Emperor Chongzong of Western Xia

Who was Emperor Chongzong of Western Xia?

Emperor Xixia Chongzong of Western Xia, or Li Qianshun, was a Tangut emperor of Western Xia from 1086 until 1139. Where Chongzong is his temple name and Li Qianshun his living name, Shèngwéndì is his posthumous name. His reign began at the age of three, when his father died. He remained under the regency of the Empress Madame Liang 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 surrounding Liao- and Song-ruled nations, 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.

His era names were:

⁕Tiānyízhìpíng 1086–1089

⁕Tiānyòumín'ān 1090–1097

⁕Yǒng'ān 1098–1100

⁕Zhēnguān 1101–1113