Wang Anshi, as chancellor to emperor Shenzon, has implemented his famous reforms aimed at improving the situation for the peasantry and unemployed, which some have seen as a forerunner of the modern welfare state.

These acts become the hallmark reform of Shenzong's reign.

Shenzong's other notable act as emperor is his attempt to weaken the formative nation of Western Xia by invading and expelling the Xia forces from Gansu.

Shenzong's army is initially quite successful at these campaigns, but during the battle for the city of Yongle, in 1082, Shenzong's forces are defeated.

As a result, Western Xia grows more powerful and will subsequently continue to be a thorn in the side of the Song dynasty over the ensuing decades.