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#142 - Song 9: Dithering the War Away

The History of China
The History of China
Episode • May 20, 2018 • 40m
Emperor Renzong of Song isn't exactly... into the whole "rule" thing. He'd much rather wile away his days talking about Confucian philosophy, writing calligraphy, and making love to his concubines. But he'll be forced to uneasily embody the might of Song China when the Tangut state of Western Xia declares its independence, triggering a massive conflict on the borderlands.

Time Period Covered:
1033-1044 CE

Major Historical Figures:
Song:
Emperor Renzong
Chancellor Li Yijian
Fan Zhongyan, Commander of Yanan Circuit

Xi Xia:
Li Yuanhao (Weiming Nangxiao), Emperor of Xia
The History of China • #142 - Song 9: Dithering the War Away • Listen on Fountain