Li Renxiao, the eldest son of Tangut Emperor Chongzong, had succeeded him in 1139 at the age of sixteen.

Immediately following his coronation as Emperor Renzong, many natural disasters had occurred and he has worked to stabilize the economy, making friendly overtures to the Jin Dynasty.

In domestic politics, Renzong has created many schools and used examinations to choose his officials.

He respects Confucianism, and has built many temples worshipping Confucius.

Eventually, Renzong hires a Tibetan lama as a religious advisor and prints many copies of Buddhist teachings.

Tangut Emperor Renzong had discovered an assassination plot in 1170 and executed the generals who were behind it.

As a result, Renzong distrusts his army generals and the army has begun to fall into incompetence.

During his later years, Western Xia begins to fight wars against various enemies.

Renzong's reign is the peak of Western Xia Dynasty.

Many tribes to the north and west have become vassal states of Western Xia, and Renzong's focus on internal politics has allowed the central government to be more efficient.

His reign coincides with the peak of the Southern Song and the Jin Dynasties, and there are relatively few conflicts between these three countries.