Song Dynasty Emperor Puts the People First Amid the Plague

Emperor Renzong reveres Heaven and cherishes his subjects much more than his prized possessions

Artwork by Chen Shiguan, Qing Dynasty, in the volume titled “Song Renzong 2” in the publication “Benevolent Records of Holy Emperors and Wise Kings (Covering the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties).” When the country was hit by disaster, Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty always examined his own thoughts and behavior to find the cause. Public Domain

The rhinoceros horn was an imperial treasure, yet it might just be exactly the ingredient needed to cure the plague. So, amid the fearful disease raging across the capital city, Emperor Renzong didn’t give a second thought to ordering that his prized possession be crushed and made into medicine in hopes of saving his people.

This event occurred about 1,000 years ago in the Song Dynasty (960–1279) in ancient China. In the middle of the 11th century, the country was hit by epidemics one after another over a period of many years.