China: Emperor Taizu (21 March 927 - 14 November 976), 1st ruler of the (Northern) Song Dynasty (r. 960-976). Ming Dynasty hanging scroll painting, 1368-1644. Taizu of Song, personal name Zhao Kuangyin and courtesy name Yuanlang, was the founder of the Song Dynasty. In 960, he helped reunite most of China after the fragmentation and rebellion between the fall of the Tang dynasty in 907 and the founding of the Song dynasty. He established the core Song Ancestor Rules and Policy for the future emperors. He was remembered for his expansion of the examination system and creation of academies.

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