northern Song Dynasty Xi Ning Yuan Bao 熙寧元寶 seal script type 1

Xi Ning Yuan Bao 熙寧元寶 Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty ( 神宗 ) (25 May 1048 – 1 April 1085) The sixth emperor of the Song dynasty. Another name is Zhao Xu. He reigned from 1067 to 1085.

During his reign, Shenzong became interested in Wang Anshi's policies and appointed Wang as chancellor. Wang launched his reforms that sought to improve conditions for peasants and the unemployed. Another important action by Shenzong was the weakening of the Xi Xia state by invading and driving the Xi Xia armies from Gansu. The Shenzong army was originally quite successful. Emperor Shenzong died in 1085 and was succeeded by his son.