On a cold and windy winter night, Song Renzong sat alone in the imperial study, holding a secret letter in his hand, and his brows were tightly locked. The emperor, who had ruled the Great Song Dynasty for nearly forty years, seemed so fragile at this moment. His gaze fell on the genealogy on the desk, where a special existence in the clan was recorded—Zhao Zongshi. This name, like a thorn, has been pierced in Renzong's heart for many years.
Why would the king of a country care so much about a child of a clan? Who is Zhao Zongshi? What is the complicated relationship between him and Song Renzong? What's even more puzzling is why the history books call Renzong "the first emperor of the ages", but it is recorded that he was troubled by a "spare tire" all his life?
In the ninth year of Kaibao of the Great Song Dynasty (976), Taizu Zhao Kuangyin died, and his younger brother Taizong Zhao Guangyi succeeded to the throne. After that, Zhenzong Zhao Heng and Renzong Zhao Zhen ascended the throne one after another, and the rule of the Great Song Dynasty gradually stabilized. However, behind this seemingly smooth change of throne, there is a story of ups and downs.
In the sixth year of Xianping (1003), Zhao Heng, who was the emperor at the time, was over thirty years old, but he had not been able to get a healthy prince. The untimely death of five consecutive princes not only exhausted Zhenzong, but also made the government and the opposition begin to worry about the Jiangshan Society of the Great Song Dynasty. In this case, Shinshu had to consider choosing an heir from the clan.
After careful consideration, Zhenzong decided to bring Zhao Yunrang, the third son of his fourth brother, Shang King Zhao Yuanfen, into the palace to raise. Eight-year-old Cho Yunrang was sent to the palace in this way and began his career as crown prince. In the years that followed, Zhao Yunrang attracted much attention in the palace, and everyone regarded him as the future emperor. However, fate always likes to joke.
Just when everyone thought that Zhao Yunrang would inherit the throne logically, Providence took a turn. In the third year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1010), the forty-three-year-old Zhenzong finally ushered in his own son, Zhao Yingying, who later became Zhao Zhen of Song Renzong. This unexpectedly born prince completely changed Zhao Yunrang's fate.
The birth of Zhao benefited made Zhenzong overjoyed. He immediately sent Zhao Yunrang out of the palace and gave Weizhou the post of assassin as compensation. From the pride of the sky to a local official, this huge gap made Zhao Yun, who was only a teenager, feel lost. However, he had no choice but to accept this harsh reality.
As Zhao benefited from the growth, Zhenzong began to pave the way for this hard-won son. However, fate once again played a trick on this royalty. In the ninth year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1016), Zhenzong, who was only forty-nine years old, died suddenly, and Zhao Yingying, who was only seven years old, was hurriedly put on the throne for Renzong.
Renzong ascended the throne at an early age, and the court situation suddenly fell into chaos. One faction of ministers led by Kou Zhun supported Renzong's succession, while the other faction led by Ding Wei and Cao Yong secretly supported Zhao Yunrang, who had already reached adulthood. The contest between the two factions put the young Renzong in a precarious situation.
At this critical moment, the Empress Dowager Liu stepped forward and weighed the system. She decisively supported Renzong's succession and took a series of measures to stabilize the situation. First of all, she deposed Ding Wei, Cao Yu and others, who supported Zhao Yunrang, from Beijing; secondly, reuse Kou Zhun and others who supported Renzong; Finally, she also ordered Zhao Yunrang's every move to be closely monitored to prevent him from doing anything wrong.
Under the protection of the Empress Dowager Liu, Renzong gradually grew. However, this difficult experience of ascending the throne left a deep impression on the young Renzong. He knew that his throne was not easy to come by, and he also realized the importance of succession. This realization had a profound impact on his later reign.
As Renzong gradually became pro-government, the situation gradually stabilized. However, new problems began to plague the young emperor. Just like his father, Shinjong, Renzong also faces a difficult dilemma for his heirs. This problem not only troubled Renzong himself, but also became a problem for the entire imperial court.
In the first year of Tianxi (1017), the eight-year-old Song Renzong officially became a pro-government. As a young emperor who has just stepped out of the inner court, Renzong faces many challenges. The ministers were skeptical of the young emperor's abilities, and potential contenders in the clan were eyeing him. Renzong had to adapt quickly to this complex political environment in order to secure his dominance.
During the early reign of Injong, he faced pressure from many quarters. The first was the power struggle within the imperial court. Although the Empress Dowager Liu purged a number of opposition factions in the early years of Renzong's reign, there were still different political factions in the court. The increasingly acute contradictions between the conservatives led by Kou Zhun and the reformers represented by Wang Qinruo forced the young Renzong to deal with it carefully in case he was drawn into the party dispute.
Secondly, Renzong also faces a threat from the frontier. Although the Liao State signed an alliance with the Song Dynasty, it still eyed the Song Dynasty. Li Yuanhao of Western Xia also rose to prominence during this period, frequently harassing the northwestern frontier of the Song Dynasty. In the face of these external pressures, Renzong had to adopt a cautious foreign policy in order to maintain the security of the Great Song Dynasty.
However, compared to these political and military challenges, what made Renzong more troubled was the troubles of having no children in the harem. Although Renzong was established early, he has not been able to have a child for many years. This problem not only affected Renzong's personal life, but also related to the continuation of the entire Great Song Dynasty.
As time passed, the courtiers' fears for the imperial heir deepened. In the third year of Tiansheng (1025), Renzong had been on the throne for eight years, but he still did not have a prince. This situation is reminiscent of the predicament of the Shinshu period. Some ministers began to privately discuss whether they should again choose an heir from the dynasty.
Faced with this situation, Renzong took a series of measures. He increased his investment in the harem, increased the number of concubines, and vigorously promoted officials who were good at medical skills, hoping to get a healthy prince as soon as possible. However, none of these efforts seem to be to avail.
At the same time, some ministers of the DPRK and China began to set their sights on the clan. They believed that in order to ensure a stable succession to the throne, an heir should be identified as early as possible. This suggestion made Renzong very uneasy. He was well aware that choosing an heir from the clan meant admitting that he might not be able to have children, which would not only affect his prestige, but could also give potential political opponents an opportunity to take advantage of it.
In this case, Injong resorted to delaying tactics. On the one hand, he said that he would seriously consider the suggestions of the courtiers, and on the other hand, he continued to try to have children. Although this attitude temporarily calmed the courtiers' concerns, it did not solve the problem fundamentally.
As time passed, there was more and more attention to the issue of the imperial heir both inside and outside the court. Some ministers even began to secretly search for suitable clan children in case of emergency. This situation made Renzong very uneasy, and he realized that if he continued like this, his dominance could be threatened.
In this situation of internal and external difficulties, Renzong made an important decision. He decided to set his sights on the son of his cousin Cho Yoon-rang. Zhao Yunrang was the "spare tire" who was brought up in the palace by Zhenzong back then, and was later sent back. Renzong believed that choosing one of Cho Yunrang's sons as his heir would not only satisfy the courtiers' requirements, but also ensure that the throne would remain in his own lineage.
Although this decision temporarily relieved the pressure on the imperial court, it also laid hidden dangers for the future. Because this means that from now on, Renzong's imperial throne will always have a "spare tire" to accompany him. This situation not only affected Renzong's rule, but also brought new variables to the political situation of the entire Northern Song Dynasty.
In the first year of the Ming Dynasty (1032), Song Renzong had been on the throne for fifteen years, but he still had no heirs. Anxiety grew throughout the court, and some ministers began to openly suggest that heirs should be chosen from within the clan. Under this pressure, Renzong had to face up to this problem.
After careful consideration, Injong decided to set his sights on the son of his cousin Cho Yoon-rang. Zhao Yunrang was the "spare tire" who was brought up in the palace by Zhenzong back then, and was later sent back. Renzong believed that choosing one of Cho Yunrang's sons as his heir would not only satisfy the courtiers' requirements, but also ensure that the throne would remain in his own lineage.
Zhao Yunrang had three sons, namely Zhao Zongshi, Zhao Zongyi and Zhao Zongxiao. After some investigation, Renzong finally chose his eldest son, Zhao Zongshi. This decision immediately sparked extensive discussion between the government and the opposition.
Supporters believe that Cho Jong-sil, as Cho Yoon-rang's eldest son, is of moderate age and good character, making him an ideal candidate for succession. Opponents fear that this could lead to a repeat of the mistakes of the Shinshu period and unnecessary trouble for the succession to the throne.
However, Injong had already made up his mind. In the second year of Ming Dao (1033), he officially issued an order to bring Zhao Zongshi into the palace to raise. This decision caused quite a stir in the clan.
Zhao Yunrang's father and son's reaction to this decision was quite mixed. As a former "spare tire", Zhao Yunrang knows the hardships of court life. On the one hand, he was glad that his son had received such an honor, but on the other hand, he was worried about his son's future. When bidding farewell to Zhao Zong, Zhao Yunrang earnestly instructed his son to be cautious in his words and deeds and not to repeat his mistakes.
After Zhao Zongshi entered the palace, Renzong gave him extremely high treatment. He was not only named King Zheng, but also arranged to live in the East Palace and enjoy the courtesy of a prince. This arrangement is undoubtedly an affirmation of Zhao Zongshi's identity, and it also hints at Renzong's expectations for him.
However, Zhao Zongshi's entry into the palace did not calm the courtiers' worries as Renzong had hoped. On the contrary, it has sparked new controversies. Some ministers believed that Renzong should officially appoint Zhao Zongshi as the crown prince to ensure the stable succession of the imperial throne. Other ministers argued that it was too early to do so and that Injong should be given more time.
Faced with this situation, Renzong adopted a strategy of ambiguity. He neither formally appointed Zhao Zongshi as the crown prince, nor did he explicitly deny this possibility. On the one hand, this attitude retains his choice space, and on the other hand, it also gives Zhao Zongshi a certain status guarantee.
After Zhao Zongshi entered the palace, Renzong's attitude towards him was also quite subtle. On the one hand, he gave Zhao Zongshi extremely high treatment, and often summoned him to teach him how to govern the country. On the other hand, Renzong deliberately kept a certain distance to prevent Zhao Zongshi from getting too close to the core power circle.
This complex attitude reflects the contradictions in Renzong's heart. As an emperor who had not yet given up hope of having children, Renzong needed Zhao Zongshi as a potential heir, but was unwilling to give up his chance completely. This contradiction led to his attitude towards Zhao Zongshi being hot and cold, which was elusive.
Zhao Zongshi's entry into the palace also brought subtle changes to the harem. The concubines in the harem realized that if they could not give birth to a prince for Renzong as soon as possible, Zhao Zongshi would most likely become the next emperor. This pressure has led to more intense competition within the harem.
At the same time, some ministers of the DPRK and China began to win over Zhao Zongshi, intentionally or unintentionally. They believe that regardless of whether Renzong can eventually have an heir, Zhao Zongshi, as a potential heir, is worth befriending in advance. This situation unnerved Injong, and he began to worry that Cho Jong-sil might form his own political power.
In order to balance this situation, Injong took a series of measures. On the one hand, he continued to give Zhao Zongshi preferential treatment, and on the other hand, he strictly controlled Zhao Zongshi's social circle and forbade him to have too much contact with the ministers of the DPRK and China. Although this approach controlled the situation to a certain extent, it also made Zhao Zongshi feel confused and uneasy.
The turmoil of Zhao Zongshi's entry into the palace not only affected the political pattern of the imperial court, but also profoundly changed Renzong's ruling strategy. From then on, Renzong had to always consider the factors of Zhao Zongshi when dealing with court affairs, which undoubtedly increased the complexity of his rule.
In the second year of Baoyuan (1039), Song Renzong had been reigning for twenty-two years, and the attention of the government and the opposition to the issue of the imperial heir had reached an unprecedented height. In this year, an event that was enough to change the political situation of the entire Great Song Dynasty occurred - the first prince of Renzong was finally born.
This news was like a bombshell, and it instantly detonated the entire palace. When the palace ladies excitedly reported the good news to Renzong, Renzong's reaction was surprisingly calm. He just said lightly, "I know," and then continued to review the recital. This reaction confused the surrounding courtiers.
The birth of the prince is undoubtedly a major event worth celebrating. As is customary, Renzong immediately ordered a general amnesty and a grand celebration. However, in this jubilant atmosphere, Renzong's attitude has always been a little cold.
This unusual attitude soon attracted the attention of the courtiers. Some of the old ministers began to discuss privately, speculating that Renzong's reaction might be related to Zhao Zongshi. They believe that Renzong may have feared that the birth of a prince would affect Zhao Zongshi's status and cause a new political turmoil.
In fact, Renzong's concerns are not unfounded. The birth of the prince did bring new variables to the imperial court. Some ministers who had originally supported Cho Jong-sil began to change their stance, believing that since Renzong already had his own heirs, he should no longer consider choosing an heir from the clan.
Faced with this situation, Renzong took a cautious approach. He neither immediately abolished Zhao Zongshi's status, nor did he explicitly support the nascent prince. This ambiguous attitude confused the courtiers and brought new variables to the harem.
The prince's biological mother, Zhang, was originally just an ordinary palace maid. The birth of the prince made her a hot figure overnight. Many courtiers began to scramble with her, hoping to influence Renzong's decision-making through her.
However, the rise of the Zhang clan caused dissatisfaction among the other concubines. Especially the queen Guo at that time, although she has not been able to give birth to Renzong for many years, she has always been the actual ruler of the harem. The birth of the prince undoubtedly threatened her position.
Guo Hou was quick to take action. On the one hand, she co-opted some ministers to try to influence Renzong's decision-making; On the other hand, she secretly suppressed the Zhang family in an attempt to weaken her influence in the harem. Although this approach achieved certain results in the short term, it also caused Renzong's dissatisfaction.
Although Injong is ostensibly silent about the battle in the harem, he has actually been secretly observing. He realized that if the harem battle was allowed to continue, it would not only affect the government, but also endanger the safety of the prince.
In order to balance the situation, Injong took a series of measures. First of all, he strengthened the protection of the prince and sent eunuchs and palace maids he trusted to take care of them. Secondly, he gave Zhang a certain status, but did not immediately canonize her as a concubine, so as not to cause greater controversy. In the end, he did not alienate Empress Guo and still maintained his respect for her.
This balancing act stabilized the situation in the harem to a certain extent, but it also brought new challenges to Renzong. He must always keep an eye on the movements of the harem and prevent any incidents that may threaten the prince's safety.
At the same time, the court and China paid more and more attention to the prince. Some ministers began to advise Renzong to choose a nurse and master for the prince as soon as possible, so that education could begin early. Although these suggestions were well-intentioned, they also brought new pressure to Renzong.
Renzong knew that the education of the prince was related to the future of the entire dynasty. Therefore, he is extremely cautious in choosing nurses and masters. He considered not only the scholarly and moral character of the candidates, but also their political positions to ensure that they would not have a bad influence on the prince.
The birth of the prince also raised another question - Zhao Zongshi's stay and departure. Some ministers believed that since Renzong already had his own heirs, he should send Zhao Zongshi back to the clan. But there were also those who feared that doing so might cause discontent in the clan and bring new troubles to the imperial court.
Faced with this situation, Renzong once again adopted a strategy of ambiguity. He neither made it clear that he wanted to send Zhao Zongshi back, nor did he give Zhao Zongshi more power. Although this approach temporarily calmed the controversy, it also brought tremendous pressure to Zhao Zongshi.
The birth of the prince not only changed the power structure of the harem, but also profoundly affected the political ecology of the entire imperial court. Since then, the growth of the prince has become the focus of attention of the government and the opposition, and has also become an important factor affecting Renzong's decision-making.
In the first year of Kangding (1040), Song Renzong had reigned for twenty-three years, and the whole court thought that the issue of succession to the throne had been settled. However, an unexpected decision once again stirred up the entire political scene - Injong ordered Cho Jong-sil to be sent out of the palace.
The decision came suddenly and decisively. Early that morning, when Renzong summoned his courtiers to announce this decision, the entire hall was in an uproar. Many ministers looked at each other, not understanding why Renzong still sent Zhao Zongshi out of the palace after the birth of the prince.
Renzong's explanation is simple and vague: "Zongshi is old, and he should return to the clan to appease the heart of the clan." This reason, while sounding reasonable, did not completely calm the courtiers' suspicions.
Some people speculate that this may be because Renzong is concentrating on cultivating his own prince in order to eliminate his worries. Others believe that this may have been a form of protection for Zhao Zongshi from becoming involved in increasingly complex court struggles. In any case, this decision marked a major turning point in the political situation of the Great Song Dynasty.
On the day Zhao Zongshi left the palace, Renzong made an exception and personally sent him to the palace gate. This move caused quite a stir, and many people believed that it was a kind of compensation for Zhao Zongshi by Renzong. At the time of parting, Renzong said something to Zhao Zongshi, although no one knew the content, but judging from Zhao Zongshi's expression when he left, he seemed to be quite touched.
Zhao Zongshi's departure brought a series of chain reactions to the imperial court. First of all, the ministers who had always supported Zhao Zongshi lost their backers, and their political status was seriously threatened. The most typical of them was the then prime minister Lu Yijian, who had always been a staunch supporter of Zhao Zongshi, and now had to face the pressure of political opponents.
Secondly, Zhao Zongshi's departure also relieved some ministers who were originally suspicious of him. They believed that this meant that the uncertainty of the succession to the throne had been eliminated and the imperial court could concentrate on raising a new prince.
However, things are not as simple as they think. Although Zhao Zongshi left the palace, his influence did not disappear completely. On the contrary, his status in the clan has risen. Many members of the clan began to see him as the representative of the interests of the clan, which undoubtedly brought new pressure to the imperial court.
In order to balance this situation, Injong took a series of measures. First, he tightened his control over the clan and strictly restricted the contact between clan members and courtiers. Secondly, he did not completely cut off contact with Zhao Zongshi, and would send condolences from time to time to show his concern.
Although this practice stabilized the situation to a certain extent, it also brought new challenges to Renzong. He must always keep an eye on the movements of the clan and prevent any incident that may threaten the imperial power.
At the same time, the court and China paid more and more attention to the newborn prince. Some ministers began to advise Renzong to choose a master for the prince as soon as possible so that education could begin early. Although these suggestions were well-intentioned, they also brought new pressure to Renzong.
Renzong knew that the education of the prince was related to the future of the entire dynasty. Therefore, he is extremely cautious in choosing his masters. He considered not only the scholarly and moral character of the candidates, but also their political positions to ensure that they would not have a bad influence on the prince.
Zhao Zongshi's exit from the palace also brought changes to the harem. The atmosphere of the harem, which was originally tense due to the birth of the prince, was eased, but new contradictions soon surfaced. The feud between Empress Guo and the prince's biological mother, Zhang, intensified, forcing Renzong to spend more energy balancing the harem relationship.
In this complex situation, Renzong's ruling strategy also underwent subtle changes. He began to rely more on officials with relatively neutral political positions, such as Fan Zhongyan and Fu Bi. Although these people did not take a clear position on the issue of Zhao Zongshi, their talents and loyalty were appreciated by Renzong.
However, this practice has also sparked new controversies. Some old ministers believed that Renzong's reliance on these newcomers was too high, which might affect the stability of the imperial court. But Injong didn't seem to heed the criticism, and he continued to pursue his own personnel strategy.
In the years after Zhao Zongshi left the palace, the Great Song court underwent a series of major changes. New political forces are gradually rising, and old ones are gradually declining. This change not only affected the power structure of the imperial court, but also profoundly changed the political ecology of the entire dynasty.
In the process, Injong showed great political wisdom. He neither completely abandoned Zhao Zongshi, nor did he rely too much on the newborn prince. Instead, he succeeded in maintaining the stability of the imperial court through a clever balancing act, laying the groundwork for the reforms that followed.