Emperor_Chongzong_of_Western_Xia
Emperor Chongzong of Western Xia
Emperor of the Western Xia dynasty
Emperor Chongzong of Western Xia (1084–1139), born Li Qianshun (Chinese: 李乾順), was the fourth emperor of the Western Xia dynasty of China, ruling from 1086 to 1139.[note 1] His reign began at the age of three, when his father Li Bingchang died. He remained under the regency of the Empress Dowager Zhaojian[note 2] until she was poisoned in 1099 by a Liao envoy.
Li's reign included further sinification and removed the power of some significant Tangut clans, which had remained a powerful political force—appointing tribal leaders as kings, forcing them under his power and influence. His reign saw incursions by the neighboring Liao and Northern Song dynasties, and a series of military defeats from 1114. He established Confucianist-led administration for several political quarters including civil and military, centralising his power. Buddhism was prevalent during his reign, and the scriptures were translated to the Tangut language.