Yizong, whose uncle and cousin had plotted against him in 1061, had had them executed and assumed direct control of Western Xia.

Yizong expands the central government, adding many offices.

He makes the armies more efficient and improves his control over distant states.

Yizong begins to attack the Song Dynasty and raids their villages; he also forces the surrender of the leader of the Uyghur Khanate in Turfan (aka the Kara-Khanids).

In later years, Yizong begins to improve diplomatic relationships with the Sung and Liao dynasties.

After Yizong's sudden death in 1067, his six-year-old son Huizong is put under house arrest by his mother, the Empress Madame Liang, and she attacks the Song Dynasty, unsuccessfully.