Emperor Ninjong

The 4th emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty of China (reigned 1022-63). His given name was Zhao Zhen. He ascended to the throne at the age of 13, following Emperor Zhen Zong. Initially, Empress Dowager Liu acted as regent, and from 1033 he took direct rule. The Song dynasty entered a period of stability, the imperial examination system was improved and expanded, and famous ministers such as Han Qi, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, and Sima Guang emerged, as well as Confucian scholars such as Zhou Dunyi and the two Chengzi (brothers Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi), ushering in a prosperous period known as the "Keili Reign." However, domestically, the "Celebration Party Discussion" was stirred up among prominent ministers over the dethronement of Empress Guo, peasant revolts broke out due to the issue of redundant officials and soldiers and famine, and externally, the Western Xia invaded the country, and the government took a passive approach, which led to increased donations to the Western Xia and Liao Dynasties, and the national finances went into decline. The foundations for the deficit finances of the following reigns of Yingzong and Shenzong were laid during the reign of Renzong.

[Setsuko Yanagida]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

中国、北宋(ほくそう)の第4代皇帝（在位1022～63）。姓名は趙禎(ちょうてい)。真宗のあと13歳で即位。初めは劉太后(りゅうたいごう)が摂政(せっしょう)にあたり、1033年から親政となった。宋朝は安定期に入り、科挙制も整備拡大されて、韓琦(かんき)、范仲淹(はんちゅうえん)、欧陽修(おうようしゅう)、司馬光らの名臣が輩出、周敦頤(しゅうとんい)、二程子（程顥(ていこう)・程頤(ていい)兄弟）らの儒学者も現れて、「慶暦(けいれき)の治」とよばれる盛時を迎えた。しかし、国内的には郭(かく)皇后の廃立をめぐって名臣間に「慶暦の党議」を巻き起こし、冗官(じょうかん)・冗兵問題や飢饉(ききん)から農民反乱も起こり、対外的には西夏(せいか)の侵入を受け、消極策をとったため、西夏や遼(りょう)への歳幣も増加し、国家財政は下降線をたどった。次の英宗・神宗時代の赤字財政の素地はこの仁宗の時代にできあがっていた。

［柳田節子］

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