The second emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty was Zhao Guangyi, who was Zhao Kuangyin's younger brother. The evaluation of Zhao Guangyi is mixed. In addition to some superficial glorious words, let's take a look at Song Taizong's three problems.
First, the controversy over Zhao Guangyi's succession. After the mysterious death of his brother Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Guangyi's ascension to the throne caused a lot of doubts. "Xiangshan Yelu" describes that there were only two brothers in the house when Zhao Kuangyin died, and the cause of death is unknown. Although there are some people who whitewash Zhao Guangyi, such as Zhao Pu and others, there are still doubts about Zhao Guangyi's ascension.
Secondly, a series of events that occurred after Zhao Guangyi came to power. The speed at which Zhao Guangyi changed his year name, Zhao Dezhao's suicide, Zhao Defang's death, and Zhao Tingmei's death caused people to discuss. This series of events seems to provide rationality for Zhao Guangyi's ascension, but it also raises more doubts about him.
The second point is about Song Taizong's careful eye. His vigilance against his son Zhao Yuanzuo and his handling of the issue of the opposing prince both showed his narrow-mindedness. Zhao Yuanzuo's unexpected death and the subsequent chaos cast doubt on how wise Song Taizong was.
Finally, ** evaluation of Zhao Guangyi. He believed that Zhao Guangyi, although he had carried out some successful pro-campaigns, had shown obvious incompetence in military and strategic terms. The defeat of the Battle of the Gaoliang River and the Northern Expedition to the Great Liao, as well as the conquests of Western Xia and Jiaozhi, all showed Zhao Guangyi's military inadequacy.
On the whole, Zhao Guangyi's suspicions about coming to power and his political and military performance constitute his slots as emperor.