Zhao Qi

Also known as Song Duzong · Zhao Mengqi · Zhao Zi

Zhao Qi, first named Mengqi and then Zi, was the son of Zhao Yurui, Prince of Rong and younger brother of Emperor Lizong, and was born in 1240. The History of Song says he was bright within but did not speak until he was seven. The sonless Lizong adopted him as imperial son in 1253, giving him the name Qi, and made him crown prince in 1260. He took the throne on Lizong's death in 1264 and proclaimed the Xianchun era the next year. He left the government to Jia Sidao, allowing him to attend court only every few days. Mongol forces began their siege of Xiangyang and Fancheng in 1268; Song relief attempts failed, Fancheng fell in 1273, and Lu Wenhuan surrendered Xiangyang. Zhao Qi died in the seventh month of 1274 at thirty-five by Chinese reckoning, with the temple name Duzong, and his three sons Zhao Xian, Zhao Shi and Zhao Bing were each set on the throne in turn.