Song Zhenzong (Zhao Heng)
Emperor of Song Dynasty
Biography
Zhao Heng, posthumously known as Emperor Zhenzong, was the third emperor of the Song Dynasty, reigning from 997 to 1022 AD. His reign was marked by the consolidation of Song power and a great expansion of the imperial examination system, leading to a golden age of scholar-officials.
In 1004, when the Khitan Liao Empire launched a massive invasion, Zhenzong was reluctant to fight and even considered fleeing south. However, under the strong persuasion of his chancellor Kou Zhun, he personally traveled to the front lines at Chanyuan. His presence greatly boosted the morale of the Song soldiers, leading to a stalemate and the historic Treaty of Chanyuan in 1005. While criticized by later generations for paying annual tribute (silver and silk) to the Liao, the treaty secured over a century of peace and economic prosperity.
A famous Chinese legend set during his reign is 'The Wildcat for Crown Prince' (็ธ็ซๆๅคชๅญ). According to the tale, Consort Liu (later Empress Liu) conspired to switch Consort Li's newborn son (the future Emperor Renzong) with a skinned wildcat, claiming Li had given birth to a monster. The baby was saved and raised secretly, and many years later, the legendary judge Bao Zheng (Justice Bao) helped reveal the truth, reuniting the young emperor with his real mother. This popular myth reflects the dramatic court struggles of Zhenzong's era.