DescriptionSong Renzong reigned from 1022 to 1063, the longest reign of the Song dynasty. He came to the throne as a child. Song was at its height of power and prosperity, and adopted a policy of pacific appeasement. The Tanguts to the north had a more belligerant idea of how things could be done, and pulled off recognition as a rival Empire with a regime of mutual “gifting.” Song bought off other northern kingdoms too. It got expensive, taxes were raised. Rebellions developed. Things got worse. Renzong was considered a nice guy though, and remained popular until his death. It didn’t matter what people though, though. He was the Emperor. Did whatever he wanted to do.
