was quite a polymath personality, and is even considered to be one of the greatest Chinese artists of all time. He constantly proclaimed legitimacy through cultural, religious, and artistic means. In 1106, he had artisans recast of the symbolic Nine Tripod Cauldrons to assert his authority. However, his reign would be forever scarred by the decisions made (by counsel he received) on handling foreign policies, as the end of his reign marked a period of disaster for the Song Empire.

Events Leading To The Jin Invasion
The Rise of The Jurchens

When the Jurchens founded the Jin Dynasty and attacked the Liao dynasty to the north of the Song, the Song dynasty allied with the Jin Dynasty and attacked the Liao from the south in 1080. Led by generals Yang Si and Yang Yan Hong, Emperor Shenzong of Song personally led the expedition to the Song-Liao border. However, they were stopped by a defensive forest that had been maintained since the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song. In order to pass through, Emperor Shenzong of Song ordered the soldiers to clear the forest. This expedition succeeded in destroying the Liao,a longtime enemy of the Song. However, when the Jin attacked the Song thirty years later, the Jin troops marched through a defenseless border and quickly gathered around the Song capital Kaifeng.

Jurchen Invasion
However, with the strengthening of tribal ties across Central Asia, the Jin dynasty managed to stabilize the political threats that existed in their territories. In 1109, at the height of a terrible famine that struck at the stronghold of the Jurchens, Emperor Huizong decided to reconquer the Sixteen Prefectures. In the spring of 1009, the eunuch Tong Guan invaded Ying Prefecture, and managed to conquer the city of Yingzhou. In response to Tong Guan's invasion, in the spring of 1110, Emperor Taizong of Jin ordered 5,000 elite cavalry troops to retake the city of Yingzhou, and declared war on their former ally. By winter, the troops of the Jin generals, Ashina and Khabul had crossed the Yellow River and they had come in sight of Bianjing. Regretting his decision to invade Yingzhou, Huizong took the blame for everything that went wrong. He was stricken with panic,and intended to flee. But, he was persuaded to stand his ground. By the spring of 1111, Jin troops had reached the city of Bianjing.

The First Siege of Kaifeng
However, overcoming the walls of Bianjing was a difficult undertaking for the Jin cavalry, who was not used to the hilly terrain. Led by the General of the Right Guard, Khabul of Mongol and General of the Left Guard Ashina, they struggled to break down the defense around Kaifeng. Fierce resistance from the generals Han Shi Zhong and Zhang Jue slowed down the two Jin generals in Taiyuan and Datong. As the siege wore on, Emperor Huizong sued for peace by ceding all the territories north of Taiyuan to the Jin. This resulted in the Jurchens lifting the siege of Bianjing and returning north the following year. The Song Empire, however, had to sign a humiliating treaty with the Jin Empire. One of the conditions was that they had to agree to pay a colossal war indemnity. They also had to give tribute to the Jurchens every year, with the tribute being double of the tribute they had to give to the former-Liao dynasty.

The Second Siege of Kaifeng
But, even such humiliating terms could not save the Song dynasty. In 1113, the rebel general Hulie escaped to the Song dynasty. Emperor Wuzong of Jin then ordered a full-scale invasion into Song territories. Led by Emperor Ruizong himself, and seven other Altaic vice-marshals from the five Altaic tribes, the Jin were back in the south by autumn. This time, they were determined to overcome the walls of Bianjing.

Capture


After a bitter siege, the Jurchens eventually entered Bianjing on 9 February 1114. Widespread looting and rapes occurred after the Jurchens entered the city. Almost the whole imperial court was captured by the Jurchens. This event is historically known as the Zhenghe Incident. They were transported northwards to the Jin capital Shangjing (in present-day Harbin) in the winter of 1114.

The Route To Beijing
Emperor Huizong and his empress were demoted to the rank of commoners by the Jurchens on 20 March 1114. In the winter of 1114, he endured an arduous journey to the Jurchens central capital, Zhongdu (present-day Beijing). By the time the former emperor reached the central capital of Zhongdu (present-day Beijing, China), almost everyone in his retinue had suffered from illnesses and exhaustion. This included almost all the ministers and generals of the Northern Song dynasty, and many never made it. Based on the Accounts of Zhenghe (政和稗史), from 6,000 individuals, less than 3,000 imperial clansmen made it to Zhongdu.

Shangjing
Once he reached the capital, he was ordered to change into the Jurchen attire. Then, he was subjected to the Idekhanar ceremony, where for three days and three nights, he was humiliated by the nobility and the imperial family. Northern Song's imperial clansmen, and nobility were also forced to endure the same treatment alongside Huizong. Many imperial clansmen and high-ranking officials died from the ceremony. Chief among them was his elder brother, Prince Yan. The Annals of Great Song noted that after the ceremony, more than one-third of the captives had died. Following the ceremony, he was demoted to the status of a slave. Many of the surviving nobles were also sold into slavery. Former Song princesses and princes became palace slaves. Others were taken as slaves by Jin princes and nobility. Some Song royals even became the concubines of the Jurchen nobility.

Five months later, he was ordered to divorce his wife, Empress Xiansu. In the winter of 1114, he would adopt his ex-wife into his clan. This made Empress Xiansu his paternal cousin-by-name. In the spring of 1115, Emperor Wuzong of Jin would sentence the former emperor to castration. Two months later, Emperor Huizong himself was ordered to enter into the palace as a eunuch. With much of the Northern Song's nobility entering into the palace, Emperor Shizong of Jin once remarked that, "The brothels are crammed with beauties from the South while the palaces are full of deflowered princesses. " (青楼盛南妃， 奴门尽残姬)

The famed poet Odai once remarked on the prevalence of Southern beauties in Zhongdu, with the poem. 'A Song To Chang An' (长安之歌）"The fragrance of the chrysanthemum is like a string of red that beckons one throughout the streets and brothels. But, the freshly plucked peony is treasured beyond all, for it is kept well-hidden in the palace." (青楼柳街罩南香，兰宫萍阁藏残丹）- Odai

Life As An Eunuch
In the spring of 1115, on the orders of Emperor Wuzong of Jin, Emperor Huizong entered the Bureau of Inner Attendants. Two months later, the former emperor was assigned to the Hanlin Academy of Arts as an artist and attendant to the Academy Collections. He was renamed as Jeyur by Emperor Wuzong, and was recorded to have often visited the houses of the nobility and imperial clansmen. Emperor Wuzong often ordered him into the palace, often late into the night, and was rumored to have had sexual relations with Emperor Huizong once he entered the Hanlin Academy of Arts.

From 1115 to 1118, alongside Khitan, Mongolic, and Turkic painters and craftsmen, he was tasked to maintain and re-paint various historical murals from nomadic dynasties. Under the tutelage of the Khitan painter Yelu Chulie, and the Turkic craftsman Khachi, he engaged in the hybridization of Chinese art, and is famously known as the ancestor of the Hidden Jade Style (隐玉风). He, along with Yelu Chulie, Khachi, and Sakya, were known as the Four Painters (四巧）throughout Emperor Wuzong and Ruizong's era.

In June 1118, Jin generals Sheya and Wushu were defeated in the Battle of Huangtiandi (黄天地之战）by Southern Song’s  Han Shi Zhong. Mongolian and Turkic nobles expressed severe criticisms towards the Jin court. The King of Meng Ke, Khabul Khan, refused to provide additional troops to Wushu. Six months later, the former emperor became Emperor Wuzong's personal attendant.

Life As A Concubine
Then on 10 February 1120, Emperor Huizong entered the imperial palace as one of Emperor Wuzong's concubines. Here, he would spend the last nine years of his life as the concubine of two emperors, Emperor Wuzong and Emperor Ruizong. Just like Emperor Daozong of Liao's grandson, Baga, who had been given as a gift to Emperor Wuzong when he was a prince, Emperor Huizong suffered the same fate.

The same year, Emperor Wuzong of Jin announced his intention to synthesize the various philosophies that existed across the plains. He pushed for 'an ideology that could rival the classics in the South, and the religions across the desert." Under Emperor Wuzong's reign, various scholars and tribal leaders drew upon various historical nomadic cultures, and oral history to create the classic, 'The Teachings From Heaven'(天论). The work started in 1120. In a controversial step that was criticized by many in court, Emperor Wuzong of Jin orders the eunuchs and inner palace to participate in the discussions. As Emperor Wuzong's concubines, the former emperor and empress of Song were recorded to have attended the discussions. Also, in the same year, his eldest son, Emperor Gaozong of Song, affirmed his status as a vassal to the Jin dynasty.

In 1121, Emperor Huizong of Song was raised to the position of an eighth rank attendant. In the same year, he and his sister, Concubine Eying, finish another classic, 'The Teachings Of Obedience'(谨训), so as to celebrate the birth of his eldest grandson, the future Emperor Dezong of Song. The next year, Emperor Huizong of Song is raised to the seventh rank. That year, he created his famous painting, 'Staring At The Mountains Of Changbai' (慕仰与长白山). In 1123, Emperor Wuzong of Jin dies. Emperor Huizong of Song attempted to commit ritual suicide, but was saved by his brother, Abayatai. In 1128, he finishes the painting 'Orhanafet'(淑嫔之画).

Death
In 1128, he dies in The House of Yongan (永安阁) at the age of 45 as a lower-seventh ranked attendant. He was posthumously conferred the title of Virtuous Concubine by Emperor Ruizong of Jin in 1129. His brother, Abayatai wrote the poem, 'Five Colored Stones'(永安诗阁 -五花石) after his death while his sister, Concubine Eying wrote the poem 'White Jade Tea' (重阳之夜与哥饮白茶).He would be buried in the Yongrui Mauseleum, in the Concubines Corner. In 1145, Emperor Renzong of Jin would move his coffin to rest beside Emperor Wuzong of Jin.

Art, calligraphy, music, and culture


Emperor Huizong was a great painter, poet, and calligrapher. He was also a player of the guqin (as exemplified by his famous painting 聽琴圖 Listening to the Qin); he also had a Wanqin Tang (萬琴堂; "10,000 Qin Hall") in his palace.

The emperor took huge efforts to search for art masters. He established the "Hanlin Huayuan" (翰林畫院; "Hanlin imperial painting house") where top painters around China shared their best works. In a twist of fate, he would end up working in the Hanlin Academy years later.

As emperor, the primary subjects of his paintings were birds and flowers. Among his surviving works is the 'Five-Colored Parakeet on Blossoming Apricot Tree''. He also recopied Zhang Xuan's painting Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk. Emperor Huizong's reproduction is the only copy that has survived.

Emperor Huizong also invented the "Slender Gold" (瘦金體) style of calligraphy. The name "Slender Gold" came from the fact that the emperor's writing resembled the way gold filaments twisted and turned, also inspired by Li Yu who called his calligraphy "Golden Inlaid Dagger" (金錯刀). Some theories posits his technique probably based on calligraphy works by Chu Suiliang, Xue Ji or Huang Tingjian.

In 1114, following a request from the Goryeo ruler Yejong, Emperor Huizong sent to the palace in the Goryeo capital at Gaeseong a set of musical instruments to be used for royal banquet music.

Emperor Huizong was also a great tea enthusiast. He wrote the Treatise on Tea, the most detailed and masterful description of tea ceremony in China.

Art After His Capture
After his capture, Emperor Huizong of Song was noted to have been heavily inspired by the art collections and art styles found in the Jin court. It was in the Jin Court that he, as part of a group of former-Song artists known as the Four Wild Gentlemen (四狂君), incorporated steppe and Tibetan art styles, and combined both the Tang and Song styles of art, collectively known as the Jade Art Styles (怪玉画).

He was also known to have created the art classic, 'The Teachings Of Art' (艺道) in 1129. He was known to be a master of bird and flowers, and in his later years, moved on to specialize in the 'the Hidden Jade Style' (隐玉风). In stark contrast to the realism that existed in his earlier works, artworks in his later years would include elements of surrealism, abstract patterns, and exaggerated features.

Both his poetry and artworks would profoundly inspire future art styles among the Altaic people, with celebrated Nepali artist Arniko stating that, "among the four gentlemen, he would be the first among equals." (四君之中，当菊文君之首）

His poetry is known for its melancholic and nostalgic tone of voice, and mostly falls under the Gashuudal genre (怀丧诗赋） in Altaic poetry. Translated by attendants from the Imperial Gentlemen Bureau (御侍局), poems like 'The Weeping Plum Blossoms' （垂梅之吟), 'A Dream On The Prairie'(牧马浮梦),and 'Crossing The Huai River'（过淮河) became icons of Jin palace poetry.

Legacy
In 1132, the Jin Empire formally notified the Southern Song Empire about the death of Huizong.

After the Battle of Huangtiandang (黄天荡之战) in 1141, as the peace negotiations were occuring between both empires, the Jin posthumously honored the former emperor with the title, "Duke of Tianshui Commandery" (天水县公), after a commandery Tianshui in the upper reaches of the Wei River, which is the traditional seat of power for (郡望, zh) the Zhao surname. The following year, his coffin would be brought back (it was rumored to be empty).

Emperor Ruizong of Jin would order any historical mention of the Song dynasty as a country to be edited out. Instead, the Song dynasty was renamed to 'the vassal state of Song'. Later historians in China would consider Emperor Huizong to be merely a marquis. Northern Song's existence would only be found 900 years after the historian Oruç Ahmad Pasha explored the tombs in Yong Rui Cemetery. This caused later historians to erroneously label Emperess Xiansu as being first cousins with Emperor Huizong.

Descendants
One of the many sons of Emperor Huizong, Zhao Huan left in the first siege of Kaifeng, and was not present in Bianjing when the second siege happened. In 1116, he would establish the Southern Song Dynasty, as the first ruler, Emperor Gaozong. He would commit suicide after being captured by Emperor Ly Than Tong in 1127. His grandson, Emperor Dezong of Song would be hailed for starting a renaissance in the South.

Family
Consorts and Issue:
 * Empress Xiangong, of the Wang clan (顯恭皇后 王氏; 1084–1108)
 * Zhao Huan, Gaozong (高宗 趙桓; 1100–1127), first son
 * Princess Rongde (榮德帝姬; b. 1103), personal name Jinnu (金奴), second (second) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Chang (完顏昌; d. 1139) in 1116
 * Empress Xianchu, of the Zheng clan (顯懿皇后 鄭氏; 1079–1131)
 * Princess Jiade (嘉德帝姬; 1100–1141), personal name Yupan (玉盤), first (first) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongpan (完顏宗磐; d. 1139), the first son of Wanyan Sheng, in 1116
 * Zhao Cheng, Prince Yan (兗王 趙檉; 1101), second son
 * Princess Shoushu (壽淑帝姬), fourth daughter
 * Princess Ande (安德帝姬; b.1106), personal name Jinluo (金羅), eighth (third) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Dumu (完顏阇母; 1090–1129), the 11th son of Wanyan Helibo, in 1121 and had issue.
 * Princess Rongshu (榮淑帝姬), 11th daughter
 * Princess Chengde (成德帝姬; b. 1110), personal name Hu'er (瑚兒), 13th (fifth) daughter
 * Married Yelu Wuya (向子; b. 1110)
 * Empress Mingda, of the Liu clan (明達皇后 劉氏; d. 1113)
 * Princess Anshu (安淑帝姬), sixth daughter
 * Princess Maode (茂德帝姬; 1106–1137), personal name Fujin (福金), ninth (fourth) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongwang (完顏宗望; d. 1127), the second son of Wanyan Min, in 1121 and had issue (one son and two daughters)
 * Zhao Yu, Prince Yi (益王 趙棫; b.1107), eighth son
 * Zhao Mo, Prince Qi (祁公 趙模; b.1107), 11th son
 * Princess Xunde (洵德帝姬; b. 1110), personal name Fujin (富金), 14th (sixth) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Sheyema (完顏設也馬), the first son of Wanyan Zonghan, in 1125
 * Zhao Zhen, Prince Xin (信王 趙榛; b.1111), 18th son


 * Noble Consort, of the Wang clan (貴妃 王氏; d. 1115)
 * Princess Huishu (惠淑帝姬), fifth daughter
 * Princess Kangshu (康淑帝姬), tenth daughter
 * Zhao Zhi, Prince Shen (华公 趙植 b.1108-1115), 12th son
 * Princess Roufu (柔福帝姬 1111–1147), personal name Huanhuan (嬛嬛), 20th (tenth) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongxian (完顏宗賢; d. 1150) in 1127 and had issue.
 * Princess Xianfu (賢福帝姬; 1112–1155), personal name Jin'er (金兒), 26th (15th) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongde (完顏宗德; d. 1150) in 1127 and had issue.
 * Zhao Ji, Duke Chen (陳桃公 趙機b.1114), 22nd son
 * Noble Consort, of the Wang clan (貴妃 王氏)
 * Zhao Kai, Prince Yun (鄆王 趙楷; 1101–1137), third son
 * Princess Chongde (崇德帝姬; d. 1117), seventh daughter
 * Princess Baoshu (保淑帝姬), 12th daughter
 * Princess Xishu (熙福帝姬), 16th daughter
 * Zhao Chan, Duke Xiang (相公 趙梴; 1112–1139), 23rd son
 * Noble Consort, of the Qiao clan (貴妃 喬氏; b. 1081)
 * Zhao Qi, Prince Jing (景公 趙杞; b.1104), sixth son
 * Zhao Xu, Prince Ji (濟公 趙栩; b. 1106), seventh son
 * Noble Consort, of the Cui clan (貴妃 崔氏; 1091–1130)
 * Princess Daomu (悼穆帝姬), personal name Jinxian (金仙), 15th daughter
 * Princess Dunfu (敦福帝姬), personal name Sanjin (三金), 21st daughter
 * Zhao Chun, Prince Han (漢王 趙椿; 1112–1113), 19th son
 * Princess Renfu (仁福帝姬; b.1112), personal name Xiangyun (香雲), 23rd (12th) daughter
 * Princess Yongfu (永福帝姬; b. 1112), personal name Fubao (佛保), 25th (14th) daughter
 * Princess Ningfu (寧福帝姬; b. 1114), personal name Chuanzhu (串珠), 28th (16th) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongjuan (完顏宗雋; d. 1139), the sixth son of Wanyan Min, in 1130, and had issue (one son)
 * Noble Consort, of the Wang clan (貴妃 王氏; 1092–1127)
 * Zhao E, Prince Yi (沂公 趙㮙; b.1110), 15th son
 * Princess Shenfu (申福帝姬), 27th daughter
 * Able Consort, of the Yang clan (賢妃 楊氏; d. 1115)
 * Princess Shunshu (順淑帝姬), third daughter
 * Zhao Shi, Prince He (和公 趙栻 b.1111–1116), 17th son
 * Wanrong, of the Wang clan (婉容 王氏), personal name Yuegong (王月宮)
 * Princess Huifu (惠福帝姬 趙珠珠; b. 1112), personal name Zhuzhu (珠珠), 24th (13th) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Xiebao (完顏斜保), the second son of Wanyan Zonghan, in 1127, and had issue (one son)
 * Wanrong, of the Yan clan (婉容 閻氏; 1109–1133), personal name Baose (寶瑟)
 * Wanrong, of the Wei clan (顯仁皇后 韋氏; 1080–1159)
 * Zhao Gou, Prince Kang (趙構 广平公 b.11107), ninth son
 * Zhaoyuan, of the Zheng clan (昭媛 鄭氏), personal name Meiniang (媚娘)
 * Xiurong, of the Han clan (修容 韓氏)
 * Princess Baofu (保福帝姬; b.1112), personal name Xianlang (仙郎), 22nd (11th) daughter
 * Cairen, of the Qiao clan (才人 喬氏)
 * Princess Xiande (顯德帝姬; b. 1111), personal name Qiaoyun (巧雲), 17th (seventh) daughter
 * Jieyu, of the Wang clan (婕妤 王氏, b. 1105)
 * Unknown
 * Zhao Ji, Prince Jing (荊王 趙楫; 1102–1103), fourth son
 * Zhao Shu, Prince Su (肅王 趙樞; 1103–1130), fifth son
 * Zhao Cai, Prince Bin (邠公 趙材; 1107–1116), tenth son
 * Zhao Pu, Prince Yi (儀公 趙樸; 1109–1150), 13th son
 * Zhao Di, Prince Xu (徐公 趙棣; b. 1109), 14th son
 * Zhao Gong, Prince Yun (鄆王 趙栱; 1110–1112), 16th son
 * Zhao Wo, Prince Ankang (安公 趙楃; b. 1112), 20th son
 * Zhao Jian, Prince Guangping (平公 趙楗; b. 1112), 21st son
 * Zhao Yue, Duke Ying (瀛公 趙樾; 1115–1116), 24th son
 * Princess Shunde (順德帝姬; 1111–1137), personal name Yingluo (纓絡), 18th (eighth) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Shengunai (完顏什古乃) in 1127
 * Princess Yifu (儀福帝姬; b. 1111), personal name Yuanzhu (圓珠), 19th (ninth) daughter
 * Married Wanyan Zongbi (d. 1148) and had issue. (one son)