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Emperor Yizong of Western Xia (1047–1068), sinicized name Li Liangzuo (Chinese: 李諒祚), was the second emperor of the Western Xia dynasty of China, reigning from 1048 to 1067. Yizong was also known by his Tangut name Ningling Liangcha (寧令兩岔). "Ningling" (寧令, Tangut: 𘟙𘜶) was his Tangut title, which meant "Grand Prince", while "Liangcha" (兩岔) was his personal name.

After the death of his father, Li Yuanhao (Emperor Jingzong) in 1048, Yizong assumed the throne at the age of one, but most of the power laid in the hands of his mother the Empress Dowager. In 1049, the Liao dynasty attacked the Western Xia and forced it to become a vassal state. In 1056, the Dowager was killed and Yizong's uncle, Mozang Epang, became the regent. In 1061, Yizong's uncle and cousin plotted against him, so he had them executed and assumed direct control of the Western Xia.

Yizong expanded the central government, adding many offices. He made the armies more efficient and improved his control over faraway states. Yizong began to attack the Northern Song dynasty and raided their villages. He also forced the Turpan leader to surrender. In later years, Yizong began to improve diplomatic relationships with the Northern Song and Liao dynasties. He died suddenly in 1068.

Family

Consorts and issues:

• Empress, of the Mozang clan (皇后沒藏氏, d.1061), daughter of Mozang Epang
• Empress Gongsu, of the Liang clan (恭肅皇后梁氏, d.1085), personal name Luoyao (落瑤)
  • Li Bingchang, Emperor Huizong (西夏惠宗 李秉常; 1060 – 1086), 1st son
  • Princess Li (李氏), 1st daughter
    • Married son of Dong Zhan (董毡), Dong Tongbi (董通比)

References

1. "西夏王陵简介" (in Chinese (China)). 宁夏西夏陵. 2012-12-14. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-11-20.
2. 辞海编辑委员会 (2000). 辞海:1999年版缩印本 . Shanghai: 上海辞书出版社 . p. 2543. ISBN 7532608395. OCLC 222462793. 毅宗（嵬名谅祚）
3. Li, Fanwen (2008). 夏漢字典 (in Chinese) (2nd ed.). Beijing: 中國社會科學出版社 . p. 711. ISBN 7-5004-2113-3.
4. Zheng, Tianting (2000). 中国历史大辞典 (in Chinese). Shanghai: 上海辞书出版社 . p. 870. ISBN 9787532604531.
5. Shen Kuo, Dream Pool Essays vol. 25: "寧令者，華言大王也。"
6. 宋史·卷486·夏国传下. Vol. 486.
7. 《西夏书事》. Vol. 23.

The Ageless Chinese by Dun J. Li

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