Emperor Taizong of Jin: The Founder of the Jurchen Regime and a Historical Misnomer

Brief Introduction

When the title "Emperor Taizong of Jin" is mentioned, history enthusiasts often associate it with the complex context of Song-Jin relations recorded in historical texts from the Song Dynasty, such as the Xuzi Zhi Tongjian (Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian). However, it is essential to first clarify a core historical fact: Emperor Taizong of Jin was not Wanyan Sheng, but rather Wanyan Wuqi Mai (Wanyan Gao) of the Jurchen imperial clan. He was the second emperor of the Jin Dynasty, the younger brother of Jin Taizu Wanyan Aguda (Wanyan Sheng was actually the third emperor, known posthumously as Emperor Shizong of Jin). This confusion often stems from a fuzzy memory of the early succession sequence in the Jin Dynasty.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Identity and Background of Accession
Wanyan Wuqi Mai (1076–1135), whose Jurchen name was Wanyan Gao. In 1123, following the death of Jin Taizu Aguda, Wuqi Mai was recommended to succeed the throne and became Emperor Taizong. His accession established the "elder brother to younger brother" transitional model in the early Jin Dynasty, laying the foundation for the long-term stability of the later Jurchen regime.

2. Major Achievements
During Wuqi Mai's reign (1123–1135), he oversaw the complete destruction of the Northern Song Dynasty (the Jingkang Incident of 1127) and continued to apply pressure on the Southern Song court. During his rule, the Jin Dynasty completed its transformation from a tribal alliance to a centralized feudal state, promulgating its first written legal code, the Guo Zhi (National Institutions), thereby establishing the order of Jurchen rule. Additionally, he supported the establishment of administrative regions governed by Han Chinese, utilizing Han bureaucrats to manage the Hebei region. He was a key proponent of the Jin policy of "governing according to local customs" (yin su er zhi).

3. Distinction from Wanyan Sheng
Wanyan Sheng (1106–1161), known as Emperor Shizong of Jin, was the son of Wuqi Mai. He was dubbed "The Little Yao-Shun" (referring to legendary benevolent ancient rulers) and was renowned for his diligent governance and concern for the people, as well as light taxes and low labor corvées. During his reign, the Jin Dynasty's national power reached its peak, a period known in history as the "Great Achievement of the Dingda Reign." Misidentifying Wuqi Mai as "Wanyan Sheng" is a common point of confusion.

Connection to the Xuzi Zhi Tongjian

In the Xuzi Zhi Tongjian (edited by Bi Yuan in the Qing Dynasty), particularly in chapters like the "Annals of Song Gaozong," the designation "Jin Lord Wuqi Mai" appears frequently, recording his military campaigns southward, the detention of Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, and the delineation of the northern and southern borders. As a comprehensive historical chronicle from the official Song Dynasty perspective, this text details the interactions between the Song and Jin during Wuqi Mai's era. For instance, after the fall of the Northern Song in 1127, the Jin court, under Wuqi Mai's direction, dominated the diplomatic negotiations and military confrontations with the Song. When reading the Xuzi Zhi Tongjian, if one encounters the term "Jin Lord" within the timeframe of 1123–1135, it most likely refers to Emperor Taizong Wuqi Mai, not his son Wanyan Sheng.

Conclusion

Accurately distinguishing between Emperor Taizong Wuqi Mai and Emperor Shizong Wanyan Sheng is key to understanding the early political evolution of the Jin Dynasty. As a transitional monarch, Wuqi Mai completed the military conquests and the initial creation of institutions, while Wanyan Sheng pushed the dynasty toward its zenith. When studying historical sources such as the Xuzi Zhi Tongjian, clarifying the temple names and posthumous titles of these figures helps to more precisely grasp the Song Dynasty's historical narrative regarding the northern regime.