Emperor Ningzong of Song

Emperor Ningzong 寧宗 was the 13th emperor of the Song dynasty who reigned from 1194-1224. His temple name means "Tranquil Ancestor". His reign was noted for the cultural and intellectual achievements. In particular, Zhu Xi wrote some of his most famous works during this period.

On the political side however, Emperor Ningzong saw his government being plagued by rising inflation that threatened the economy and the military advances by the Jurchen people from the north. In 1279, Khubilai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, an empire that would in less than sixty years after Ningzong's death eliminate the whole of Southern Song dynasty and bring all of China under Mongol domination.