China: Emperor Huizong of Song Zhao Ji

Rule China with Artistic Vision in Civilization VI

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the Song Dynasty with this new leader mod for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, introducing Emperor Huizong of Song, also known as Zhao Ji. Renowned for his exquisite calligraphy and the breathtaking painting “Auspicious Cranes,” Zhao Ji offers a unique path to victory, focusing on the power of culture and artistic achievement. If you’re looking to guide your civilization through beauty and enrich your populace with the finest art, this mod is for you.

Emperor Zhao Ji: A Cultured Ruler

Zhao Ji’s leadership ability, “Xuanhe Painting Academy,” grants significant bonuses to your civilization’s cultural output and development. This ability breaks down into two key components:

• **Theatrical Craft:** Accelerate the construction of your Theater Square districts and their crucial buildings with a substantial +30% Production bonus.
• **Radiant Culture:** Cities that boast at least one Wonder will experience enhanced happiness and cultural growth, receiving +1 Amenity and +5 Culture.

This makes establishing a strong cultural foundation not only desirable but also strategically advantageous, allowing your empire to flourish under the influence of art and architectural marvels.

Unique Structures and Improvements

This mod introduces distinct replacements and new additions to further enhance Zhao Ji’s cultural dominance. The **Hanlin Painting Academy**, replacing the standard Art Museum, is a hub for artistic creation, providing +3 Great Artist points per turn, two additional Great Work slots, and an extra +3 Culture.

Furthermore, the **Genyue Garden** is a unique improvement that builders can construct. It offers base bonuses of +2 Culture and +1 Gold. Its true potential unfolds through adjacency bonuses: gain an additional +2 Culture when placed next to a Holy Site or a Theater Square. Building it near Wonders yields even greater rewards, offering +2 Culture per adjacent Wonder, escalating to +3 Culture after researching Flight. Post-Flight, it also provides +4 Gold and generates Tourism based on its Culture, making it a powerful late-game asset.

Zhao Ji’s Agenda: Emperor of the Way

Zhao Ji’s leadership is guided by his personal agenda, “Emperor of the Way.” He actively seeks to recruit Great Artists, amass Great Works, and construct impressive Theater Squares and Wonders. He favors civilizations that exhibit strong cultural and tourism output, as well as those that engage in open trade and diplomacy. Conversely, he views aggressive expansionists and those who disregard art with distrust. This agenda encourages a playstyle focused on peaceful growth, cultural influence, and diplomatic engagement.