His reign represented the zenith of the Song Dynasty's influence and power, yet it also marked the onset of a gradual decline that would continue for over one and a half centuries.

The Tangut-led Western Xia state took advantage of this deterioration and waged small scale wars against the Song Empire near the borders.

When Emperor Renzong came to power, he issued decrees to strengthen the military and paid massive bribes to the Khitan-led Liao dynasty, an adversary of Western Xia, in the hope that this would ensure the safety of the Song Empire.

While these policies were progressive and intended to address systemic issues, they encountered resistance from conservative factions within the government and were eventually rescinded following Fan Zhongyan's resignation from office.

Figures such as Yan Shu, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu and Mei Yaochen all lived through this era and commenced or developed their literary careers during Renzong's reign.

A landmark event in 1057, under Renzong's rule, was the Imperial Examination, which admitted several candidates destined to achieve nationwide acclaim.

The Song Dynasty is also credited with the first recorded use of gunpowder in warfare, marking a significant development in military technology during Renzong's reign.

Across the northern border, Emperor Daozong of Liao and his people were also found lamenting in tears, as the two countries enjoyed a relatively peaceful period spanning 42 years during Renzong's reign.

[3] In the book History of Song compiled by historians of the Yuan Dynasty, Renzong is portrayed a merciful, tolerant, modest, lenient, and frugal emperor known for restraining his personal sentiments in service to the throne.

"[8] Su Shi remarked about peace and good government during Renzong's period in Song history: “For more than seventy years the Song dynasty has flourished without people knowing the perils of war, but enjoying the blessings of affluence and education.” Song Dynasty Confucian scholar Fan Zuyu also praised Emperor Renzong for his good government, which, he claimed, grew out of the five traditional virtues that distinguished the “benevolent emperor” from all other rulers: “Emperor Renzong feared Heaven, he loved his people, he sacrificed to his ancestors, he was fond of learning, and he obeyed admonitions.