Chai Rong facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emperor Shizong of Zhou 周世宗
Emperor of the Later Zhou dynasty
Reign	26 February 954 – 27 July 959
Predecessor	Guo Wei
Successor	Chai Zongxun
Born	27 October 921 Xingzhou (modern Xingtai, Hebei, China)
Died	27 July 959(959-07-27) (aged 37) Kaifeng
Burial	Qing Mausoleum (慶陵; in modern Xinzheng, Henan) 34°33′44.52″N 113°41′47.88″E / 34.5623667°N 113.6966333°E / 34.5623667; 113.6966333
Spouse	Lady Liu (劉氏) (dec. 950) Empress Fu the Elder (dec. 956) Empress Fu the Younger
Issue	Chai Zongxun others
Full name Surname: Chái (柴), later changed to Guō (郭) Given name: Róng (榮) Era dates Xiǎndé (顯德), continued from Emperor Taizu Year 1: 6 February 954 – 26 January 955 Year 2: 27 January 955 – 14 February 956 Year 3: 15 February 956 – 2 February 957 Year 4: 3 February 957 – 22 January 958 Year 5: 23 January 958 – 10 February 959 Year 6: 11 February 959 – 30 January 960 Posthumous name Emperor Ruìwǔ Xiàowén (睿武孝文皇帝) Temple name Shìzōng (世宗)
House	Chai (by birth) Guo (adoptive)
Dynasty	Later Zhou
Father	Chai Shouli (柴守禮) (biological) Guo Wei (adoptive)

Chai Rong (921–959), also known as Guo Rong or Emperor Shizong of Zhou, was an important emperor of the Later Zhou dynasty in China. He ruled from 954 until he died in 959. He took over from his adoptive father, Guo Wei, who was the first emperor of Later Zhou.

Many people see Emperor Shizong as a very successful ruler. He made the military stronger and won many battles. His victories helped pave the way for China to be reunited later by the Northern Song dynasty. This new dynasty was founded by his trusted generals, Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi.

Early Life and Adoption

Chai Rong was born in Xingzhou, which is now Xingtai in Hebei, China. When he was a child, he went to live with his aunt and her husband, Guo Wei. Guo Wei was an important military official in the Later Tang dynasty.

The Guos did not have any sons. So, they adopted Chai Rong as their own. He grew up to be a strong young man. He was good at mounted archery (shooting arrows while riding a horse). He also learned about Chinese classics, history, and philosophy. As an adult, he helped Guo Wei manage household matters. He often traveled for business between central China and the Jiangnan area.

Life Under Later Han

In 947, the Later Han dynasty was formed. This brought better times for the Guo family. In 948, Guo Wei became a top military official. His adopted son, Chai Rong, also got an important position.

In 950, Guo Wei was made a military governor. He was sent to guard the border near the Liao dynasty. Chai Rong, now known as Guo Rong, went with him.

Later that year, the Later Han emperor, Liu Chengyou, decided to remove powerful officials. He had Guo Wei's entire family killed in the capital city, Bianzhou (modern Kaifeng). This included Guo Rong's wife, Lady Liu, and their three young sons. Guo Wei then led his army to rebel against the emperor. He asked Guo Rong to stay at the border.

Serving Emperor Taizu of Later Zhou

Within a few months, Emperor Liu Chengyou was killed. The Later Han dynasty ended. Guo Wei then started a new dynasty called the Later Zhou. Guo Rong became a military governor in Chanzhou (modern Qingfeng County, Henan).

In Chanzhou, Guo Rong quickly dealt with outlaws. He also brought in educated officials to help enforce laws. This made the people support him. He also started projects to improve the city, like building new public buildings and homes.

The most powerful minister, Chancellor Wang Jun, did not always agree with Guo Rong. He stopped Guo Rong from visiting the capital many times. In 952, Guo Rong wanted to lead an army to stop a rebellion. But Wang Jun said no. He was worried Guo Rong would become too powerful. In the end, Emperor Guo Wei had to lead the army himself.

In 953, Wang Jun was removed from his position. This finally allowed Guo Rong to return to the capital. In April 953, he was given the title of Prince of Jin. By this time, he had married again to Lady Fu. His son, Chai Zongxun, was born in late 953.

Emperor of Later Zhou

Guo Rong became emperor in 954 after his adoptive father, Guo Wei, died. He is known as Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou. Like his father, he was a very capable ruler. He continued to make important changes to the government and military.

He also began to challenge the Northern Han and Liao dynasty. He had more success in the south, winning battles against the Southern Tang and Later Shu. These victories helped prepare the way for China to be reunited by the Song dynasty.

Fighting Against Liu Chong

One month after Chai Rong became emperor, Liu Chong, the emperor of Northern Han, attacked Later Zhou. He teamed up with the Liao dynasty. Many advisors told Chai Rong not to lead the army himself. But Chai Rong decided to go.

When Chai Rong's army met Liu Chong's forces, two of Chai's generals ran away with their troops. This was a very difficult moment. But Chai Rong bravely risked his life to break through the enemy lines. He defeated Liu Chong's army. After this important victory, Chai Rong became even stronger as emperor.

Emperor Shizong died young, at age 38, in 959. He became ill while leading his army in the field. He left behind a six-year-old son to take his place. This led to the end of the Later Zhou dynasty and the start of the Song dynasty, which eventually reunited China.

Family

Parents

• Father: Chai Shouli (biological)

Wives

• Empress Zhen, of the Liu clan (died 951)
• Empress Xuanyi, of the Fu clan (931–956), daughter of Fu Yanqing
• Empress Xiaofu, of the Fu clan (933–993), daughter of Fu Yanqing

Children

• Chai Zongyi (died 950), first son
• Chai Cheng (died 950), second son
• Chai Xian, Prince of Han (died 950), third son
• Chai Zongxun, Prince of Liang (953–973), fourth son
• Chai Xirang, fifth son
• Chai Xijing, sixth son
• Chai Xihui, seventh son