Emperor Xizong of Jin facts for kids

Emperor Xizong of Jin (born February 28, 1119 – died January 9, 1150) was an important ruler of the Jin dynasty in China. His personal name was Hela, and his Chinese name was Wanyan Dan. He was the third emperor of the Jin dynasty, which was led by the Jurchen people. He ruled for about 15 years, from 1135 to 1150. During his time as emperor, the Jin dynasty fought several wars against the Southern Song dynasty in southern China.

Becoming Emperor: Early Life and Succession

Hela was the oldest son of Shengguo (also known as Wanyan Zongjun). Shengguo was the eldest son of Aguda (Emperor Taizu), who founded the Jin dynasty. Hela's mother was Lady Pucha. When Emperor Taizu died in 1123, his younger brother, Wuqimai (Emperor Taizong), became the next emperor.

In 1132, important advisors convinced Emperor Taizong to choose Hela as his heir. This was a special choice because Hela was Emperor Taizu's grandson, not Emperor Taizong's son or brother. So, when Emperor Taizong died in 1135, Hela became the new emperor.

Conflicts: Wars Against the Southern Song Dynasty

In 1137, Emperor Xizong ended the Qi kingdom, which was a small state that served the Jin dynasty. This kingdom was ruled by Liu Yu, a former official from the Song dynasty. After this, the Jin dynasty began talking about peace with the Southern Song dynasty.

In 1139, the Jin and Song dynasties agreed to a peace treaty. The Song dynasty agreed to pay tribute (a type of payment) to the Jin dynasty. In return, the Jin dynasty gave back control of Henan and Shaanxi provinces to the Song dynasty.

However, in 1140, Emperor Xizong decided to go to war again. He ordered his general, Wanyan Zongbi, to lead Jin forces to attack and take back Henan and Shaanxi. In 1141, Wanyan Zongbi's army was defeated by Song forces led by generals Yue Fei and Han Shizhong. After this defeat, the Jin dynasty agreed to negotiate for peace once more with the Song dynasty.

Government and Changes: Internal Politics

Emperor Xizong really liked Han Chinese culture. This was because his adoptive father, Wanyan Zonggan, had a strong influence on him. Because of this, Emperor Xizong changed the government system to be more like the Han Chinese one. He also encouraged talented Han Chinese people to work in his government.

In 1136, Emperor Xizong asked Wanyan Zonggan, Wanyan Zongpan, and Wanyan Zonghan to lead the effort to reform the government. They worked to create a new system called the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

Changing the Succession System

Emperor Xizong also got rid of the old bojilie (勃極烈) system. This traditional system allowed the Jurchen ruler to choose his heir from male relatives in the same generation, usually his brothers. However, Emperor Taizong had made an exception when he chose Emperor Xizong (Emperor Taizu's grandson) as his heir.

Wanyan Zongpan, who was Emperor Taizong's oldest son, was very unhappy when the bojilie system was removed. This meant he would no longer have a chance to become emperor.

Power Struggles and Later Years

Between 1138 and 1139, Wanyan Zongpan tried to take power and start a rebellion. But he was defeated and executed. After this, three powerful figures, Wanyan Zonghan, Wanyan Zonggan, and Wanyan Zongbi, controlled much of the political decisions. Emperor Xizong had very little say in how the government was run.

After Wanyan Zongbi died in 1148, Emperor Xizong finally had a chance to be more involved in politics. However, his wife, Empress Daoping, started to get involved in government matters and became very influential.

Emperor Xizong faced personal sadness when his two sons, Wanyan Ji'an and Wanyan Daoji, died in 1143 and 1144. He became very sad and started to neglect his duties as emperor. He also became more difficult to deal with.

On January 9, 1150, Emperor Xizong was overthrown and killed by his chancellor, Digunai, and other officials in a sudden takeover of power.

Family Life

Emperor Xizong had several family members.

Parents:

• Father: Emperor Huizong of Jin (金徽宗)
• Mother: Empress Huizhao of the Pucha clan (惠昭皇后 蒲察氏)

Wives and Children:

• Empress Daoping, of the Peiman clan (died 1149)
  • Wanyan Ji'an, Crown Prince Yingdao (born March 23, 1142 – died January 13, 1143), his first son.
  • Princess of Dai State, who married Wogula.
• Worthy Consort, of a certain clan (賢妃)
  • Wanyan Daoji, Prince of Wei (died 1144), his second son.

Emperor Xizong also had other consorts and several daughters who married into important families.