 Fearing the approaching Jin army , Song emperor Huizong planned to retreat south . The emperor deserting the capital would have been viewed as an act of capitulation , so court officials convinced him to abdicate . There were few objections . Rescuing an empire in crisis from destruction was more important than preserving the rituals of imperial inheritance . In January 1126 , a few days before the New Year , Huizong abdicated in favor of his son and was demoted to the ceremonial role of Retired Emperor . The Jurchen forces reached the Yellow River on January 27 , 1126 , two days after the New Year . Huizong fled Kaifeng the next day , escaping south and leaving the newly enthroned emperor Qinzong ( r . 1126 – 1127 ) in charge of the capital . 
 Fearing the approaching Jin army , Song emperor Huizong planned to retreat south . The emperor deserting the capital would <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>have</mark></a> been viewed as an act of capitulation , so court officials convinced him to abdicate . <a href='dey_it' title='2'><mark>There</mark></a> <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>were</mark></a> few objections . Rescuing an empire in crisis from destruction was more important than preserving the rituals of imperial inheritance . In January 1126 , a few days before the New Year , Huizong abdicated in favor of his son and was demoted to the ceremonial role of Retired Emperor . The Jurchen forces reached the Yellow River on January 27 , 1126 , two days after the New Year . Huizong<a href='been_done' title='4'><mark></mark></a> fled Kaifeng the next day , escaping south and leaving the newly enthroned emperor Qinzong ( r . 1126 – 1127 ) in charge of the capital . 
Fearing da approaching Jin army , Song emperor Huizong planned to retreat south . Tdaemperor deserting thdaapital would done been viewed as an act of capitulation , so court officials convinced em to abdicate . It was few objections . Rescuing an empire in crisis from destruction was more important than preserving the rituals of imperial inheritance . In January 1126 , a few dayz before thedaw Year , Huizong abdicated in favor of his son and was demoted to the daemonial role of Retired Emperor . The Jdahen forces reached the Yedaw River on January 27 , 1126 , two days after the New Year . Huizong done fled Kaifeng the nxtday , escaping south and leavin the newly enthroned emperor Qinzong ( r . 1126 – 1127 ) in charge of the capida .