Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia

Emperor Shenzong (1163–1226), born Li Zunxu 李遵頊, was the 8th emperor of the Western Xia (reigned 1211–1223).

Reign

Shenzong took power after a coup d'état and continued Xiangzong's policy of invading Jin Empire. He started many campaigns against Jin before the Jin Emperor counterattacked, killing many Western Xia soldiers. However, Shenzong continued to attack Jin despite the poor economy, causing high discontent among his people complaining of high taxes. He did not listen to those who advised peace with Jin Empire, and Western Xia sped up its decline. He passed power onto his son Lǐ Déwàng in 1223, and died in 1226.