CHEN TSUNG

born 968, China died 1022, China Pinyin Zhen Zong (temple name), personal name Chao Heng third emperor (reigned 997/998-1022/23) of the Sung dynasty, who strengthened Confucianism and concluded a peace treaty with the nomadic Khitan tribes to the north that ended several decades of warfare. As a result of the Treaty of Shan-yan (1004), the Sung agreed to the permanent loss of the northern territory between China and the Great Wall. Claiming divine revelation, Chen Tsung created a series of new cults, which resulted in fusion of the rival Buddhist and Taoist religions. He also increased the influence of Confucianism, decreeing in 1011 that temples to Confucius were to be built in all district cities. These reforms strengthened the legitimacy of the Emperor in the eyes of the people. Toward the end of his reign, however, Chen Tsung became insane and his empress assumed power.