How did Zhao Kuangyin become emperor during the army camp coup outside Kaifeng?

Zhao Kuangyin, later known as the Taizu emperor, rose to power during a military crisis in 960. Following the death of his patron, the ruler of the Hou (Later) Zhou dynasty, the throne was left to a child. When news arrived of a planned invasion by the Khitan and their allies, Zhao led the army north to confront them.

Discontented with the prospect of being led by a child ruler, the troops staged a coup while encamped at a bridge outside the capital of Kaifeng. The officers awakened Zhao, who had been drinking, and hailed him as emperor. They robed him in imperial yellow and mounted him on horseback, urging him to seize control of the government. Although historical records are unverifiable regarding whether Zhao had prior knowledge of the plot, he ultimately complied after the officers pledged their obedience and promised to protect the existing imperial family and the public. Following this, he established the Song dynasty.1