 Many factors contributed to the Song 's repeated military <unk> and subsequent loss of northern China to the Jurchens . Traditional accounts of Song history held the <unk> of Huizong 's imperial court responsible for the decline of the dynasty . These narratives condemned Huizong and his officials for their moral failures . Early Song emperors were eager to enact political reforms and revive the ethical framework of <unk> , but the enthusiasm for reforms gradually died after the <unk> Wang <unk> 's expulsion as chancellor in <unk> . <unk> marred the reign of Huizong , who was more skilled as a painter than as a ruler . Huizong was known for his extravagance , and funded the costly construction of gardens and temples while rebellions threatened the state 's grip on power . 
